Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison	Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	R	S	T	U	V	W	Z

Abortion - medical

Definition

A medical abortion is the use of certain medications to end a pregnancy. The drugs help remove the fetus and placenta from the mother's womb (uterus).

There are different types of medical abortion.

Sometimes the woman has one for a health reason. This is called a therapeutic medical abortion.

Other times, she chooses (elects) to end the pregnancy. This is called an elective medical abortion.

See also:

• Miscarriage
• Surgical abortion

Alternative Names

Therapeutic medical abortion; Elective medical abortion; Induced abortion

Description

A medical, or nonsurgical, abortion can be done within 7 weeks from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. A combination of prescription hormone medicines are used to help the body remove the fetus and placenta tissue. The doctor may give you the medicines after performing a physical exam and asking questions about your medical history.

Medications used to end an early pregnancy include mifepristone, methotrexate, misoprostol, prostaglandins, or a combination of these medications. Most women who use medication do so because of a desire to avoid anesthesia and surgery.

Risks

Risks of medical (nonsurgical) abortion include:

• Continued bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Fetus not passing completely from body, making surgery necessary
• Nausea
• Pain
• Vomiting

Review Date: 2/9/2009
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.