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What's the difference between a non-surgical and surgical abortion?

In October 2000, the FDA approved use of the drug Mifepristone (Mifeprex), also called RU-486 for inducing abortion. Since that time, Presidential Women's Center has been offering this service to our patients as a highly successful alternative to the surgical procedure. The feedback we have received from the women choosing this option has been overwhelmingly positive. Although the medical (non-surgical) abortion is more involved and can be a lengthier process, patients choose this option because they feel it is more natural, less invasive and appreciate that they are able to be in their own homes. Of the patients surveyed in our office, 93% said that the medical abortion was better than or what they expected it to be. All of our patients were grateful to have had the opportunity to choose between both options of pregnancy termination.

The non-surgical option is available to women between five and seven weeks from their last normal menstrual period, which is confirmed in our office by ultrasound. Mifepristone (Mifeprex) causes the pregnancy sac to detach from the uterine wall, causing a miscarriage.

Misoprostol, also know as Cytotec, has been prescribed for several years for treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers. Its abortofacient qualities have been well documented. It is used in combination with Mifepristone (Mifeprex) in the elective non-surgical termination of pregnancy. Misoprostol causes the cervix to open and the contents of the uterus to be expelled.

The procedure for completing the medical abortion is fairly simple. The patient comes to our office for her first visit, which lasts approximately 2 hours. Her appointment will include an ultrasound to confirm length of pregnancy and basic lab work (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, hemoglobin, and Rh typing). Then the patient has a confidential counseling session to answer all questions and review the process. Our dedicated counseling staff and Physician will explain the process step by step to ensure that the patient has a thorough understanding of each part of the process and feels completely comfortable with the information. The patient takes her first pill, Mifepristone (Mifeprex), orally at our office. Twenty-four or forty-eight hours later, at home, the patient will insert four tablets of Misoprostol orally between the cheek and gums of her mouth, wherein they will dissolve. Within the next few hours, the patient will experience bleeding and cramping that can range from light to heavy. The experience can last up to several hours, so we ask that the patient make arrangements for childcare and schedule the day off from work. All patients will need to return to our Center for a follow-up visit in two weeks so that we can confirm that the process is complete.