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These are some answers to some of the questions we are most frequently asked about the use of Misoclear or misoprostol for medical abortion.
In the event of a successful abortion, follow up care should include counselling and provision of family planning/contraception, in case this has not been provided already along with Misoclear.
It is recommended that a woman waits till bleeding stops before she has sexual intercourse. This is to ensure the completion of the abortion as well as to prevent any infection.
Some studies suggest that women will return to their normal menstrual cycle immediately. Ovulation can resume as early as 8 days after the abortion.
A woman can become pregnant almost immediately after her abortion – within two weeks. It is important to ensure that women start using family planning methods/contraception as soon as possible in order to prevent future unwanted pregnancies.
If using a mifepristone+misoprostol regimen, all hormonal methods (the pill, injectables, implants) can be initiated on the first day a woman takes mifepristone.
If using a misoprostol only regimen, all hormonal methods (the pill, injectables, implants) can be initiated on the first day a woman takes misoprostol.
If she wants to use the IUD or sterilisation, she will have to return to the clinic once her abortion is complete and she is no longer pregnant. It is important to remember that no contraceptive except the condom protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
There is no known effect on a woman’s ability to have children in the future.
If a woman has not bled since taking the medication or has not experienced any cramps or is still experiencing signs of pregnancy such as nausea, tenderness of her breasts etc., she can be relatively certain she is still pregnant. A pelvic examination by a health care provider or an ultrasound if available, can also be used to determine on-going pregnancy as well as to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.
If the pregnancy is not an ectopic pregnancy and has not terminated, a health care provider can determine whether to give additional misoprostol or else perform a vacuum aspiration of the pregnancy.
There is a slight risk of birth defects in the event of an on-going pregnancy following misoprostol use. This should be explained to the woman and termination suggested as the preferred option. The risk of birth effects is estimated less than 1%.
No data exists to show any adverse long-term effects on a woman’s health.
There is no age limit for using Misoclear however local regulations regarding the use of products for minors should be taken into consideration.
Women who are breastfeeding may take mifepristone and misoprostol for MA. There is no evidence to suggest that either medication is harmful to babies. Misoprostol enters breast milk soon after taken, and it is likely that mifepristone does as well. Women who are worried can breastfeed immediately before taking the misoprostol tablets or wait four to five hours after taking the misoprostol tablets.