Minimal Bleeding After Taking Misoprostol: What to Expect

There was not a significant amount of bleeding after taking the second dose of prostaglandin?

On the evening of July 5th, around 8 PM, I took RU486 as instructed by my doctor, and then on the morning of July 7th, around 8 AM, I took three additional pills.
After taking the medication, I did not experience the discomfort I expected, and there was only a very small amount of bleeding without any clots.
The bleeding was similar to light spotting and was completely different from my usual menstrual flow, which typically requires overnight pads during the day and often includes clots.
Why is this the case? Is it possible that the contents are not being expelled? (Pregnant for 3 weeks)

Mi Mi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/08

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the success rate of medical abortion is approximately 95%, while the failure rate is about 5%.
The process for medical abortion is as follows: (1) The physician must be a qualified "Maternal and Child Health" physician authorized to perform medical abortions according to the law.
(2) The patient should receive a patient consent form, which must be read carefully.
If there are any questions, the patient should discuss them with healthcare personnel to ensure complete understanding before signing the "Patient Consent Form." (3) Married patients must have their husbands accompany them; the husband must present an "identity card" for verification and sign the consent.
(4) Minors must have a parent (or guardian) present, who must bring their "identity card" and personally sign the consent.

Procedure: Before taking the abortion medication, the patient must read and sign the "Patient Consent Form." The patient will take three oral tablets of the abortion medication at once.
After 36 to 48 hours, the patient should return for a follow-up visit, where they will take prostaglandin medication before going home.
If there are any discomforts, the patient may need to stay for observation.
Within one to two weeks after taking the abortion medication, the patient must return for follow-up to confirm that the embryo has been completely expelled through clinical examination, β-HCG measurement, and ultrasound scanning.
Possible side effects may include uterine contractions or cramping (10-15%), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, low blood pressure, skin allergic reactions, dizziness, flushing, and chills.
Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2017/07/08

More Info

When taking Misoprostol, especially in the context of a medical abortion following the administration of Mifepristone (RU486), it is important to understand what to expect in terms of bleeding and overall symptoms. Misoprostol is a medication that induces uterine contractions to help expel the contents of the uterus, and it is commonly used in conjunction with Mifepristone for this purpose.

In your case, you mentioned taking Mifepristone on July 5 and then Misoprostol on July 7. The bleeding you are experiencing is indeed a common response to the medication. However, the amount and nature of the bleeding can vary significantly from person to person. It is not unusual for the bleeding to be lighter than expected, especially if you are comparing it to your regular menstrual cycle, which may be heavier and accompanied by clots.

There are several factors that can influence the bleeding pattern after taking Misoprostol:
1. Individual Variation: Each person's body responds differently to medications. Some may experience heavy bleeding, while others may have minimal bleeding. This variability can be influenced by factors such as hormonal levels, the timing of the pregnancy, and individual anatomy.

2. Timing of Administration: Since you are only three weeks into the pregnancy, the uterine contents may not be as substantial as they would be later in the pregnancy. This can result in less bleeding and fewer clots.

3. Effectiveness of the Medication: Misoprostol works by causing the uterus to contract and expel its contents. If the medication is effective, you may experience cramping and bleeding, but if the expulsion is incomplete, it may lead to lighter bleeding. It’s important to monitor your symptoms closely.

4. Potential for Incomplete Abortion: If you are concerned that the bleeding is not sufficient, it could indicate that the abortion process is incomplete. This can happen, and it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend an ultrasound to ensure that the uterus is clear of any remaining tissue.

5. Normal vs. Abnormal Bleeding: The bleeding you describe as "very little" and without clots is not necessarily abnormal, especially in the early stages of a medical abortion. However, if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding (soaking through two pads in an hour), or any other concerning symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

In summary, while it is common to have lighter bleeding after taking Misoprostol, it is crucial to keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation and may recommend follow-up care to ensure that the process is proceeding as expected. If you have any concerns about the amount of bleeding or if you feel that something is not right, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for further evaluation and reassurance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Bleeding After Taking Misoprostol: What to Expect

Yesterday, after taking three doses of Misoprostol, I started to feel pain. Soon after, I experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea (could this be a side effect?). However, there was no bleeding at that time. After taking a nap, I noticed some bleeding in the morning when I went to...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, please observe whether the treatment is successful and follow the prescribing physician's instructions for the gynecological examination. Wishing you good health.

Is Bleeding After Misoprostol Normal? Understanding Your Concerns

I apologize for the interruption. On May 29, I learned that I was five weeks pregnant and took the first dose of Apano that evening. The next day, I noticed brown discharge similar to what I usually experience before my period. On the evening of May 31, I took the second dose of ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it should be within the normal range and generally should not affect fertility. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding After Medication: What to Expect

Hello doctor, I took three RU pills on October 22 (no bleeding), and on October 24, I returned for a follow-up and took two Misoprostol pills (shortly after taking them, I started bleeding). After my follow-up on October 29, the doctor informed me that the embryo had passed. Prio...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The use of RU486 for medical abortion can result in bleeding that may last up to three weeks. Diarrhea and headaches may be side effects of prostaglandins. If the bleeding increases, if there is worsening lower abdominal pain, or if fever develops, it is important to return for a...

Is It Normal to Experience Little Pain and Few Clots After Taking RU486?

On June 4th at 7 PM, I took RU486, but I didn't experience much reaction or discomfort. The next day, I had a little bit of bleeding, very minimal. On June 6th at 5 PM, I took two doses of prostaglandin. Initially, there were no reactions, but around 7 PM, I started to have ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it should be considered relatively normal; however, it is essential to return to the obstetrics and gynecology department for follow-up to ensure that everything has been completely cleared. Wishing you good health.