How to Know if Your Medical Abortion Was Successful?

After taking abortion pills, have I expelled everything completely?

On January 15, I bought a pregnancy test and confirmed that I was pregnant.
That same day, I went to the obstetrics and gynecology department to confirm the pregnancy.
I chose to undergo a medical abortion, and the doctor prescribed medication for me to take home on January 16 and January 17.
The last pack I took on January 17 contained the abortion medication.
Before taking it, I read many articles online stating that it would be very painful and that the bleeding would be heavier than a normal period.
However, when I took the medication, I experienced no pain at all.
There was some bleeding and the passage of blood clots, but the next day the bleeding decreased significantly.
I would like to know if this indicates that the abortion was successful or not.

Xiao Mei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/18

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On January 15, I took a pregnancy test that confirmed I was pregnant.
That same day, I visited an obstetrician-gynecologist to confirm the pregnancy.
I chose to undergo a medical abortion, and the doctor prescribed medication for me to take home on January 16 and 17.
The last pack I took on January 17 contained the abortion medication.
Before taking it, I read many articles online stating that it would be very painful and that the bleeding would be heavier than a menstrual period.
However, when I took the medication, I experienced no pain at all.
There was some bleeding and the expulsion of a few blood clots, but the next day the bleeding decreased significantly.
I would like to know if this means the abortion was successful or not.
Answer: An ultrasound is necessary.

Reply Date: 2019/01/18

More Info

When considering whether a medical abortion has been successful, there are several factors to take into account, including the symptoms experienced during and after the procedure, as well as follow-up care. In your case, you mentioned that you took the abortion medication on January 17 and experienced some bleeding and the passage of blood clots, but the bleeding decreased significantly the following day.
Firstly, it is important to understand that medical abortions typically involve two sets of medications: mifepristone, which is taken first to block the hormone progesterone necessary for pregnancy, and misoprostol, which is taken later to induce contractions and expel the pregnancy tissue. The process can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may experience intense cramping and heavy bleeding, while others may have milder symptoms.
The absence of significant pain or heavy bleeding does not necessarily indicate that the abortion was unsuccessful. Many women report varying degrees of discomfort and bleeding. However, the fact that you experienced some bleeding and passed blood clots is a positive sign that the medication is working. It is common for the bleeding to be heavier than a normal menstrual period initially, but it can taper off quickly.
To determine if the abortion was successful, follow-up care is crucial. Most healthcare providers recommend a follow-up appointment within a week or two after taking the medication to ensure that the abortion was complete. This may involve a physical examination, blood tests to check hormone levels, or an ultrasound to confirm that there is no remaining tissue in the uterus.
If you are concerned about the possibility of an incomplete abortion, it is essential to contact your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on what to expect and may recommend additional steps, such as an ultrasound, to confirm that the abortion was successful.
In summary, while your experience of minimal pain and reduced bleeding could suggest that the medical abortion was successful, it is imperative to have a follow-up appointment to confirm this. Each individual's experience with medical abortion can differ, and only a healthcare professional can provide the necessary confirmation and support. If you have any lingering concerns or symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and peace of mind.

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