How to Know if Your Medical Abortion Was Successful?

After taking abortion pills, how can I know if I have 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 menstrual period.
However, when I took the medication, I felt 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 indicates that the abortion was successful or not.

Xiao Mei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/19

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On January 15, I bought a pregnancy test and confirmed that I was pregnant.
That same day, I went to the obstetrics and gynecology clinic to confirm the pregnancy.
I chose to have 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 menstrual period.
However, when I took the medication, I felt no pain at all.
There was some bleeding and the expulsion of blood clots, but the next day the bleeding decreased significantly.
I would like to ask if this means that the abortion was successful or not? Answer: An ultrasound is needed to confirm whether the abortion was successful or not.

Reply Date: 2019/01/19

More Info

When it comes to determining the success of a medical abortion, there are several factors to consider. Based on your description, it seems that you underwent a medical abortion using medication prescribed by your healthcare provider. The process typically involves taking two different medications: mifepristone, which is taken first to block the hormone progesterone, and misoprostol, which is taken afterward to induce contractions and expel the pregnancy tissue.

1. Symptoms and Pain: It's common for individuals to experience varying degrees of pain and bleeding after taking the abortion medication. Some may have intense cramping and heavy bleeding, while others may have milder symptoms. The absence of significant pain does not necessarily indicate that the abortion was unsuccessful. Each person's body reacts differently to the medication.

2. Bleeding Patterns: After taking misoprostol, it is typical to experience bleeding that can be heavier than a normal menstrual period, often accompanied by the passage of blood clots. If you experienced some bleeding and passed some tissue, that could be a sign that the abortion is progressing. However, if the bleeding has significantly decreased within a short time frame, it may raise questions about whether the abortion was complete.

3. Follow-Up Care: The most reliable way to confirm whether a medical abortion was successful is through follow-up care. Most healthcare providers recommend a follow-up appointment within a week or two after the abortion to ensure that the pregnancy has been fully expelled. This may involve a physical examination, blood tests to check hormone levels, or an ultrasound to visualize the uterus and confirm that there is no remaining tissue.

4. Home Pregnancy Tests: After a medical abortion, it is also common for healthcare providers to advise taking a home pregnancy test a few weeks later. If the test is negative, it generally indicates that the abortion was successful. However, if it is still positive, further evaluation may be necessary.

5. Signs of Complications: It is essential to be aware of signs that may indicate complications, such as excessive bleeding (soaking through two or more pads in an hour for two consecutive hours), severe abdominal pain, fever, or foul-smelling discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

In summary, while your experience of minimal pain and reduced bleeding may suggest that the abortion was successful, the best way to confirm this is through follow-up care with your healthcare provider. They can provide the necessary evaluations to ensure that everything is as it should be and address any concerns you may have. Remember, every individual's experience with medical abortion can vary, and open communication with your healthcare provider is key to understanding your specific situation.

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