Concerns After Taking RU486: Risks of Pregnancy and Bleeding Explained

After taking medication

I took RU486 on July 25, and that evening around 7 PM, I expelled the embryo.
I saw the entire embryo being expelled.
Then on July 27, I returned for a follow-up appointment and showed the doctor photos of the expelled embryo; I also had a urine test which confirmed that everything was clear.
There was some light bleeding, and the doctor prescribed uterine contraction medication for three days, which I completed.
On July 31, I returned for another check-up, had a urine test, and confirmed that everything was clear, with no bleeding.

Now, it has been over 10 days since then (a little over a week), and on August 2, I had sexual intercourse with a condom the entire time.
Is there a chance of getting pregnant? I am concerned because I took RU486 quickly within the timeframe for emergency contraception and still became pregnant.
I am worried that using a condom might not be effective either (by the way, the doctor mentioned that the chances of getting pregnant after a medical abortion are high).
Additionally, after taking RU486 on July 25, I had no bleeding for seven days, but then I experienced a small amount of bleeding again.
Does this mean that I did not expel everything completely?

Huang Xiaojuan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/03

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, there is still a slight chance of pregnancy, as the failure rate of correctly using condoms is about 5%.
Generally, it is not recommended to rely solely on condoms for contraception.
I suggest that if your period is more than a week late, you should take a urine test to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2020/08/03

More Info

After taking RU486, it is understandable to have concerns regarding the potential for pregnancy and the implications of any bleeding that may occur. RU486, also known as mifepristone, is a medication used for medical abortion, and it works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is essential for maintaining a pregnancy. When used in conjunction with another medication, misoprostol, it effectively induces a miscarriage.

In your case, you mentioned that you took RU486 on July 25 and expelled the embryo that same evening. Following this, you had a follow-up appointment on July 27, where you confirmed with your doctor that the abortion was complete, as indicated by the negative urine test and the absence of significant bleeding. It is common for some women to experience light bleeding or spotting after a medical abortion, which can last for several days to weeks. The fact that you had a follow-up appointment and received confirmation that everything was clear is reassuring.

Regarding your concern about the possibility of becoming pregnant after having unprotected sex on August 2, it is important to note that while the risk of pregnancy shortly after a medical abortion is generally higher, the use of condoms significantly reduces that risk. If you used a condom correctly throughout the entire sexual encounter, the likelihood of pregnancy is low. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is always a small chance of failure.
You also mentioned experiencing some light bleeding after a week of no bleeding. This could be due to several factors. It is not uncommon for women to experience intermittent bleeding or spotting after a medical abortion, even after a period of no bleeding. This could be a result of hormonal changes as your body adjusts post-abortion or could indicate that your uterus is still expelling some residual tissue. If the bleeding is light and not accompanied by severe pain or other concerning symptoms, it may not be a cause for alarm. However, if the bleeding becomes heavy or is accompanied by significant pain, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy shortly after a medical abortion is higher, using condoms effectively reduces that risk. The light bleeding you are experiencing could be normal, but if you have any concerns or if the bleeding persists or worsens, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your specific situation and help ensure that your recovery is proceeding as expected. Additionally, if you are considering future contraceptive options, discussing these with your doctor can help you find a method that suits your needs and reduces the risk of unintended pregnancy.

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