Can You Get Pregnant During Medication Abortion with Withdrawal Method?

Q: Can You Get Pregnant During Medication Abortion with Withdrawal Method?

Hello Ting： The chances of pregnancy are very low, but it is still recommended to avoid contraception or sexual intercourse for two weeks after a miscarriage. <br>Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about your health.

Will having sexual intercourse (withdrawal method) during a medical abortion process lead to pregnancy?

On April 28, 2023, I went to the obstetrics and gynecology department for a check-up and found out I was nearly 5 weeks pregnant.
On April 29 at 5 PM, I took the first dose of medication, and I noticed a little bit of brownish blood in between.
On May 1 at 5 PM, I took the second dose, and about two hours later, I started bleeding.
When I went to the bathroom, I discovered a white, soft object that had come out.
After that, I experienced heavy bleeding every day.
Initially, my abdomen felt uncomfortable but not very painful, but on the night of May 7, I suddenly had cramping pain.
I rushed to the bathroom and found an oval-shaped red object with a membrane-like layer on the outside.
I used tissue to break it, and inside there was a little bit of white substance, while the rest was red.
By today, May 9, the bleeding has decreased, and I feel mostly fine.
I had unprotected sexual intercourse on May 6 with external ejaculation and again on May 9 with external ejaculation.
What are the chances of pregnancy in this situation? Also, what are the two objects that I passed?

ting, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/09

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello Ting: The chances of pregnancy are very low, but it is still recommended to avoid contraception or sexual intercourse for two weeks after a miscarriage.
Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2023/05/09

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant during a medication abortion while using the withdrawal method, it's essential to understand both the process of medication abortion and the effectiveness of the withdrawal method.

Medication abortion typically involves taking two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first and works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. After a period of time, misoprostol is taken to induce contractions and expel the pregnancy tissue. The process usually results in bleeding and the passing of tissue, which can be accompanied by cramping and other symptoms.

In your case, it seems you experienced the expected symptoms of a medication abortion, including bleeding and the passing of tissue. The "white thing" you described could be the gestational sac or other pregnancy tissue, which is a normal part of the abortion process. The bleeding you experienced is also typical as the body expels the contents of the uterus.

Now, regarding the potential for pregnancy after a medication abortion, it is important to note that while the medications are effective in terminating a pregnancy, they do not provide contraception. If you engage in sexual intercourse after the abortion, especially without any form of birth control, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant again. The withdrawal method, which involves pulling out before ejaculation, is not a reliable form of contraception. Studies suggest that the withdrawal method has a failure rate of about 20% with typical use, meaning that one in five couples relying solely on this method may experience an unintended pregnancy within a year.

In your situation, since you had unprotected intercourse after the medication abortion, there is a risk of becoming pregnant again. The timing of your sexual activity in relation to the abortion process is crucial. If you had a successful abortion and your body is returning to its pre-pregnancy state, ovulation could occur relatively soon after the abortion, potentially leading to a new pregnancy if you have unprotected sex.

To summarize, while the medication abortion process is designed to terminate a pregnancy, it does not prevent future pregnancies. If you are concerned about the possibility of becoming pregnant again, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider about effective contraceptive options to prevent unintended pregnancies in the future. Additionally, if you have any concerns about your health or the abortion process, or if you experience severe pain or excessive bleeding, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

In conclusion, while you can get pregnant after a medication abortion if you have unprotected sex, it is advisable to use reliable contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding your reproductive health.

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