After taking RU486, followed by a uterine contraction agent?
My girlfriend took RU486 on December 30 and a uterine contraction agent on December 8.
She mentioned that she later saw an embryo, a small clump, on her sanitary pad and experienced a lot of bleeding, requiring multiple changes of pads.
Since she wanted to celebrate New Year's Eve, we rescheduled her follow-up appointment to January 4.
The doctor prescribed Ergonovine and mentioned that there is still some membrane or something inside; I'm not quite clear on that.
Could you please clarify what the doctor meant regarding what is still in the uterus? Initially, the bleeding decreased gradually, but after taking Ergonovine, my girlfriend said she experienced a small amount of bleeding yesterday, which then reduced to just a little.
Is this a normal phenomenon? We are scheduled to see the doctor again next week.
A-Dai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/06
Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The response is as follows: After taking RU486 for abortion, the initial bleeding may be heavy, but it will gradually decrease.
If everything goes smoothly, it is possible to completely expel the contents within three weeks, after which there should be no further bleeding.
Since this is still an early stage of pregnancy and the embryo has just begun to form, it may not be clearly visible when expelled.
The surrounding chorionic tissue and membranes are more tightly adhered to the uterus, which may cause them to be expelled more slowly.
To expedite the expulsion, the uterine contraction medication Ergonovine can be used.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.
Reply Date: 2016/01/06
More Info
After taking RU486, it is common for women to experience various bleeding patterns, which can sometimes be concerning. RU486, also known as mifepristone, is used in combination with another medication (usually misoprostol) to terminate early pregnancies. The process can lead to significant changes in the uterine lining and result in bleeding, which may vary in amount and duration.
In your girlfriend's case, she took RU486 on December 30 and subsequently experienced bleeding, including the passage of what she described as a small, clotted mass. This can be a normal part of the process, as the body expels the contents of the uterus. The presence of blood clots and tissue is not uncommon, especially in the days following the administration of these medications. The bleeding can be heavier initially and then taper off, which is consistent with the expected response to the medication.
The doctor prescribed Ergonovine, which is a medication that can stimulate uterine contractions. This is often used to help the uterus expel any remaining tissue after a miscarriage or abortion. The mention of "membrane" by the doctor likely refers to the remnants of the gestational sac or other tissue that may still be present in the uterus. It is essential to monitor the bleeding after taking Ergonovine, as it can cause the uterus to contract more forcefully, potentially leading to increased bleeding initially before it stabilizes.
Regarding the bleeding pattern, it is normal for the bleeding to decrease over time, but it is crucial to keep an eye on any significant changes. If the bleeding becomes excessively heavy (soaking through a pad in an hour or less), or if there are severe cramps, fever, or foul-smelling discharge, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately, as these could be signs of complications such as infection or incomplete abortion.
As for the follow-up appointment, it is advisable to attend it as scheduled. The healthcare provider will likely perform an ultrasound to ensure that the uterus is clear of any remaining tissue and to assess the overall health of your girlfriend. This follow-up is crucial for confirming that the abortion was complete and that there are no complications.
In summary, while the bleeding and passage of tissue can be alarming, they are often part of the process following the use of RU486. The use of Ergonovine is intended to assist in the expulsion of any remaining tissue, and it is normal for bleeding to fluctuate during this time. Continuous monitoring and follow-up with healthcare providers are essential to ensure safety and address any concerns that may arise. If you have any further questions or if your girlfriend experiences any concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to her healthcare provider for guidance.
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