|
Abortion Pill/RU486/Mifeprex/Mifepristone/Early Option Pill/French Pill RU486 goes by many names as noted above. It gives women the opportunity to have a termination performed as early as a week prior to missing her period up to 9 weeks from her last menstrual period. RU486 is not only used to stop the growth of pregnancy tissue, but it prevents growth of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, cystic disease of breast tissue and other diseases as well as to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It is FDA approved in the United States for medical abortions only. RU486 works by blocking the hormone progesterone in the uterus (womb) which promotes loss of the blood vessel supply to the pregnancy and causes the lining of the uterus to begin shedding. The intra-uterine pressure increases and the uterus begins to contract. There are local changes to the cervix that can allow it to open and become soft. This softening and dilation (opening) is called “cervical priming”. This in itself can lead to a 2 to 3% chance of vaginal bleeding and a 1% chance of miscarriage. Misoprostol (Cytotec) is the second medication generally given 48 to 72 hours after the RU486 tablet to initiate uterine contractions that will end the pregnancy. The combination of RU486 and Misoprostol is 98% effective in causing termination of the pregnancy. It is nearly 100% effective for patients who are less than 6 weeks from their last menstrual period. Women who do not want surgery and want their abortion experience to be more private and have the support of spouse, family member, or friend, find this method to be most comfortable for their needs. RU486 is extremely safe and effective. It has been used in Europe since the early 80’s. The contraindications to the use of RU486 are adrenal failure, prolonged use of corticosteroids, or allergic to it. Please look under general contraindications to having the medical abortion procedure performed. Have a Question? Dr. Pendergraft is available to answer your sexual health related question by
Have a Question? Dr. Pendergraft is available to answer your sexual health related question by
|
|
