Medication abortion in Odesa

Medical abortion in Odessa

Medical abortion is a modern and safe method for terminating an early pregnancy (up to 6 weeks) using pharmaceutical agents. Unlike surgical intervention, this method does not require anesthesia or instrumental intervention, which reduces the risk of complications.

What is the cost of medical abortion in Odessa?

The cost of medical abortion in Odessa starts from 156 euros. The final price depends on the medical facility, level of services, necessary tests, and consultations. The cost usually includes:

• Initial consultation and diagnostics (ultrasound, tests).
• Pharmaceutical agents.
• Follow-up examination after the procedure.

Indications for Medical Abortion

1. A woman's desire to terminate a pregnancy. In Ukraine, legislation permits a woman to independently make the decision to terminate a pregnancy in its early stages.
2. Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. If the pregnancy occurred under circumstances where the woman did not plan to give birth, medical abortion is one of the safe methods to terminate it.
3. Medical indications. In some cases, continuing the pregnancy may threaten the life and health of the woman. Such conditions include:
   • severe cardiovascular diseases (congenital heart defects, stage III hypertension, heart failure);
   • chronic lung diseases (severe bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis);
   • gastrointestinal tract diseases (frequent exacerbations of stomach and duodenal ulcers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis);
   • decompensated endocrine disorders (e.g., severe diabetes, hyperthyroidism, Addison's disease);
   • oncological diseases requiring urgent treatment (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical intervention);
   • severe congenital anomalies of the fetus incompatible with life;
   • infectious diseases contracted in early pregnancy that could lead to serious fetal abnormalities (e.g., rubella, cytomegalovirus infection, toxoplasmosis);
   • tuberculosis, especially in active stages, posing a risk to both mother and child;
   • mental disorders where continuation of the pregnancy is undesirable or impossible (epilepsy with frequent seizures, schizophrenia, severe depression, bipolar disorder).

Prior to a medical abortion, the physician conducts a thorough examination, including ultrasound, blood tests, and consultations with specialists if chronic diseases are present.

Contraindications for Medical Abortion

1. Gestational age greater than 6 weeks. Beyond this period, the effectiveness of the medical method significantly decreases, and the risk of complications increases.
2. Ectopic pregnancy. If the embryo develops outside the uterus (in the fallopian tubes, cervix, or abdominal cavity), medical abortion is ineffective and may lead to dangerous outcomes requiring surgical intervention.
3. Presence of postoperative uterine scars. Women who have undergone a cesarean section or other uterine surgeries face an increased risk of tissue rupture during medical abortion.
4. Gastrointestinal tract diseases. Stomach and duodenal ulcers, acute gastritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis may worsen when taking medications used for medical abortion.
5. Liver, kidney, heart, and vascular pathologies. Severe chronic diseases of these organs can lead to serious complications when taking the medications.
6. Severe lung diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe bronchial asthma, and other respiratory system diseases may be exacerbated under medication influence.
7. Bronchial asthma. In some cases, medication components may trigger an asthma attack.
8. Inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive organs. With infections in the pelvic organs (endometritis, adnexitis, vaginosis), medical abortion can exacerbate the inflammatory process.
9. Uterine fibroids. Benign uterine tumors can increase the risk of complications during medical abortion.
10. Polyps and endometriosis. These conditions can lead to severe bleeding after medication intake.
11. Acute infectious diseases. High fever, viral infections, and bacterial diseases may adversely affect a woman’s overall condition during medical abortion.
12. Hormonal and endocrine disorders. Thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal gland disorders can affect the effectiveness of the medications and worsen a woman’s overall condition.
13. Diabetes. Decompensated diabetes increases the risk of complications, including severe bleeding and coagulation disorders.
14. Allergy or individual intolerance to medications for medical abortion. Before proceeding, the physician must ensure the woman does not have allergic reactions to the medication components.
15. Lactation. Drugs used for medical abortion can enter breast milk and adversely affect the child; hence, this method is not recommended during lactation.

What to Do If Contraindications Are Present?

If a woman has contraindications for medical abortion, the physician may recommend alternative methods for pregnancy termination, such as:

• Vacuum aspiration (mini-abortion). Suitable for gestations up to 12 weeks and conducted under local or general anesthesia.
• Surgical abortion. Used for later stages or when contraindications to other methods exist.

Before deciding on pregnancy termination, it is crucial to consult with a qualified physician to choose the method safest for the woman's health.

Preparation for Medical Pregnancy Termination

Preparation for medical abortion involves several essential steps to ensure safety. Initially, the woman consults with a gynecologist who assesses her health, conducts necessary tests and examinations, including ultrasound, to confirm gestational age and rule out contraindications. The doctor also thoroughly explains the abortion process, potential risks, and preparation recommendations.

It is vital to be in good physical and emotional condition before the procedure. Stress should be avoided, and physician’s instructions followed, which may include stopping some medications (like anticoagulants) a few days before the procedure. Sometimes, tests for infections and other diseases are needed to exclude inflammatory processes that could affect the procedure’s success.

Medications Used for Medical Abortion

Medical abortion involves specific medications affecting the body's hormonal balance. The first drug blocks progesterone, essential for pregnancy development, leading to the detachment of the embryo from the uterine wall.

24-48 hours later, a second drug is taken, stimulating uterine contractions, resulting in the expulsion of the embryo, accompanied by bleeding similar to a heavy menstrual period.

For a few days post-procedure, abdominal cramps, mild fever, and weakness may occur. While these are normal, severe pain, excessive bleeding, or sudden health deterioration signals the need for immediate medical attention.

A follow-up visit to a specialist is scheduled 10-14 days post-procedure to assess the woman’s condition and ensure the abortion is complete and complication-free.

Stages of Medical Abortion

Medical abortion is conducted in two stages. Initially, the woman undergoes examinations, including ultrasound and tests, to rule out contraindications. She then takes two medications. The first blocks pregnancy-supporting hormones, and the second, taken 24-48 hours later, induces uterine contractions and embryo expulsion. Post-abortion, home monitoring is advised, followed by a control visit to the physician within 1-2 weeks.

Pregnancy Termination Process

Post-medication, bleeding and uterine contractions commence. The entire process can span several hours to days. A follow-up examination after 1-2 weeks confirms the procedure’s success.

Recovery After Medical Abortion

Post-medical abortion, a woman should follow several recommendations for complete recovery. Initially, rest and avoidance of physical exertion are crucial. Heavy bleeding in the first days is normal, but persistent bleeding or severe pain necessitates medical consultation. Pain relief medications can ease discomfort. Maintaining hygiene and avoiding sexual contact for 2-3 weeks reduces infection risk.

A control visit to the doctor 1-2 weeks post-abortion ensures no complications and procedural success.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Medical Abortion

Advantages and Disadvantages of Medical Abortion

Possible Complications Post Medical Abortion

Following a medical abortion, possible complications include:

• Incomplete expulsion – residual tissues may remain in the uterus, possibly leading to infection or necessitating additional procedures.
• Heavy bleeding – continuous bleeding over several days, accompanied by severe pain, may indicate tissue expulsion problems.
• Infections – poor hygiene or unnoticed uterine trauma can lead to infection.
• Psychological consequences – stress and emotional experiences related to the abortion process and outcomes may necessitate psychological support and counseling.

Signs of complications, such as prolonged bleeding, severe pain, or high fever, warrant immediate medical consultation.

Why Self-conducted Medical Abortion is Unsafe

Medical abortion is a medical procedure requiring qualified physician supervision and monitoring. Attempting abortion independently can lead to severe complications like incomplete expulsion, heavy bleeding, infections, or uterine damage. It’s imperative the process is conducted under specialist care, ensuring the woman’s condition is correctly assessed, drug effectiveness monitored, and any complications promptly addressed. Unsupervised medication use may also cause undesired side effects or even threaten the woman’s life.

Risk of Infertility After Medical Abortion

When performed correctly and following all medical recommendations, medical abortion rarely affects fertility. However, complications such as incomplete expulsion, infection, or uterine damage can increase infertility risk. It’s crucial the procedure is conducted by a qualified specialist to minimize risks and preserve reproductive health.

When to Try Conceiving After Medical Abortion?

Post-medical abortion, it’s recommended to wait for at least 1-2 menstrual cycles before attempting conception. This allows the body time to recover, normalize hormonal levels, and prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy. Prior to conception efforts, women should undergo a follow-up examination to confirm the abortion procedure was successful and complication-free.