Safe Abortion
Abortion can either be surgical or medical depending your pregnancy situation. We have been providing safe, legal and non-judgmental pregnancy termination to several women of all ages
Medical Abortion
Medical abortions can only be performed in early pregnancy. The procedure has a high success rate (above 96%), and doesn’t require anaesthesia. A medical abortion resembles a miscarriage with mild to moderate pain and bleeding to be expected. A “medical” termination may only be performed early in pregnancy. This involves taking 2 different types of medication, the first an “anti-progesterone” to stop the pregnancy growing and the other a ‘prostaglandin-like medication’ (taken 36-48 hours later) to expel the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Basically it mimics a miscarriage. Bleeding and pain are variable.
100% Medically Approved Pills
Medical Prescription
The medications prescribed for medical abortion at the Tshwane Women’s Clinic are mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone, also known as “Mifeprex” or “RU-486,” blocks the action of the natural hormone progesterone on the uterus. This causes the lining of the uterus to shed, as it does during a period, and stops the growth of the pregnancy. Misoprostol, also known as “Cytotec,” causes the uterus to contract and initiates bleeding and cramping. A medical abortion results when mifepristone is combined with misoprostol.
How it Works
A medical abortion involves at least two visits to a doctor’s office or clinic. The treatment includes giving the medication and then confirming that the pregnancy has been terminated.
Day 1 — Medical examination and counseling. You will be given and instructed to take 200 milligrams, or 1 tablet, of mifepristone.
Day 2 — At home, place four tablets, or 800 micrograms, of misoprostol in your vagina and some orally. You will be given instructions on how to do this.
Day 7 to 14 — At this stage, follow up is done to make sure the abortion is complete.
Safety & Side Effects
Mifepristone has been studied for over 20 years. Millions of women in more than 20 countries, including the South Africa, have used mifepristone and misoprostol or similar medications to have an abortion. All studies have shown the method to be safe and effective; there have been no reports of any long-term risks. Heavy bleeding requiring blood transfusion is extremely rare, occurring in less than 0.5 percent of study patients.
Short-term side effects of a medical abortion include:
- Strong cramps
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever and chills
There is no evidence of long-term risks with mifepristone when used for medical abortion and no long-term effects have been associated with misoprostol.
Why Choose A Medical Abortion ( Medical Pills)
The kind of abortion you choose all depends on your personal preference and situation. With medication abortion, some people like that you don’t need to have a procedure in a doctor’s office. You can have your medication abortion at home or in another comfortable place that you choose. You can decide who you want to be with during your abortion, or you can do it alone. Because medication abortion is similar to a miscarriage.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions can be performed during the first trimester. The procedure has a very high success rate (over 99%), and while you can expect to be with us for 3 – 4 hours the actual procedure is generally completed within 5 – 10 minutes. Anaesthesia is required, the doctor performs the procedure while you are asleep making it painless.
Expect to be with us for approximately 3-4 hours. All care is taken to allocate a specific time for you in order to minimise waiting times. It is important to have made arrangements for transport home afterwards as you are unable to drive. On the day of your appointment, you will be asked to complete some simple questionnaires regarding your general health and feelings surrounding the pregnancy. You will also have an opportunity to read some comprehensive information about the procedure of termination of pregnancy. You will then have a consultation with the doctor performing the procedure.
The doctor will take a medical history and conduct an ultrasound to determine where the pregnancy is and to make sure it corresponds with your dates. You will not hear or see the ultrasound unless you request to do so. The doctor will discuss with you any social, emotional or physical issues you may have and refer you for any further counselling, if required. Information on contraception will be available. You are absolutely under no obligation to proceed to the termination of pregnancy. The doctor will discuss your options with you. You will also be given written information about possible complications and expectations after the procedure.
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