Patient's question:
I haven't had my period for a month. Since my periods used to be quite regular, I thought I must be pregnant. I'm still a student, and it's embarrassing to let others know about this, so I want to buy some medicine secretly to have an abortion. Is it safe to have an abortion with medication in the early stages of pregnancy?Doctor's answer:
Medication abortion is generally suitable for early pregnancy within 49 days of gestation. It is recommended to go to the hospital for an ultrasound to check the size of the gestational sac before deciding on medication abortion. The success rate of medication abortion is not high, and it may lead to incomplete miscarriage or other complications. In such cases, a second dilation and curettage (D&C) may be necessary, which can be quite painful. Overall, medication abortion is still less safe and convenient than surgical abortion. It is advisable to undergo a thorough examination at the hospital and choose an appropriate abortion method under the guidance of a doctor.