For many, interruption of variability is associated with pain and fear. There are several methods for terminating a pregnancy: surgical abortion, velvet (medical) abortion, and mini vacuum abortion. Velvet abortion is performed using special pharmacological agents. It should be said that this type of abortion can be performed only in the early stages of pregnancy (up to 42 days from the first day of the last menstruation). Medical abortion does not require vacuum or mechanical removal of the embryo from the uterus.
In order to make a velvet abortion, gynecologists most often prescribe oral ("Mifepristone") drugs. Before prescribing medications, the patient must undergo an appropriate examination. The mechanism of action of mifepristone is associated with the separation of the zygote from the endometrium. After 1.5–2 days, the woman re-visits the attending physician, who prescribes “Misoprostol”. This drug acts on the myometrium, which leads to a reduction in the muscles of the uterus. With these manipulations, medical abortion ends with the expulsion of the contents of the uterus. Pain after an abortion, as well as discharge from the vagina, are similar to those observed with heavy periods.
After about two weeks, the doctor conducts a follow-up examination and confirms that the abortion was successful. The effectiveness of this method is about 97–99%. Despite the fact that velvet abortion seems to be a fairly simple way to terminate a pregnancy, it must be carried out in a medical institution. As with any other method of abortion, velvet abortion has its own complications and, of course, contraindications. Therefore, the administration of drugs and the subsequent condition of the patient should be monitored by an experienced specialist.
So, let's name the main advantages of velvet abortion: abortion occurs without surgical intervention and is the safest method. The drugs used block the production of the hormone of pregnancy (progesterone), which is responsible for the intrauterine development of the fetus. Therefore, germ cells cannot attach tightly to the endometrium and begin to exfoliate. Thus, the cervix expands, the embryo leaves the mother's body in the form of heavy bleeding.
From the psychological side, this abortion is easier for patients to tolerate, because it is perceived as a normal menstruation. Spotting lasts for a week. Sometimes they can be accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen. If necessary, the doctor prescribes analgesics. The safety of the method is also due to the fact that the patient is constantly under the supervision of a doctor. The gynecologist gives recommendations on preparing for an abortion. Acceptance of drugs is carried out in the presence of a specialist, a woman is in the clinic for about 4 hours until the drug begins to act. Perhaps the most important advantage of medical abortion is the lack of surgical intervention. Termination of pregnancy is performed almost without the influence of the human factor. Thus, we exclude the development of various complications: uterine perforation, infection, scarring, gynecological diseases.
Compared to other methods of abortion, non-surgical abortion is the most sparing and harmless to the patient’s health. Often this method is recommended for women who have a first abortion. We can say that this is the best method of abortion for up to six weeks. It should be remembered that the effectiveness of the method largely depends on the duration of pregnancy. Velvet abortion is ineffective in ectopic pregnancy. Women with diseases of the reproductive system are recommended to undergo colposcopy, as well as to perform a smear analysis for infectious diseases of the reproductive system.