Before answering this question first let us look at the mechanism of working of abortion tablets.
In the protocol of abortion tablets-there are two drugs involved.
1) Mifepristone- this is an Anti progesterone drug.
Progesterone is the hormone responsible for continuation of pregnancy.
When Mifepristone tablet is given, it acts as anti-pregnancy at the level of placenta.
This is the first tablet of the schedule that is given.
Next 48 hours are allowed for it to take effect.
2) Misoprostol- this is a uterotonic agent.
It causes contraction of the uterus.
As Mifepristone has already done it's job of loosening of grip of pregnancy on uterus,Misoprostol now will cause expulsion of products of conception.
The most important factor for success of abortion tablets is Gestational Age- that means the duration of pregnancy.
It is in the best interest of safety of the pregnant woman,that determination of gestation age is done by sonography.
There is a limit of gestation age till which abortion tablets can be given safely.This rule must be followed.
Another level of safety is giving Tetanus injection( vaccine).It will protect the woman undergoing abortion from getting this infection.
Last but not the least-third level of protection is antibiotics coverage.
Now once all these precautions have been observed, we will talk about the benefits of early abortion by tablets.
1) It is non-invasive-means-this is not a surgical procedure & no instrument is put inside uterus. Hence no chances of surgical complications .
2) It is OPD procedure-hence no need for expensive hospital admission.
3) Safety index is high as explained in above discussion.
4) Success rate of procedure is high is all the protocols are followed.
Now,in general return of fertility for the woman is as early as next menstrual cycle.
She is advised to use one of the regular methods of contraception to avoid further incidences of unwanted pregnancy.
At times ,once couple has undergone medical abortion, they usually give a gap of few months to couple of years before they decide that they want to become parents.
Abortions tablets per se do not cause any infertility or delay in conceiving next time.
But with passage of time there can be other factors which now affect the health of the woman.
Majorly hormone disturbances could have set in.
Also some infections also cause damage to lining of uterus -that is endometrium or blockage of Fallopian tubes.
These above factors are independent of Abortion Tablets.
Which woman will get which factor,that will prevent her from getting pregnant next time,also is unpredictable.
Important message
Abortion tablets per se does not harm future fertility potential per se.
Every pregnancy should be a planned pregnancy.
Use regular method of birth control.
Stay safe . Stay Healthy
