Q&A

Certain signs, such as a missed or late menstrual period, breast tenderness or morning nausea should alert you. However, these signs are not specific to pregnancy. Therefore, you must perform a pregnancy test, which can be purchased in a pharmacy, and see a physician to have a medical exam and/or obtain a prescription for a ß-hCG blood test.

Follow Alice to date your pregnancy.

Healthcare professionals could help you to make your decision. Both medical and surgical methods have their specificities that you should take into consideration according to your medical profile and your preferences. During the medical consultation, your doctor can help you in your decision.

Sometimes, a fertilized egg travel to the uterus but implants itself outside the womb, usually in one of the Fallopian tubes. This is called an Ectopic Pregnancy.

The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are:

• Bleeding,
• Stomach pain,
• Pain upon uterine palpation during a gynecological examination.

If such pregnancy is suspected, a physician must be consulted immediately to prevent complications. ß-hCG blood results and ultrasound examination help confirm suspected ectopic pregnancy. These are a contraindication for medical abortion and must be diagnosed as early as possible. If you are pregnant and you feel this type of pain or you are bleeding, consult your physician immediately.

Fiala C et al. Early medical abortion, a practical guide for healthcare professionals. 2012; p 57-59.

In the medical method, embryo expulsion is made possible by inducing uterine and cervical contractions, which may be painful.

In the surgical method, the invasive nature of the procedure can cause post-operative pain, which can cause post-operative pain. In either case, your doctor may prescribe analgesics to help ease the pain.

An abortion is an intimate and personal procedure that you will take according to your own situation. Parents and friends support can be highly precious to get over this event. However, you are under no obligation to inform your relatives or friends.

There are many places where you can get personal advice on an anonymous basis. Consult your closest healthcare professional, who will give you all of the information you need.

A termination of pregnancy has no effect on the ability to get pregnant in the future. However, please note that an abortion does not protect you from a new pregnancy. Fertility resumes with the next menstrual cycle. Therefore, you need to speak about the best contraceptive method for you with the physician and start it immediately.