MTP Pills vs. Surgical Abortion: Which to Choose?
In This Article
MTP Pills vs. Surgical Abortion: Which to Choose?
Ashitha Kareem
Updated on October 03, 2024
Medically verified by Dr. Arya
Fact checked by Dr. Fazeela
When faced by an unplanned pregnancy many women have thought about having an abortion.
MTP pills & Surgical abortion are two ways to end a pregnancy. Both are safe & legal; but which one is suitable for you?
You need to understand all about both the procedures to make informed decisions for yourself.
Mykare Health is here to help you with it. We will help you understand all about MTP pills and surgical abortion.
What are Medical Abortion (MTP) Pills?
Medical Abortion includes using medications to stop a pregnancy. There are widely many MTP kits available in the market. They usually contain two medicines Mifepristone & Misoprostol
Mifepristone
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It is an anti progesterone hormone.
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It primarily interrupts action of progesterone creating an unfavorable condition for continuing pregnancy.
Misoprostol
- It causes contractions in the uterus pushing out the pregnancy tissue from the body.
Restriction on Using MTP Pills
MTP pills are legal & generally considered safe. But if you fall under any of the following categories you need to get approval from a healthcare professional.
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Trying to get pregnant
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Breastfeeding
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Kidney problems
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Liver disorders
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Allergies or hypersensitivity
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Previous ectopic pregnancy
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Age 35 or above
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Asthma
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Bleeding or clotting disorders
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Diabetes
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Heart diseases
Side Effects of MTP Pills
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Nausea
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Vomiting
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Vaginal Bleeding
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Leg Pain
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Extreme Tiredness
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Dizziness
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Abdominal Pain
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Appetite Loss
What is Surgical Abortion ?
Surgical abortion involves a medical procedure to remove pregnancy from the uterus. It can be done by an experienced professional in a healthcare setting.
Surgical abortion involves a minor operation. There are two types
1. Vacuum Aspiration
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Done in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Removes pregnancy by gentle suction
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Can be done with general anesthesia, sedation or local anesthesia.
2.Dilation & Evacuation
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Done in the second trimester of pregnancy.
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Removed using narrow forceps through the neck of the womb (cervix).
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Uses combination of suction & surgical instruments
Timing: When Can Each Options be Used ?
MTP Pills
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Most effective in early stages of pregnancy
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Can be performed between 7 to 9 weeks (or 63 days)
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The earlier procedure initiated the more effective & lesser complications
Surgical Abortion
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Vacuum Aspiration: Up to 12 weeks
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Dilation & Evacuation (D&E): Up to 24 weeks (depending on local laws)
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Legal Compliances of Abortion in India
Abortions are legal in India. In India, the laws regarding abortion are governed by the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971, & the MTP (Amendment) Act, 2021.
1. Up to 20 weeks
Abortion is allowed if two doctors agree that the pregnancy would cause
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physical or mental harm to the mother,
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the fetus has severe abnormalities.
2. 20-24 weeks
Abortion is allowed if two doctors agree that the pregnancy would cause
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significant risks to the mother's health
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in cases of fetal abnormalities
3. Beyond 24 weeks
Abortion is generally not allowed, except in
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in exceptional cases
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the mother's life is at risk
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in cases of severe fetal abnormalities, with court approval.
4. Victims of rape
Abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks for survivors of rape or incest.
5. Minors
Abortion requires parental consent for minors below 18 years.
6. Single women
Single women can access abortion services without needing to disclose their marital status.
MTP Pills v/s Surgical Abortion
MTP Pills | Surgical Abortion | |
---|---|---|
Timing | Up to 10 weeks | Up to 12 weeks: Vacuum Aspiration, Up to 24 weeks: Dilation Evacuation |
Effectiveness | Chances of Incomplete abortion, Require surgical intervention incase of incomplete abortion | Low chances of Incomplete abortion, Under supervision of an experienced professional |
Time Required | passing pregnancy tissue can take several hours to days | Quick, usually outpatient procedure,Total procedure takes less than an hour |
Effects | Heavy cramping & bleeding | Minor discomfort, Faster recovery time |
Advantages & Disadvantages of MTP Pills
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
More private | More painful |
Non- Invasive | Chances of incomplete abortion |
Does not require Anesthesia | More bleeding |
Telehealth Assistance | More hospital visits |
More natural like “Miscarriage” | Higher failure rates |
Sense of control | |
Less Expensive |
Advantages & Disadvantages of Surgical Abortion
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Safe & Effective | Comparatively expensive |
Fewer appointments | Require anesthesia |
Under professional supervision | Invasive |
Shorter time required | |
Lower bleeding & cramping |
Which Option is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between MTP pills & surgical abortion depends on various factors including your gestational age, personal preference, medical history, & emotional needs.
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If you are early in your pregnancy, prefer a non-invasive procedure, & value privacy, MTP pills may be the right choice for you.
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If you are further along in your pregnancy, want a faster, more definitive procedure, or are concerned about the possibility of incomplete abortion, surgical abortion might be a better fit.
Both options are safe & effective, & the most important thing is that you choose the method that feels right for your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that you are making the best choice for your physical & emotional well-being.
MTP Pills (Medical Abortion) are medical pills used for abortion upto 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Side effects of MTP Pills include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, leg pain, extreme tiredness, dizziness, abdominal pain, appetite loss.
People prefer MTP pills over surgical abortion due to privacy, non-invasive, no anesthesia required, and telehealth assistance availability.
MTP pills are more painful with chances of incomplete abortion, more bleeding, & higher failure rates.
Surgical Abortion is termination of pregnancy over 12 weeks.
There are two types of surgical abortion: Vacuum Aspiration (up to 12 weeks) and Dilation & Evacuation (up to 24 weeks), depending on local laws.
Advantages of surgical abortion are safety, effectiveness, requirements, fewer appointments, shorter time required, lower bleeding & cramping.
Choosing the right option means finding the best suitable option considering gestational age, personal preference, medical history, & emotional needs.
Consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the best choice for physical & emotional well-being.
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