Menstrual regulation in the United States: a preliminary report.

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of vacuum aspiration on an outpatient basis without anesthesia or cervical dilatation within 14 days of a missed menstrual period was evaluated in 1,009 women. Among those patients in whom pregnancy could be documented (54.8%), 4.2% were still pregnant after the procedure. Potentially serious complications were pelvic infection (0.4%), bleeding requiring a repeat curettage (0.3%), and prolonged bleeding (0.7%). For comfort, 26.7% received local anesthesia or analgesia. To allow selection of a higher proportion of pregnant patients, the probability of pregnancy was derived for patients with either a positive or negative pregnancy test at each length of amenorrhea. To determine the best vacuum pressure and source, and the cannula size and type at each duration of pregnancy, a more extensive (large, controlled, comparative) study is required.

• Authors: W E Brenner, D A Edelman, E Kessel
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 26 Issue 3 Pg. 289-95 (Mar 1975) ISSN: 0015-0282 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1116623 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Topics

• Abortion, Induced (methods)
• Adult
• Amenorrhea
• Cervix Uteri (surgery)
• False Negative Reactions
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Menstruation
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Tests
• Pregnancy Trimester, First
• Pressure
• Time Factors
• United States