Acceptability of home-use of misoprostol in medical abortion.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Home-use of misoprostol would reduce the number of visits and improve access to medical abortion. We evaluated acceptance of home-use of misoprostol among women and their partners.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

One hundred women with up to 49 days of amenorrhea were given mifepristone, followed by misoprostol taken at home.

RESULTS:

Women chose home-use of misoprostol because it felt more natural, private and allowed the presence of a partner/friend. Two women had a vacuum aspiration due to incomplete abortion. Five unscheduled visits occurred. Ninety-six women were satisfied with their choice of home-use. The male partners were generally satisfied with their partner's choice of home-use and felt that their presence and support had been valuable.

DISCUSSION:

Our study shows a high acceptability among women and their partners and confirms the safety and efficacy of home-use of misoprostol. Women should be offered this choice to allow more flexibility and privacy in their abortions.

• Authors: Christian Fiala, Beverly Winikoff, Lotti Helström, Margareta Hellborg, Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
• Journal: Contraception (Contraception) Vol. 70 Issue 5 Pg. 387-92 (Nov 2004) ISSN: 0010-7824 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15504378 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
• Misoprostol

Topics

• Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal (administration & dosage)
• Abortion, Induced
• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Misoprostol (administration & dosage)
• Patient Acceptance of Health Care
• Pregnancy
• Self Administration
• Sexual Partners
• Sweden