Conception rates after abortion with methotrexate and misoprostol.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the fertility of a cohort of women within 1 year after receiving methotrexate and misoprostol for early abortion.


METHODS
Participants in a clinical trial of medical abortion were contacted at 1-6 months and approximately 12 months after the study abortion to obtain fertility information. For both interviews, subjects were asked about sexual activity, contraception used since the abortion, and any pregnancies (and their outcomes) since the abortion.


RESULTS
Ninety-three (81.6%) of 114 subjects were able to be contacted. Follow-up intervals ranged from 1 to 19 completed months (median 11 months) after the study abortion. During the follow-up period, 23 (24.7%) women became pregnant; none had been attempting to achieve pregnancy. One patient had a normal term delivery, one had a spontaneous abortion and the remainder had elective abortions.


CONCLUSIONS
Women who have a medical abortion with low-dose intramuscular methotrexate and vaginal misoprostol remain at high risk for unintended pregnancy.
Creinin
M D
MD
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Hospital, PA, USA. mcreinin@mail.magee.edu
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011247:Pregnancy
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D016595:Misoprostol; D008727:Methotrexate