Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) is a procedure to end an unwanted pregnancy. It can be performed through surgical methods or medication. Gynecologists provide both types of services based on the gestational age of the pregnancy, the health of the patient, and individual preferences.

1. Surgical MTP

Involves terminating a pregnancy through surgical procedures such as MVA, D&C, or D&E. It is effective for various stages of pregnancy and is preferred when a quick and definitive result is desired.

Indications:

• Preferred method for pregnancies beyond the early weeks (typically beyond 10 weeks).
• When medical MTP is contraindicated or not preferred by the patient.

Types of Surgical MTP:

• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA): Uses a handheld device to suction out the contents of the uterus.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Involves dilating the cervix and using a curette to scrape the uterine lining.
• Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Combines dilation of the cervix and surgical evacuation of the uterine contents using suction and surgical instruments.

Benefits:

• Quick and effective termination.
• Can be performed at later gestational ages compared to medical MTP.

2. Medical MTP

Uses medications like mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate early pregnancies. It offers a non-invasive option that can be managed at home, though it requires careful follow-up.

Indications:

• Suitable for early pregnancies (usually up to 10 weeks gestation).
• Preferred by some women due to its non-invasive nature.