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.