PubMed · 1974 · 14 citations · 0 references
MedicineGynecologyObstetricsContraceptionReproductive HealthReproductive MedicineAbortion CareContraceptive CareContraceptive MethodsContraceptive PharmacotherapyFemale ContraceptionPostabortion ContraceptionContraceptive Method ChoiceContraceptive Method DiscontinuationControl Group DesignHormonal Contraceptive TherapyMatched Control GroupOral Contraceptive PillsPostabortion Oral ContraceptivesTherapeutic Abortion
Presented is a follow-up study of 823 women who were offered a contraceptive method after a therapeutic abortion. The 520 women who elected an oral contraceptive were started on the regimen the day of the abortion, and 93% were maintaining the therapy 6 weeks later. Postabortal bleeding ceased by Day 7 in 58% of the oral contraceptive users and in 59% of the control group. Virtually all bleeding had stopped by Day 28 (97%, 98%). 42% of the patients inserted with IUDs on the day of abortion had stopped bleeding by Day 7, and 85% had stopped by Day 28. About 80% of the oral contraceptors and 30% of the control group returned to menses within 28 days of the abortion. It is recommended that oral contraceptive therapy, if chosen, be initiated the day of the abortion.