Medical Abortions in Melbourne: A Discreet, At-Home Option

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If you’ve missed your period and are worried that you’re pregnant, the first step is to get a urine pregnancy test from the supermarket or pharmacy.

If the test result is positive, it’s best to talk with a Melbourne GP experienced in pregnancy terminations as soon as you can.

ON THIS PAGE

• Your options at a glance
• How much does a medical abortion cost?
• Will an abortion affect my fertility?
• How are medical abortions performed?
• How do I decide?
• Will I be in pain?
• Where can I get a medical abortion?
• About Dr Sarah Kari

GPs like me are trained to help you consider all your options and work through what’s best for you.

Naturally, I offer such advice neutrally in a way that doesn’t direct you to a particular outcome – your final choice is entirely up to you.

If you’re looking for more information about medical terminations, I hope this post provides clarity and guidance.

Your Options at a Glance

If you know for sure you want to end the pregnancy, the next step depends on how many weeks pregnant you are, known as your gestation period.

You generally have the option of a medical termination (tablets at home) or a surgical termination (a day procedure under sedation) if you’re less than 9 weeks pregnant, counting 63 days from the first day of your last menstrual period.

If you are past 9 weeks, you’ll need a surgical termination to end a pregnancy, also known as an abortion. You can find a service through the 1800myoptions website.

Your GP can also help you navigate the system and advise where to go in Melbourne if you’re having trouble deciding.

Abortion is a safe and legal medical procedure in Victoria and has been since the 1970s.

How Much Does a Medical Abortion Cost?

The GPs at our clinic charge only for three regular appointments. Please see our Patient Info page for fees.

Depending on the pharmacy, the MS-2 Step prescription will cost $35-50 for Medicare cardholders. People without Medicare can expect to pay approximately $340 for the medication.

Typically, the pathology company bulk-bills the blood tests.

Some radiology companies will bulk-bill the ultrasound, while others might charge – it’s best to check before making your appointment.

Will an Abortion Affect My Fertility?

Your fertility can return to normal within two weeks after a medical termination.

It’s vital to have a plan for ongoing contraception, something I’ll always discuss with you when the time is right.

How Are Medical Abortions Performed?

If you decide a medical termination is right for you, there are three appointments required.

1^st appointment – Initial consultation & pregnancy test

At the first appointment, I’ll make sure you understand all your options and that no medical factors are preventing you from taking the medication.

I’ll also provide you with a request slip for a pelvic ultrasound to prove the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus and isn’t ectopic, which makes it safer for you and is also a legislative requirement to be able to prescribe the medication.

A blood test is also helpful at this time to measure pregnancy hormone levels and to check for anaemia.

The ultrasound and blood test can be done locally and are usually bulk billed.

2^nd appointment – Pregnancy test results & prescription

I’ll review your test results with you and provide the prescription.

I’ll also explain how to take the medication and what to expect.

There are two sets of tablets – this combo is also known as MS 2-step.

• Mifepristone tablets (aka RU486) block the pregnancy from going ahead and start working as soon as you take it. Most women have no symptoms after taking these tablets, but some have light bleeding.
• You then take misoprostol tablets 36 to 48 hours later. This helps your body push out the pregnancy. You can expect cramping pain and bleeding within a few hours of taking the tablets, which may continue until the miscarriage is complete.

You decide when to take the tablets.

It’s a good idea to plan to take the day off and rest when you have misoprostol.

You should also plan to have a friend or family member at home, just in case you become very unwell.

They don’t need to know what you’re taking unless you are comfortable telling them.

The worst of the bleeding and cramping usually settles within 24 hrs, much like a heavy period, and many people are back to work in a day or two.

3^rd appointment – Follow-up

Your third appointment is very important. It’s here that I’ll confirm the pregnancy has ended and organise a form of contraception that’s right for you.

When mifepristone and misoprostol are used for medical abortion up until 63 days’ gestation, the success rate is up to 97.7%.

How Do I Decide?

Being undecided can feel daunting.

You can do a lot of the thinking and soul-searching on your own. Don’t feel rushed; set aside time to write down your thoughts.

Sometimes, your partner or a trusted friend can be a valuable sounding board. My patients have found resources from The Women’s and Children By Choice particularly helpful.

On the other hand, I’ve cared for many women who are immediately certain they know what they want to do. And that is absolutely OK, too.

Will I Be In Pain?

Taking MS 2-step feels similar to having a miscarriage.

Typically, you can expect heavier bleeding than your normal period for the first few days, followed by lighter bleeding for 10 to 15 days.

Crampy pain, which can be severe at times, is also common.

Though most people can manage with their normal period pain tactics – over-the-counter medication (including Ponstan or Naprogesic), rest and a hot water bottle – other people may need stronger pain relief.

Once the main pregnancy tissue has passed through the narrow part of your cervix, the crampy pain should significantly subside back to ‘normal’ period levels.

Where Can I Get a Medical Abortion?

A GP experienced in prescribing medical terminations, or a sexual health clinic, can provide medication to end a pregnancy.

Not all GPs are comfortable offering medical terminations, and up until recently, GPs in Australia were required to be registered to prescribe MS 2-step.

Being the case, I highly recommend telling your clinic’s receptionists that you are seeking abortion care so that they can direct you to someone who can help you, such as me.

Like More Information?

There are plenty of resources available to women seeking objective information and advice, including:

• your GP, gynaecologist, women’s health or sexual health professional
• 1800myoptions – an excellent female-oriented sexual and reproductive health referral service from Women’s Health Victoria
• The Australian Women’s Health Alliance
• Children By Choice
• Family Planning Victoria
• The Royal Women’s Hospital

Dr Sarah Kari is a local GP at Doctors of South Melbourne.

She has additional training and experience in medical terminations and a special interest in women’s health and pregnancy care.

You can make an appointment online with Sarah or call us on (03) 8579 6838.