What is MTP Procedure? – Purpose, Benefits, Risks, Results

Overview 

Pregnancy termination is a sensitive and often controversial topic. However, in some situations, it may be the best option for a woman’s physical, emotional, or mental health. Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) is a safe and legal procedure that enables women to end a pregnancy in the early stages. 

Also known as the abortion pill, MTP is a non-invasive method that uses medication to terminate the pregnancy. In this blog article, we will explore the purpose, benefits, risks, and results of the MTP procedure, based on trusted sources and expert advice from gynaecologists and healthcare professionals.

About Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Medical termination of pregnancy is a abortion technique in which medications or drugs are used to terminate a pregnancy. This procedure allows women to terminate a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks.

MTP is a non-invasive procedure that involves taking two different medications over the course of a few days. The two medications used are.

• Mifepristone: this majorly works by restricting the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is the pregnancy hormone responsible for maintaining a pregnancy, without which pregnancy cannot persist. 
• Misoprostol: Misoprostol is used in addition to Mifepristone and is responsible for uterus emptying by causing cramping and bleeding. 

MTP is a safe and effective procedure and has a high success rate, making it a popular choice for women who are seeking to end a pregnancy. 

Need for MTP

MTP is a legal and widely available option for women who are facing a number of issues due to pregnancy including medical, social, and personal reasons. Some of the most common reasons why women opt for MTP include:

1. Health Risks: In some cases, a pregnancy may pose a risk to a woman’s health or life. This may be due to an underlying medical condition or a complication that develops during the pregnancy.
   Examples of such conditions include severe hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease. In such cases, an MTP procedure may be recommended by a healthcare provider to protect the woman’s health and well-being.
2. Foetal Abnormalities: A pregnancy may also be terminated if the foetus has a severe abnormality or genetic defect that is incompatible with life. Such abnormalities may be detected during routine ultrasound examinations or prenatal testing. In such cases, MTP may be the most compassionate and ethical option.
3. Rape or Incest: Women who have been victims of rape or incest may choose to terminate their pregnancy as a way of regaining control over their lives and bodies. In such cases, MTP may be a necessary and crucial step in the healing process.
4. Social and Economic Reasons: A woman may choose to terminate her pregnancy due to social and economic reasons, such as a lack of financial resources, unstable living conditions, or difficulty in raising a child. In such cases, MTP may be a responsible and informed decision.

It is essential to note that the decision to terminate a pregnancy is a personal and complex one that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. 

Preparing for MTP

If a woman has made up her mind and wants to proceed with medical abortion, then she needs to prepare herself for the process. Here some of the key points for preparation before undergoing the MTP procedure: 

1. The procedure will start with a confirmatory pregnancy test. The patient will be asked to undergo an ultrasound test to deeply understand the pregnancy to understand the length of the gestation. 
2. Following the ultrasound test, the patient will be asked to undergo necessary blood tests and urine tests.
3. The doctor would then explain the overall procedure of MTP along with the risks and benefits of the procedure.
4. Following the administration of the medications, the patient will be advised of any consequences including discomfort and bleeding.

How is MTP procedure performed? 

Medical abortion is a less complex process but requires a considerable duration. The process is a non-invasive medical process which does not require anaesthesia or surgery. 

During the MTP procedure, the doctor will provide the woman with an MTP kit that will contain both the medications, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, which will eventually induce abortion. 

The medications can be taken by the following two ways: 

1. Mifepristone (Oral) and Misoprostol (Oral – Buccal or Sublingual): In this procedure, the first dose (Mifepristone) is advised to be taken in front of the physician. The pill (Misoprostol – 4 tablets) is to be taken 24-48 hours after the first dose by putting them between the cheek and gum or under the tongue. 

2. Mifepristone (Oral) and misoprostol (Vaginal): In this process, the Mifepristone pill is administered first. After 24 – 48 hours of the first pill administration, the 4 Misoprostol pills need to be put in the vagina and pushed as far as possible so they don’t fall off. 

NOTE: It is observed that most of the severe side effects are experienced after the subject takes the second dose. A patient can roughly expect the following events to occur: 

1. After an hour of taking the second dose, the patient may start experiencing bleeding and cramping (however, it’s important for the process). 
2. It may take the patient a couple of hours of constant and heavy bleeding. 
3. The temperature of the body may rise a bit along with cramping. The patient may experience chills along with dizziness, nausea and diarrhoea. 

If the side effects are severe, one must consult the physician directly, who might prescribe a couple of more medications to cope with the patient’s health. 

Benefits of MTP

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) is a safe and effective procedure that offers several benefits to women who choose this option. Some of the most significant benefits of MTP include:

1. Non-Invasive Procedure: MTP is a non-invasive procedure that does not require anaesthesia or any surgical incisions. It involves taking medication that induces the body to expel the pregnancy, which makes it a less invasive option than surgical abortion.
2. Early Termination: MTP can be done in the early stages of pregnancy, which makes it a more accessible option for women who may have missed their menstrual period or detected pregnancy early. Early termination is associated with fewer complications and less discomfort.
3. Confidentiality and Privacy: MTP can be done in the privacy and comfort of a woman’s home, which offers more confidentiality and privacy than surgical abortion, which may require a visit to a hospital or clinic.
4. Less Risk of Infection: MTP reduces the risk of infection and other complications associated with surgical abortion, which may involve anesthesia and surgical incisions.
5. More Control: MTP gives women more control over their reproductive choices and allows them to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives. It enables women to take charge of their health and well-being, which can have a positive impact on their overall quality of life.

Risks Associated with MTP

Medical abortion is an effective procedure for terminating pregnancy. However, like any medical procedure, there are certain risks and complications associated with MTP. Some of these complications are as follows:

• Incomplete abortion 
• Heavy bleeding 
• Chance of getting an infection 
• Fever 
• Diarrhoea and pain in the abdomen 
• Allergic reactions of the drugs

Who Shouldn’t Undergo a MTP?

Despite being a safe procedure, MTP is not for every pregnant woman. Below are some of the cases in which MTP would not be a safe option to terminate pregnancy.

• Pregnancy has exceeded nine weeks’ duration. 
• Ectopic pregnancy: if fertilisation has taken place outside the uterus.
• The patient is anaemic or suffers from a blood clotting disorder.
• The patient suffers from chronic adrenal failure. 
• The patient is following a long-term steroid cycle.
• A preinstalled intrauterine device is there.
• Cannot easily access emergency treatments.

It is noteworthy that pregnant women should first consult a physician and disclose their entire medical history to avoid future complications. 

Results of MTP procedure 

Generally, the MTP procedure is performed on an out-patient basis i.e., no hospitalisation is required. The patient is sent back home in a couple of hours once the procedure is complete.

MTP is a safe and effective procedure that offers women a high success rate in terminating a pregnancy. As per scientific evidence, the success rate of MTP procedure is about 95% to 98%.

Post the procedure, the results can vary depending on several factors, including the type of procedure, the stage of pregnancy, and the patient’s medical history. However, one must follow all the instructions as provided by the healthcare provider and also must have an eye on the postoperative complications. The patient must consult the doctor immediately if she is experiencing any of the complications.

MTP Procedure Cost 

MTP procedure cost in India starts from ₹3,000 and may go up to ₹ 8,000. The MTP procedure cost varies depending on multiple factors. Some of these factors include:

Type of Procedure: The cost of MTP can vary depending on the type of procedure used. MTP can be performed using medication or surgery. Medication-based MTP is usually less expensive than surgical MTP.

1. Location: The cost of MTP procedure can also vary depending on the location of the facility. Private hospitals and clinics in metropolitan cities tend to charge more than government hospitals or clinics in rural areas.
2. Experience and Qualification of the Healthcare Provider: The MTP procedure cost can also depend on the experience and qualifications of the healthcare provider. A qualified and experienced healthcare provider may charge more than a less experienced one.
3. Diagnostic Tests: The cost of MTP procedure may also include diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound and blood tests. The cost of these tests can add up to the overall cost of the procedure.
4. Counseling and Follow-up Care: The MTP procedure cost may also include counseling and follow-up care. These services are crucial for the well-being and recovery of the patient.

Takeaway

In conclusion, Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) is a safe and legal procedure that enables women to end a pregnancy in the early stages. MTP offers several benefits, including non-invasive procedure, early termination, confidentiality and privacy, less risk of infection, and more control over reproductive choices. However, it is essential to note that the decision to terminate a pregnancy is a personal and complex one that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Women who are considering MTP should seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider who can provide them with accurate information and support them through the decision-making process. If you or any of your loved ones have any further doubts regarding MTP, contact HexaHealth experts without any hesitation. HexaHealth experts are always available for all your healthcare needs. So contact us TODAY!