Intravaginal misoprostol before first trimester induced abortion in nulliparous women

One hundred and twenty nine nulliparous requesting first trimester induced abortion between 7 and 12 weeks of amenorrhea (SA) were included in the study to evaluate the effectiveness and the side effects of misoprostol in the cervical ripening before aspiration. Three randomized groups of 43 patients received misoprostol 12 hours before induced abortion : group A received 200 mu g inserted vaginally; group B received 400 mu g inserted vaginally and group C received 400 mu g orally. Cervical dilatation after treatment and maximal dilatation realized with Hegar dilatator were significantly higher in group B. The rate of partial abortion is significantly higher in group B. Tolerance is good in the three groups. No significant difference between the three groups related digestive disorders, pelvic pain and hyperthermia were noted. On the other hand the rate of metrorrhagia and hemmorrhages more important than menstruation is higher in group B. Misoprostol 400 mu g inserted vaginally 12 hours before induced abortion in nulliparous women seem to be an effective, safe, practical and cheap method for cervical ripening before aspiration.