Medication Abortion for Pregnancy of Unknown Location

Medication Abortion for Pregnancy of Unknown Location

The purpose of this study is to compare time to completed abortion between two protocols for patients seeking medication abortion - same-day start versus delay-for-diagnosis - in the setting of asymptomatic, low-risk, pregnancy of unknown location.

Patients with an undesired pregnancy of less than or equal to 42 days gestation based on last menstrual period (LMP) who present to Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM)'s Greater Boston Health Center seeking medication abortion will be considered for study participation.

Inclusion criteria:

• Positive urine or serum hCG test
• No evidence of gestational sac on transvaginal ultrasound
• Desire for medication abortion as method of pregnancy termination

Exclusion criteria:

• Ineligible for medication abortion at PPLM based on current PPLM clinical guidelines
• Reasonable clinical suspicion for ectopic or molar pregnancy, such as abnormal or concerning ultrasound findings
• High risk for ectopic pregnancy, such as prior ectopic pregnancy, history of tubal surgery, concurrent intrauterine device in place during this pregnancy
• Exhibiting symptoms of possible ectopic, such as vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain
• LMP > 42 days or unknown LMP
• Age less than 18 years
• Prior participation in this study
• Anticipated inability to present for scheduled follow-up visits