Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Here is some important information about the following services offered by Dr Lauren Boucher:

 

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTOP)

  Medical termination involves taking a combination of medications that are used to induce a miscarriage

  It can be performed up to nine weeks gestation (63 days)

  It is ~99% effective

  It can be performed in the privacy of your own home

  It is important to have a responsible adult with you during the procedure

  You need to have access to emergency medical care (i.e. an Emergency Department) for two weeks following the procedure

  There are some situations where a medical abortion cannot be performed and this is assessed in the initial appointment

 

It is usual to expect the following: 

  Heavier than normal period bleeding and pain/cramping during the abortion

  Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea

  Fever, chills

  Headaches

 

Appointment schedule and estimated costs associated with Early Medical Abortion: 

  Initial assessment appointment (30-45mins): $240-$330 (Approx. out-of-pocket expense: $80-$155)

  Tests:

* Initial Blood tests – usually bulk billed for Medicare card holders

* Ultrasound (if required) – mostly able to be bulk-billed but depends on timing and availability)

* Review appointment = Results, consent, prescribing of medication, safety planning (30-45mins): $240-$330 (Approx. out-of-pocket expense: $80-$155)

  Medication:

* Mifepristone/misoprostol: $25 (less for concession card holders)

* Anti-nausea medication: ~$10-20

* Pain relief: ~$10-20

  2^nd Review appointment: 3-5 days after medication taken (~15mins via telehealth): $115 (Approx. out-of-pocket expense: $72-$108)

  Follow up blood tests: usually bulk-billed for Medicare card holders

  3rd review appointment: ~21 days after medication taken (15-30mins, in person preferred): $115-240 (Approx. out-of-pocket expense: $72-$108)

 

Please review the following information from Sexual Health Victoria to help inform you further about what may be the best choice for you:

 

Emergency Contraception

There are 2 forms of emergency contraception that can be utilised in a case of unprotected sex.

 

Oral Pills (The ‘Morning after’ pill):

  Oral pills are about 85% effective in preventing pregnancy.

  They are available over the counter without a prescription.

  They work by delaying ovulation and need to be taken ideally within 24 hours of unprotected sex (but can be up to 3-5 days after).

 

Non-hormonal IUD:

  The copper IUD is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.

  It can be used as ongoing contraception for between 5-10 years which can make it a cost-effective choice.

  Insertion of a copper IUD requires an initial assessment to establish if this is the most appropriate type of emergency contraception (and then ongoing contraception) followed by procedure to insert the device.

  The copper IUD may cause periods to become up to 50% heavier and for some women, more painful.

  Examples of when a copper IUD may not be the best choice:

* Iron deficiency

* Heavy, painful periods

* Unusually shaped uterus

 

Other things to note about copper IUD:

  Patients are required to privately pay for the copper IUD and it does not attract a PBS subsidy. The device cost varies depending on which type is chosen: ~$70-$150. Sometimes getting copper IUDs quickly can be tricky and you might need to call around several pharmacies.

  The initial appointment will assess whether the copper IUD is the most appropriate choice for you and then entails an explanation of the procedure, risks and benefits or possible alternatives.

  It is important to remember that there is always a chance of insertion failure on the day and that another method of emergency contraception may be required.

  A review appointment is also required, the timing of which will be established on the day of insertion, if successful.

 

Estimated costs and appointment schedule associated with insertion of copper IUD when used for emergency contraception: 

  Initial assessment appointment (30-45mins): $240-$330 (Approx. out-of-pocket expense: $80-$155)

  Device cost: $70-$150

  Insertion procedure cost (30-40 mins): $400 (Approx. out-of-pocket expense: $95-$135)

  Review appointment (15-30mins): $115-240 (Approx. out-of-pocket expense: $72-$108)

Please be aware that to insert a copper IUD for emergency contraception, you require two initial appointments (the first can be via Telehealth) on either the same day OR consecutive days. Currently, Lauren works at Zest Medical on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

We will try to facilitate timely appointments wherever possible, but due to the nature of a busy general practice, sometimes it may not be possible to accommodate an insertion that will be suitable according to the time of unprotected sex. Please give our friendly reception team a call to discuss further.

Please review the following information from Sexual Health Victoria to help inform you further about what may be the best choice for you:

  Emergency Contraception after Sex (Overview)

  ‘Morning after Pill’ Emergency Contraception

  Copper IUD