Note that this is the PC regimen. In both of these regimens, two-thirds of women develop cramps and bleeding and complete the abortion in the next four hours. The heaviest bleeding occurs on the day misoprostol is taken. For most women, bleeding and spotting continue for about two weeks. Uterine cramps also occur and vary from extremely severe to very mild.
Women usually describe the bleeding and cramps as resembling a heavier than normal menstrual period.
The basics of a medical abortion with methotrexate are very similar to that using mifepristone, except that it takes longer. At least two days later, a misoprostol suppository is given. In all regimens, women are asked to return after 14-20 days for an examination to determine whether the abortion has occurred. When women are asked why they chose medical over surgical abortion and whether they found the procedure acceptable, most say they wanted to avoid a surgical procedure, felt a medical procedure was more natural and more private, and allowed them to feel more in control. When the option of taking the misoprostol at home, rather in the clinic, was available, women who took their medication at home liked the increased sense of privacy and convenience, as well as having friends and family members nearby.