Medical Abortion and Surgical Abortion: A Comparative Analysis of Patient Outcomes in Bangladesh

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Abortion remains a significant reproductive health issue among women of reproductive age in Bangladesh, substantially affecting their quality of life. Medical and surgical methods are commonly employed for early pregnancy termination, each presenting distinct profiles in efficacy, complications, patient satisfaction, and hospital stay. Objective: To compare the effectiveness, safety, complications, and patient satisfaction between medical and surgical abortion in first-trimester pregnancy termination. Methods & Materials: This comparative study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 250-bedded General Hospital, Thakurgaon, from January to July 2026. A total of 125 women undergoing first-trimester termination were enrolled using purposive sampling (65 medicals, 60 surgical). Medical abortion used mifepristone-misoprostol, while surgical abortion utilized dilatation and curettage. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The mean age was 26.8±10.2 years. Complete abortion occurred in 92.3% of the medical group and 98.3% of the surgical group, although not statistically significant (p=0.115). Heavy bleeding was more frequent with medical abortion (9.2% vs. 3.3%), while severe pain predominated in the surgical group (25% vs. 18.5%). Complication rates showed no significant intergroup differences (p>0.05). Patient satisfaction remained high and comparable (61.5% vs. 61.7%, p=0.982). Conclusion: Both medical and surgical methods are safe and effective for first-trimester termination. Surgical abortion ensures immediate completion with fewer follow-ups, whereas medical abortion offers greater privacy and avoids invasive surgery. The choice should be guided by patient preference; as clinical outcomes are statistically comparable.