Evaluation of two dose schedules of 15(S)15 methyl PGF2α methyl ester vaginal suppositories for dilatation of cervix prior to vacuum aspiration for late first trimester abortions

15(S)15 methyl PGF₂α methyl ester was used in the form of vaginal suppositories to evaluate its effect as a cervical dilator prior to vacuum aspiration in 49 women seeking medical termination of pregnancy between 9–12 weeks of gestation. Two dose schedules comprising of 1.0 mg and 1.5 mg vaginal suppositories, inserted three hourly for four times, were used in 25 and 23 women, respectively. At the time of vacuum aspiration which was planned 18 hours after the initiation of treatment, cervical dilatation of 10 mm was observed in all the subjects. The incidence of vomiting was significantly higher in the 1.5 mg dose group as compared to the 1.0 mg group. Serum progesterone levels were measured by radioimmuno-assays before insertion of the 15-me-PGF₂α suppositories and after 18 hours, i.e. just before vacuum aspiration. A significant fall in the progesterone level was observed in all cases.