THE CERVIX-RIPENING EFFECT OF 15-METHYL-PROSTAGLANDIN F2a METHYL ESTER BEFORE VACUUMASPIRATION FOR TERMINAT10NOF EARLY PREGNANCY IN PRIMIGRAVIDAE

A double blind clinical trial on prostaglandin for cervix ripening prior to vacuum aspiration for termination of early pregnancy in primigravidae was carried out in 68 patients with 6-11 week's gestation. The patients were randomly treated with either 1.0 mg of 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha methyl ester vaginal suppository or a placebo suppository. A mean cervical dilation to 6.6 mm was achieved with minimal side effects in the prostaglandin group as against 4.3 mm in the placebo group. The 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha methyl ester suppository technique seems to be effective, safe and simple in ripening the cervix for termination of early pregnancy in primigravidae.