Menstrual Regulation (MR): Procedure, Indication, Time, Complication
What is Menstrual Regulation (MR)?
A relatively simple method of birth control is “MR” which consists of aspiration of the uterine contents 6-14 days of a missed period, but before most pregnancy tests can accurately determine whether or not a woman is pregnant.

Menstrual Regulation Operation Time:
It is done within 8 weeks of pregnancy or 60 days from the 1 day of last menstruation.
Pre-Operative Preparation for Menstrual Regulation (MR):
A. History:
Menstrual, obstetrical, gynaecological and medical history.
B. Examination for Menstrual Regulation (MR):
- G/E: pulse, BP, temperature, anaemia etc.
- Abdominal exam, to exclude any pathology.
- PA/ exam to know about the size & position of the uterus, condition of the cervix and to exclude any pathology.
C. Investigations of Menstrual Regulation (MR):
- Blood for TC, DC, Hb%,
- Blood grouping and cross matching,
- Urine for albumin, sugar,
- Pregnancy test,
- Patient is explained the procedure, counseled about future contraceptive advice, proper consent taken.
- After her bladder she is taken to taken to the OT.
D. Instruments Required for Menstrual Regulation (MR):
- Swab holding forceps,
- Sims vaginal speculum (to expose the cervix),
- Volsellum forceps (to hold the anterior lip of the cervix),
- Karmanscannule (to employ suction),
- Karmans 50cc syringe (to employ suction).
Procedure of Menstrual Regulation (MR):
- The pt. is placed in lithotomy position.
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The lower abdomen, thighs, vulva, vagina & perineum are painted with antiseptic solution. (e,g. betadin solution).
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The parts are draped with sterile sheets.
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Vaginal examination is performed to determine the size & direction of the uterus.
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Sim’s posterior vaginal speculum is introduced (to retract posterior vaginal wall) and an assistant is asked to hold.
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The anterior lip of the cervix is held and steadied with a volsellum (or Allis) forceps.
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The appropriate Karman’s plastic cannula 4-5 mm (corresponding) to the weeks of gestation) is inserted up to the fundus of the ‘uterus.
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Negative pressure of 50-70 mm Hg (vacuum) is created in the Karman’s syringe (outside the uterus) and withheld with the thumb block.
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The syringe (pre-evacuated) is connected to the Karman’s cannula and then the thumb block is released.
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The Karman’s cannula is rotated at the fundus and gradually withdrawn downwards, until it reaches the isthmus; thereafter it may be moved vertically up & down to confirm the grating sensation all around.
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The syringe is disconnected from the cannula and the cannula is withdrawn. The volsellum and Sim’s speculum is withdrawn.
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Signs of completion of evacuation:
- No further tissue is evacuated.
- Blood stained bubbles are seen in the cannula & syringe.
- The internal os grips the cannula.
- Grating sensation is felt all over.
Post-operative Preparation for Menstrual Regulation (MR):
- Patient is sent to the bed and should be rested for 1 hour for observation. After that she can go to home.
- Vital signs (such as pulse, BP) and vaginal bleeding should be noted she leaves the hospital.
- Antibiotic: Cephalosporins/ Ampicillin/ Amoxycillin + Metronidazole for 7 days.
- Analgesic: may be.
- Contraceptives: immediately (1=t day’ of MR)-ovacon.
Complication of Menstrual Regulation (MR):
A. Immediate:
- Uterine perforation,
- Trauma,
- Incomplete menstrual regulation (MR),
- Continuation of pregnancy,
- Missed abortion,
- Cervical injury.
B. Late:
- Tendency to abortion or premature labour,
- Infertility,
- Menstrual disorder,
- Increase in ectopic pregnancies,
- Rh immunization,
- Secondary amenorrhoea,
- Feeling of guilty,
- Cervical incompetence.
Advice:
- Avoidance of coitus for 15 days.
- Maintenance of personal hygiene.
- Heavy wt. lifting is avoided.
- Come after 2 weeks for follow up. If there is fever, vaginal bleeding, severe lower abdominal pain come earlier.
