The use of silastic vaginal device containing (15S)-15 methyl prostaglandin F2 alpha methyl ester for early first trimester pregnancy termination.

(15 S) - 15 methyl prostaglandin F2 alpha methyl ester in a silastic vaginal device was administered to 9 gravid women in the first 7 weeks of gestation for elective termination of pregnancy. Continuous intrauterine pressure recording was carried out in one case. Prompt initiation of uterine activity and vaginal bleeding was seen and expulsion of products of conception occurred in under 24 hours in all cases. There were no serious complications and side effects were considered acceptable. Two patients have required subsequent curettage for removal of retained placental tissue. This incidence of failure to complete expulsion, if confirmed in a larger series, is considered to render this technique without modification unacceptable as a routine method for early pregnancy termination.