Abstract Premature termination of pregnancy is effected by insertion of a hollow, distensible body of elastomeric material into the uterus to stimulate muscular activity sufficiently to induce menstruation and thereby cause spontaneous expulsion of the nonviable embryo. In one form of the invention, after the body is inserted, it is filled with a substance to effect the distension thereof. In another embodiment, the body is provided with an incrustation and then charged with a pressurized substance before insertion. The incrustation dissolves in the uterus, permitting the substance to expand and distend the body to a size which precludes its expulsion until shedding of the endometrium and discharge of the implantation therewith.
An abortifacient as claimed in claim 1 wherein said substance is a compressible fluid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
28 words
An abortifacient as claimed in claim 1, said body being provided with a self-sealing orifice through which said substance may be directed after the incrustation is placed thereon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
An abortifacient as claimed in claim 1 wherein said incrustation contains a binder for increasing its strength and cohesive properties.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
An abortifacient as claimed in claim 1 wherein said incrustation contains a disintegrating agent for increasing the speed of solution.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
An abortifacient as claimed in claim 1 wherein said incrustation comprises an admixture of a filler, a binder and a disintegrating agent.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of terminating pregnancy prematurely which comprises insertion of an essentially nonporous, distensible hollow body of elastomeric material into the uterus through the cervix, said body containing a substance when the body is in the uterus capable of distending the body to a size sufficient to induce menstruation, said substance being expansible and being directed into the body under pressure before the latter is inserted into the uterus, said body prior to having the substance directed thereinto being provided with an incrustation which softens when the body is in the uterus, said incrustation holding the body against distension by said substance until the incrustation softens.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of terminating pregnancy prematurely comprising the steps of: inserting an essentially nonporous, distensible hollow body into the uterus through the cervix; injecting a predetermined amount of substance into said body when the latter is in the uterus to distend the body to a size sufficient to induce muscular activity of such magnitude as to cause menstruation; and expelling the body while still in its fully distended condition from the uterus through the cervix by the force of said uterine muscular activity during the induced menstruation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the substance injected into said body is limited to an amount which will produce a maximum of from 1/2 to 1 inch in the body when the latter is fully distended.