If the patients are recruited, the gynaecologist at the pre-operative consultation will record the pre-operative variables on the case report form, and the patients will be given an envelope containing the capsules before leaving the hospital. Hence those involved in administering the intervention and assessing the outcomes will be blinded to the dosage, as well as the patients. Each participant will be randomised by opening a numbered, sealed, opaque envelope at home, containing either misoprostol, or an inactive ingredient with an identical appearance, in capsules. The design method of randomization and blinding should obviate potential subjectivity bias. The patients will be instructed to insert the capsules at 9 p.m. the evening before the operation.