A medical abortion is a method of ending an early pregnancy using drugs. Also known as the abortion pill, it consists of two drugs taken 24-48 hours apart.
How Does a Medical Abortion Work?
A medical abortion works first to end the pregnancy using the drug mifepristone, which blocks the necessary hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue.
Then, a day or more later, the drug misoprostol triggers the uterus to contract to expel the pregnancy and related tissue from the body through abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Does a Medical Abortion Have Side Effects?
As with any medical procedure, a medical abortion does have side effects.
You can expect abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding because this is how the drugs work, as well as some level of pain.
Other side effects can include upset stomach, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.
What Are the Risks?
Not every woman who takes the abortion pill will experience a risk, but it’s essential to be aware of them to make an informed choice.
The risks of the abortion pill include incomplete abortion (which may require a surgical procedure), an ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work, heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, fever, and digestive symptoms such as an upset stomach.
Can Anyone Have A Medical Abortion?
There are some conditions that may rule out the abortion pill as an option. These conditions include:
- If the pregnancy is more than ten weeks along (The FDA only approves the abortion pill through the first ten weeks of pregnancy.)
- If there is a suspected ectopic pregnancy
- If there is an IUD currently in place (This would need to be removed first.)
- If the patient has certain medical conditions or takes a blood thinner
- If the patient is allergic to the drugs used
- If the patient cannot reach a medical provider or access emergency care.
What Is Your Next Step?
Before seeking a medical abortion, verify your pregnancy and determine how far along you are (gestational age).
Our experienced medical team at InnerVisions HealthCare can provide medical-grade urine pregnancy testing and ultrasound (if there are no medical contraindications) at no cost.
We will provide the information you need to make your best decision. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.