The abortion pill is the common name for a medical abortion. It uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end and expel a first-trimester pregnancy.
Like any medical procedure, it’s critical to consider the health side effects and risks before proceeding.
Keep reading to learn more facts, or schedule an appointment at HOPE Pregnancy Center to talk in person and confirm your pregnancy.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is a series of two drugs used to terminate a progressing pregnancy inside the uterus. It’s currently FDA-approved for use within the first ten weeks of pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. Without enough progesterone, the pregnancy will end.
Then, hours or days later, a woman takes misoprostol to trigger the uterus to contract, causing abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. This will expel the pregnancy and related tissue from the uterus.
Some women have reported severe pain during the process, but it depends on each woman.
What Should I Know About the Abortion Pill?
If you are considering the abortion pill, here are some facts you should know.
1. Medical Abortion Isn’t an Option for Every Woman
Certain medical conditions can rule out medical abortion as an option.Â
These can include currently having an IUD in place (it would need to be removed first), having an allergy to the drugs, having a suspected ectopic pregnancy, being too far along pregnancy (beyond nine weeks according to Mayo Clinic), having certain diseases or disorders, or taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medication.
2. Existing STIs Can Spread During the Procedure.
If you think you may have an STI, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, it’s critical to receive testing and treatment to prevent developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
During an abortion, the normal barrier created by the cervix is disturbed and could potentially allow existing bacteria to spread deeper into the reproductive tract and lead to PID. PID can cause lasting reproductive damage, such as infertility and pelvic pain.
3. There Are Side Effects and Risks to Consider
Always make sure to review all the side effects and risks before moving forward with a medical abortion.
In addition to abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, you may also experience the side effects of fever, vomiting, nausea, chills, headache, and diarrhea.
The risks include incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical procedure), an ongoing pregnancy, heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, fever, and digestive system discomfort.
Make an Empowered Choice
Only you can decide what you will do with your pregnancy. We encourage you to learn all you can about every option to ensure you make an informed and confident choice.
Visit HOPE Pregnancy Center to receive no-cost pregnancy services such as pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. We can also provide a free abortion consultation to confirm your pregnancy and provide information.
We’re here to help!
HOPE Pregnancy Center does not refer for or provide abortion.