Medication abortion, or the abortion pill, is used by women choosing to terminate an early pregnancy. It is safe and effective, as well as approved by the FDA since 2000. It can be used to up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Currently, about sixty-three percent of abortions in the United States are performed through medications.
How Does Medication Abortion Work?
The process involves taking two medications over a couple of days:
Mifepristone – This is the first pill taken and it blocks the hormone progesterone from being absorbed. This pill stops the development of pregnancy.
Misoprostol – You take this second pill 24 to 48 hours later. This medication induces cramping and bleeding strong enough to expel the contents of the uterus. The bleeding is comparable to that of a heavy menstrual period.
When combined, these pills are 98% effective at finishing an early stage pregnancy.
What Should I Expect During the Process?
Pain & Cramping: Most women feel real pain as well as cramping, both of which are pretty standard while the uterus empties. Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) are good options to ease your discomfort.
Bleeding: Heavy bleeding with clots is pretty normal during this stage and can be sustained for a few hours before slowing down.
Update: As is the case in many instances, in-person follow up is not needed. However, if the procedure is incomplete, a second dose of misoprostol or an in-clinic procedure may be indicated.
A self-managed abortion is when a person takes abortion pills outside of a clinical setting to end a pregnancy safely and effectively.
Medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. It has been FDA-approved since 2000 and can be used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Today, about 63% of abortions in the U.S. are completed using medication.
How Does It Work?
Medication abortion involves taking two pills over a couple of days:
- Mifepristone – This first pill blocks progesterone, the hormone needed for pregnancy to continue. This stops the pregnancy from developing.
- Misoprostol – 24 to 48 hours later, this second pill causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus, similar to a heavy period.
When taken together, these medications are up to 98% effective at ending an early pregnancy.
What to Expect
- Cramping & Bleeding: Misoprostol triggers strong cramps and bleeding, which may include clots. This is a normal part of the process.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage discomfort.
- No Sedation Needed: Unlike surgical procedures, medication abortion does not require sedation or general anesthesia.
What If the Medication Doesn’t Work?
In rare cases, if the abortion is incomplete, you may need to take another dose of misoprostol or consider an in-clinic abortion. SelfAbortionRx provides guidance and support throughout the process to ensure you have the care you need.
For more information, visit SelfAbortionRx.