“How does the abortion pill work?” may be one of many questions that you have as you look into a medication abortion. Perhaps you’re also wondering what risks may come with this option, and whether or not it would involve any pain. It’s easy to feel rushed during an unexpected pregnancy decision. However, when looking into any type of medical process, it is always important to first get all of the relevant information. Learning more about how the abortion pill works and how it may affect you will help you take the next steps in your decision-making process.
Avenue Women’s Center provides the information you need to determine if medication abortion is a safe and appropriate option for you. We understand that each woman’s situation is unique. During a confidential consultation, we’ll talk through all your options (including the abortion pill) and address your individual questions.
Call, chat, email, or text to schedule an appointment at one of our five Chicagoland locations.
How Does Medical Abortion Work?
Medical abortion (aka, “the abortion pill”) is FDA-approved through ten weeks of pregnancy. The term “abortion pill” may seem a bit misleading, because two different pills are required to complete the abortion. The first pill is called mifepristone. It blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the pregnancy to stop developing. The second pill is referred to as misoprostol. It may be taken 36-72 hours after the first medication, mifepristone. Misoprostol contracts the uterus, causing the body to expel the contents of the uterus (American Pregnancy Association).
How Might a Medical Abortion Affect Me?
What Risks Are Involved?
As with any medical process, a medication abortion comes with risks. Possibilities include incomplete abortion, infection, significant vaginal bleeding, and damage to the uterus. Other common temporary reactions may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, dizziness, and headache (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)). After taking the second medication, it’s important to schedule a follow-up appointment with your medical provider to make sure that you’re healthy and your abortion is complete.
A medical abortion isn’t an appropriate step for everyone. For example, if your pregnancy is located outside of the uterus (called an ectopic pregnancy), the abortion pill wouldn’t be effective. An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It’s important for your own health and safety to consult a qualified medical professional before moving forward with your pregnancy decision.
Does It Hurt?
Because every individual is different, this is a difficult question to answer definitively. The types and intensity of pain vary, based on the individual’s unique situation, medical condition, and pain threshold or level of tolerance. Heavy bleeding is a normal part of the medical abortion process. Bleeding may be accompanied by soreness and cramping that lasts a few days (ACOG). Before taking the abortion pill, speak with your doctor to learn about pain management options that may work best for you.
Similar to physical side effects, the emotional effects of taking the abortion pill vary. Some women might feel acceptance or relief with their decision and return to their lives with minimal emotional repercussions. These same women might experience difficult feelings that are triggered later on. Others may go through symptoms of post-abortion stress right away. It can be difficult to know how you’ll feel after taking the abortion pill because every woman’s experience is unique. That’s one of the reasons why it’s important to take the decision-making process one step at a time, until you feel confident in your own best outcome.
Next Steps
Prior to having a medical abortion, it can be helpful to complete an ultrasound exam. We provide limited medical ultrasounds for free at Avenue Women’s Center. An ultrasound can tell you how far along you are, so you know if you are eligible for the abortion pill. Also, it can alert you to an ectopic pregnancy or possible miscarriage. If your pregnancy is not viable, the medical process and cost of an abortion pill may be avoidable, and a different medical process may be necessary.
Contact Avenue Women’s Center today! We’re available to talk with you about abortion procedures, risks, and alternatives. Our role is to help you make an informed decision while meeting you with empathy.
*The above is provided as general information. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. When making decisions about your health, you should discuss your abortion risks, options, and questions with your personal medical team. If you are experiencing medical concerns, you should talk with your doctor, dial 911, or visit the emergency room.
*Abortion laws vary significantly by state. Check your state’s guidelines to assess the legality of abortion options in your area.
_______________
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2024, May). FAQs: Abortion Care. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion
American Pregnancy Association. Medical Abortion Procedures. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/medicalabortionprocedure-1.pdf
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.