Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill): What to Know

What is medical abortion?

Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last period. It involves taking two medications, mifeprex (Mifeprex) and misoprostol (Cytotec), which can be taken at home.

How does medical abortion work?

The first medication, mifeprex, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to continue. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

What are the side effects of medical abortion?

The most common side effects of medical abortion include:

* Vaginal bleeding and cramping

* Nausea and vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Headache

* Fatigue

* Chills

* Fever

These side effects usually go away within a few days.

How effective is medical abortion?

Medical abortion is very effective when used correctly. It is effective in about 95% of cases.

What are the risks of medical abortion?

There are some risks associated with medical abortion, including:

* Heavy bleeding

* Infection

* Incomplete abortion, which may require additional medical treatment

Who can have a medical abortion?

Medical abortion is a safe and effective option for most women who are up to 10 weeks pregnant. However, there are some women who should not have a medical abortion, including:

* Women who have an ectopic pregnancy

* Women who have certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease

* Women who are allergic to mifeprex or misoprostol

How do I get a medical abortion?

If you are considering a medical abortion, you should talk to your doctor. They will help you decide if medical abortion is right for you and will prescribe the medications you need.

What happens after I take the medications?

You will start to bleed and cramp within a few hours of taking the first medication. The bleeding and cramping may be heavy and may last for several days. You may also experience other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, chills, and fever.

You will need to take the second medication 24 to 48 hours after taking the first medication. The second medication will cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

What should I do after I have a medical abortion?

After you have a medical abortion, you should:

* Rest

* Drink plenty of fluids

* Take pain medication if you need it

* Avoid strenuous activity

* Follow your doctor's instructions

When can I get pregnant again?

You can ovulate as early as 7 days after a medical abortion. This means that you can get pregnant again very soon after having a medical abortion. If you do not want to get pregnant, you should start using birth control right away.

What are the advantages of medical abortion?

Medical abortion has several advantages over surgical abortion, including:

* It is less invasive.

* It can be done at home.

* It is more private.

* It is less expensive.

What are the disadvantages of medical abortion?

There are some disadvantages of medical abortion, including:

* It can take longer than surgical abortion.

* It can cause more bleeding and cramping.

* It is less effective than surgical abortion.

* It may be more difficult to find a provider who offers medical abortion.

Is medical abortion safe?

Yes, medical abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy. It is approved by the FDA and has been used by millions of women worldwide.