Facts About Medical Abortion You Might Not Know

If you’ve found out you are unexpectedly pregnant, you may be considering a medical abortion and are trying to read more about it online. Some of the details that matter most may not be obvious at first.

Understanding how the abortion pill works, when it is approved for use, what it cannot treat, and what to expect afterward can help you ask better questions and make an informed decision.

Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic is here to provide you with no-cost pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and information about your options, so that you can be fully informed about your pregnancy and next steps.

Schedule your confidential appointment at the clinic today to get the care you deserve. 

The Abortion Pill Is Actually Two Drugs

The term “abortion pill” can make medical abortion sound like a single drug, but it actually involves two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract, resulting in abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding as the pregnancy is expelled.

These side effects are expected after taking misoprostol. Other side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, chills, and fever.

It Is Approved Only Through 10 Weeks

The abortion pill is approved through 10 weeks of gestation by the FDA. Taking the abortion pill beyond this timeframe could increase your chances of complications such as an incomplete abortion. 

Receiving an ultrasound before any pregnancy decision helps determine how far along you are. Estimating your gestational age based on your last period isn’t always accurate, especially if you have irregular periods. 

The Abortion Pill Does Not Treat an Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. It cannot continue normally and can become a life-threatening emergency if the tube ruptures.

The abortion pill is not effective for treating an ectopic pregnancy. This is one important reason to understand where your pregnancy is developing. 

Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic can provide a no-cost, limited obstetric ultrasound performed by our trained RNs to help you understand how your pregnancy is developing.

You Still Need to Know What to Expect Afterward

Follow-up with your physician after a medical abortion is important to determine whether the abortion was complete or whether additional care is needed.

In some cases, some of the pregnancy tissue may remain in the uterus, requiring additional medical care or a surgical procedure. This is called an incomplete abortion. Other potential risks include an ongoing pregnancy, heavy or prolonged bleeding, and infection.

Buying Abortion Drugs Online Isn’t Recommended 

The FDA does not recommend purchasing the abortion pill online. The FDA says purchasing it outside the approved system bypasses safeguards designed to protect patients.

This means the FDA cannot ensure the drugs’ safety, effectiveness, or quality. 

Get the Facts at Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic

You deserve accurate information before making a pregnancy decision.

Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic provides confidential, no-cost pregnancy services to help you understand your pregnancy and learn more about your options.

Our team is here to answer your questions and listen to your concerns without judgment or pressure. Reach out to make your appointment.

Changed Your Mind After Taking Mifepristone?

If you have already started the abortion pill process and regret your decision, you may still have options. We offer abortion pill reversal. Call us at (707) 463-1436 or text (707) 272-3051 as soon as possible to learn more. You can also contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Network’s 24/7 Helpline.

Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.