Understanding how abortion pills work is important for anyone considering a medical abortion, because it helps you know what to expect, how to manage the side effects, and ensure the process is completed successfully.
This knowledge also empowers you to prepare physically and emotionally, recognize what’s normal during the procedure, and identify when to seek medical support.
What Are Abortion Pills?
The abortion pill, also known as a “medical abortion” are a combination of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol, which were approved for use by the FDA in 2000. They are safe and can be used to end an early pregnancy within 10 weeks. (70 days)
How Do Abortion Pills Work in the Body?
Abortion pills work by first blocking the pregnancy hormone progesterone and then trigger contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue. See our abortion pills guide for a more detailed explanation.
Basically this is how you would typically use the abortion tablets mifepristone and misoprostol.
Day 1:- Mifepristone
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the uterine lining. Without progesterone, the lining breaks down and the pregnancy can not continue.
Day 2:- Misoprostol
24 to 48 hours later, misoprostol can either be taken buccally (dissolved in the cheek) or vaginally. It causes the uterus to contract, and then empties the womb similar to a miscarriage
Taking the Abortion Pill: Buccal / Vaginal
Dosage recommendations are based on the FIGO Mifepristone & Misoprostol Dosing Chart, 2023 (PDF). If you can’t access mifepristone, it’s possible to terminate a pregnancy with misoprostol alone.
After 1 - 2 weeks
You need a follow-up visit to check that you’re no longer pregnant and healing well without any complications.
How Effective Are the Abortion Pill?
When taken together, the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) is highly effective at ending pregnancies under 10 weeks, with a success rate of over 97% most of the times.
The earlier the abortion pill is used, the better it works. A follow-up visit 7–14 days later will be needed to confirm that the abortion pill worked. If not, a surgical procedure may be needed to complete the process.
What to Expect after Taking the Pills
After taking misoprostol, you will experience Nausea, chills, fever, cramping followed by bleeding with clots. This are normal signs that the abortion is working.
Likewise, if you don’t experience any bleeding after taking the abortion pills, it may be a sign that the medication has not worked as expected. Incomplete or failed abortions are rare, but they can happen.
If there is no bleeding after 48 hours please contact a healthcare provider or abortion clinic near you for further assessment.
📌 To Learn More Visit:- Our Ultimate Guide to Abortion Pills .
How to Care For Yourself During The Process.
For a smooth process and minimize complications during the abortion process, we advise you adhere to these simple guidelines below.
Bleeding
- Using sanitary pads instead of tampons is a prudent choice for menstrual hygiene, particularly when it comes to tracking any changes or irregulates that may occur throughout your cycle hence preventing infections.
Managing Pains
- Cramping is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Applying a warm heating pad to your lower abdomen can also help alleviate discomfort.
The Bottom Line
Abortion pills pills work by stopping the pregnancy from developing and then helping the uterus expel its contents. While this process is generally safe and effective, it’s important to monitor your body closely to ensure the process is successful.
If you notice unusual symptoms, no bleeding, or persistent discomfort, seek professional guidance immediately
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Abortion Pills Process – FAQ Guide
At Carlton Women’s Clinic, your privacy is our top priority. All our abortion services are strictly confidential, ensuring that your personal information and medical decisions remain private.
Self medication is safe as long as you follow the instructions that we follow.
- Taking the medication as instructed by the clinic.
- Understanding how to care for yourself during the abortion process.
- Making sure you follow the do’s and don’ts following an abortion.
The duration of bleeding after terminating the pregnancy varies per woman. Bleeding can last from 4 to 7 days.
- Always ensure that you monitor the blood flow on your pads to determine if its is excessive bleeding or not.
Advantages
- Privacy:- Can be conducted in your own privacy at home without visiting an abortion facility
- Non-invasive: It does not require any kind of surgery or anesthesia.
- Natural process: Feels similar to a heavy period, making it less intimidating for some similar to a miscarriage.
Disadvantages
- Some women may experience discomfort or other gastrointestinal disturbances that may add to the overall distress of undergoing a medical abortion.
- Another critical risk involves the potential for acquiring an infection during recovery if proper hygiene practices are not observed. Infections after abortion can complicate recovery and lead to further health issues.
- Furthermore, there is a possibility of encountering an incomplete abortion due to patients receiving an insufficient dosage of medication.