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,’ is not a single pill. It is a combination of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol, which were approved for use by the FDA in 2000.
How Do Abortion Pills Work in the Body?
Abortion pills work by first blocking the pregnancy hormone progesterone and then cause the uterus to expel the pregnancy.Â
Mifepristone
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the uterine lining. Without progesterone, the lining breaks down and the pregnancy can not continue.
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
📌 For More Details Visit :- Our Abortion Pills Guide .
How Effective Is 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.Â
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.Â
Caring 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.
Womb Cleaning!
For a smooth process and minimize complications during the abortion process, we advise you adhere to these simple guidelines below.
Hygiene
- Do not insert anything into the vagina (tampons, menstrual cups, or sexual intercourse) for at least two weeks.
- Avoid swimming pools, sitting in soap water or using bath tubs. These precautions are very essential in preventing infections after abortion.
Rest & Recovery
- Take it easy for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least a week.
- Gradually return to your normal routine as you feel better.
Eat Notorious Foods
- Maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water and diluted juices to support your recovery.
- Iron-rich foods (like spinach, lentils, and red meat) can help replenish your body after blood loss.
Sharing is Caring!
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. Â
- Making sure you follow the do’s and don’ts following an abortion.Â
The duration of bleeding after terminating the pregnancy varies per woman. Bleeding can last from 4 to 7 days.Â
- Always ensure that you monitor the blood flow on your pads to determine if its is excessive bleeding or not.Â
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.Â
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.
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