A medical abortion refers to the use of pills to conclude a pregnancy. This method became available for terminating early pregnancies since the FDA's initial approval of mifepristone (Mifeprex) and misoprostol (Cytotec) for this purpose in 2000. Throughout history, individuals have utilized medicines and herbal remedies in attempts to terminate unplanned or undesired pregnancies. Prior to the introduction of the "abortion pill," the sole dependable method to end a pregnancy was through surgical procedures.
However, how does the abortion pill work? Not only that but what to do before taking an abortion pill or what happens during a medical abortion. Fret not; this article will help you explore detailed answers to prominent questions regarding medical abortion.
What exactly is an abortion pill?
The term "abortion pill" can cause confusion as it doesn't pertain to a solitary pill. In actuality, a medical abortion consists of a series of prescribed pills taken across two days - beginning with mifepristone (Mifeprex), and subsequently, misoprostol (Cytotec). These medications are also known by various alternative terms such as:
- Medication abortion
- RU-486
- At-home abortion
- Plan C
What to do before taking an abortion pill?
If you visit a medication abortion or RU 486 abortion clinic in person, you might undergo an examination, laboratory tests, and an ultrasound to determine the stage of your pregnancy. Your nurse or doctor will advise you if any further preparations are needed for your abortion. They will furnish you with written instructions on how to administer the prescribed pills. Throughout the procedure, a caring professional will be accessible to support and aid you.
Expect significant bleeding and cramping following the intake of misoprostol, so it's advisable to plan ahead to enhance your comfort during this time. You can choose to be at home or any comfortable location for your rest. It's recommended to stock up on maxi pads, food, books, movies, or any items that help pass the time, along with a heating pad for managing cramps.
What happens in the process of a medication abortion?
The process of a medication-induced abortion generally encompasses multiple stages and typically includes two specific medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Nevertheless, it is also feasible to undergo an abortion using solely misoprostol.
At first, mifepristone is given. This particular pill works to stop the progression of the pregnancy. Following the intake of mifepristone, most individuals do not experience any immediate sensations.
The subsequent medication is misoprostol. You'll either have to consume the misoprostol immediately or within a 48-hour window after taking the initial pill. Your doctor or nurse will provide instructions on the timing and method of consumption. This medication induces cramping and bleeding, leading to the evacuation of your uterus, expelling the pregnancy tissue through the vaginal passage.
How does the abortion pill work?
So, how does the abortion pill work? The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol effectively ends pregnancies of less than 10 weeks, achieving a success rate of over 97% in most cases. The effectiveness is notably higher when administered earlier in the pregnancy. For pregnancies approaching 11 weeks, an additional dose of misoprostol might be necessary to ensure the completion of the abortion process.
The subsequent follow-up appointment, scheduled between 7 to 14 days later, aims to confirm the success of the abortion pill. In instances where the pill hasn't been successful, a surgical abortion procedure might be recommended at a medication abortion or RU 486 abortion clinic to terminate the pregnancy.
Final Words
Hopefully, this article helped you learn - how the abortion pill works, along with some other important questions related to medication abortion. To summarize, a medical abortion, recognized as a highly safe and efficient method, is used to terminate pregnancies within the initial 10 weeks of gestation. Termed as the "abortion pill," this process involves a sequence of two medications taken over a span of 2 to 3 days.
If you are in search of a trusted and professional RU 486 abortion clinic in Orlando, visit Orlando Women's Center!
