HEALTH SERVICES

Abortion services

What is medication abortion (aka the abortion pill)?

Medication abortion, also referred to as the abortion pill, ends a pregnancy with medicine and without surgery.

It's common for women to be nervous about having a medication abortion - or any other medical procedure. But many of us feel better if we know what to expect. Your health care provider will talk with you and answer your questions. Here's a general idea of how it works and what to expect.

Before taking the abortion pill, you will need to:

discuss your options.

talk about your medical history.

have laboratory tests.

have a physical exam (this usually includes an ultrasound).

read and sign papers.

You will also be given a medication guide, instructions, and other information to take home with you, including a 24-hour-a-day, seven days a week telephone number you can call if you have any questions or concerns.

Medication is a process that begins immediately after taking the abortion pill.

There are three steps:

STEP ONE - THE ABORTION PILL

Your health care provider will give you the abortion pill at the clinic. You will also be given some antibiotics to start taking after the abortion pill.

The abortion pill works by blocking the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and pregnancy cannot continue.

STEP TWO - MISOPROSTOL

You will take a second medicine - misoprostol. It causes the uterus to empty.

You and your health care provider will plan the timing and place for the second step. You'll take the second medicine up to three days after taking the abortion pill. Your health care provider will give you instructions on how and when to take the second medicine.

The second medicine - misoprostol - will cause you to have cramps and bleed heavily. Some women may begin bleeding before taking the second medicine. But for most, the bleeding and cramping begin after taking it. It usually lasts a few hours. You may see large blood clots or tissue at the time of the abortion.

More than half of women abort within four or five hours after taking the second medicine. For others, it takes longer. But most women abort within a few days.

It's normal to have some spotting or bleeding for up to four weeks after the abortion. You may use pads or tampons. But using pads makes it easier to keep track of your bleeding.

STEP THREE - FOLLOW-UP

You will need to follow-up within two weeks. Follow-up is important to make sure your abortion is complete and that you are well. You will need an ultrasound or blood test.

In the unlikely event that you are still pregnant, your health care provider will discuss your options with you. Some patients need to have an aspiration abortion if the medcation abortion did not end the pregnancy.

How does medication abortion feel?

For most women, medication abortion is like an early miscarrige. It is normal for you to have bleeding and cramping. You might also

feel dizzy

feel strong cramps

feel nauseous or vomit

have diarrhea

have temporary abdominal pain

have temporary mild fever or chills

Acetminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil) can reduce most of these symptoms. Do not take aspirin.

Why do women choose medication abortion (the abortion pill)?

It can be done early - women can begin treatment as soon as they know they are pregnant.

It's private - women may complete the process at home.

There's no anesthesia.

Many women feel it's more "natural" - they feel it is more like a miscarriage.

Women may feel more in control - many feel it is less invasive.

How safe is medication abortion (the abortion pill)?

Most women can have a medication abortion safely. But all medical procedures have some risks, so safety is a concern.

Rare, but possible, risks include.

An allergic reaction to either of the pills.

Incomplete abortion - part of the pregnancy is left inside the uterus.

Infection

Undetected ectopic pregnancy

Very heavy bleeding

Often, these complications are simple to treat with medicine or other treatments.

In extremely rare cases, very serious complications may be fatal. The risk of death from medication abortion is much less than from a full-term pregnancy or childbirth.

Serious complications may have warning signs. Call your health care provider right away if at any time you have

Heavy bleeding from your vagina and are soaking through more than two maxi pads in an hour, for more than two hours in a row.

Clots for two hours or more that are larger than a lemon.

Abdominal pain or discomfort that is not helped by medication, rest, a hot water bottle, or a heating pad.

A fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts for more than 4 hours.

Vomiting for more than four to six hours and you are not able to keep anything down.

An unpleasant smelling discharge from your vagina

Signs that you are still pregnant.

You should start to feel better each day after the abortion. Feeling sick - having abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomting, or weakness - more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol could be a sign of serious infection. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. Do not wait until your scheduled follow-up.

You may need another visit with your provider. Rarely, women need vacuum aspiration or hospitalization. Take your medication guide with you if you need to visit an emergency room, a hospital, or a health care provider.

The abortion pill may not be right for all women. You shouldn't use the abortion pill if you

Are more than 63 days - 9 weeks - pregnant.

Are not willing to have an aspiration abortion in the unlikely case that the medicines do not end your pregnancy.

Cannot come to follow-up appointments.

Do not have access to a telephone, transportation, and backup medical care.

Have a known or suspected molar pregnancy - one in which the placenta develops abnormally.

Have severe adrenal gland, heart, liver, or kidney problems.

Take any medicine that should not be combined with the medications used in medication abortion - mifepristone or misoprostol.

Take anti-clotting medication or have a blood-clotting disorder.

Currently have an IUD. You will need to have it removed before having a medication abortion.

Talk with your health care provider to find out if medication abortion is likely to be safe for you. If medicaton abortion isn't right for you, don't worry. Another abortion method is likely to be safe for you.

What can I expect after a medication abortion?

Your health care provider will let you know what to do and what not to do after your abortion. Many of us feel shy about asking question, but your provider is there to help you. Feel free to get answers to all of your questions. You might even find it helpful to make a list before you see your health care provider so you remember the questions you want to ask.

GETTING YOUR PERIOD AFTER MEDICATION ABORTION

Abortion begins a new menstrual cycle. You should have a regular period in 4 to 8 weeks.

SEX AND BIRTH CONTROL AFTER MEDICATION ABORTION

Many health care provider recommend that you not have vaginal intercourse or insert anything except a tampon into your vagina for one week after the abortion.

You can get pregnant very soon after an abortion. So, birth control is an important and common concern for women after an abortion. Talk with your health care provider about getting a birth control method that's best for you.

Where can I get a medication abortion? How much does medication abortion cost?

Visit a Planned Parenthood health center, a clinic, or a private health care provider to find out about where you can get an abortion. Planned Parenthood health centers that do not provide abortions can refer you to someone who does.

Nationwide, the cost ranges from $350 to $650. Costs may be more or less, depending on whatever additional tests, exams, or visits are needed.