If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, seeking the abortion drugs (also known as the “abortion pill” or “medical abortion”) may seem like the best option.
However, before choosing to have a medical abortion, you should be aware of the potential health effects.
Continue reading to learn more about who is eligible for a medical abortion and the risks and limitations.
How Does Medical Abortion Work?
Medical abortion, commonly referred to as the “abortion pill,” is used to terminate a pregnancy, typically in the first trimester.
Mifepristone is administered first to block progesterone and cause the pregnancy to detach from the lining of the uterus.
Then, misoprostol is administered to create uterine contractions. These contractions lead to the expulsion of the pregnancy through the vagina.
Physical Health Risks
Incomplete abortion
An incomplete abortion can occur when a portion of the pregnancy tissue remains inside the uterus after the abortion. This can be a serious complication that may have to be treated with a follow-up surgical abortion.
Heavy and Prolonged Bleeding
While vaginal bleeding is expected following an abortion, you should seek immediate medical care if you are soaking more than two pads an hour for two hours.
Infection
Following an abortion, you should monitor for signs of infection. If you have foul-smelling vaginal discharge or have a fever for more than 24 hours, seek immediate medical care.
Mental Health Risks
While you may expect an abortion to provide a sense of relief, it can also lead to sadness, grief, and a variety of more serious mental health effects.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, women who have had abortions are more likely to experience the following:
- Depression disorders
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Suicidal behaviors
- Substance abuse
Limitations of Medical Abortion
Just because you are pregnant does not mean that you are eligible for the abortion pill. Proper medical oversight is essential for protecting your health, including an ultrasound scan and thorough health history.
The following conditions make you ineligible for a medical abortion:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Having an ectopic pregnancy
- Taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your doctor
- Can’t access emergency care
- Having an allergy to the medications used during a medical abortion
- Having certain medical issues such as bleeding disorders, heart or blood vessel diseases, severe lung, liver, or kidney disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
Get the Help You Deserve
For the sake of your health and future, find out more about your pregnancy before having an abortion.
Choices provides free lab-grade pregnancy tests and ultrasounds so you can learn the details of your pregnancy and better understand your options.
We can also answer your questions and connect you with the resources you need.
You don’t have to face this alone.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
Pregnancy Testing
To confirm your pregnancy, start with a no-cost pregnancy test from Choices. We will confidentially provide conclusive results at no cost to you.
STD/STI Services
During your pregnancy test, we also offer limited STD/STI screening. You and your partner receive no-cost treatment if you test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis.
Ultrasounds
If your pregnancy test is positive, complete the confirmation process with a no-cost limited ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms viability, the gestational age, and the location of your pregnancy.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you’ve taken the first dose of the abortion pill method and regret your decision, it may not be too late to save your pregnancy. There’s a process called Abortion Pill Reversal, but you must act quickly.
Pregnancy Testing
To confirm your pregnancy, start with a no-cost pregnancy test from Choices. We will confidentially provide conclusive results at no cost to you.
STD/STI Services
During your pregnancy test, we also offer limited STD/STI screening. You and your partner receive no-cost treatment if you test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis.
Ultrasounds
If your pregnancy test is positive, complete the confirmation process with a no-cost limited ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms viability, the gestational age, and the location of your pregnancy.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you’ve taken the first dose of the abortion pill method and regret your decision, it may not be too late to save your pregnancy. There’s a process called Abortion Pill Reversal, but you must act quickly.
