If you didn’t plan on getting pregnant, you may be searching for information about the abortion pill. You may have heard it’s a simple solution, but you might also be wondering how effective it really is, what the risks are, and whether it’s a safe choice for you.
Below is a quick look into each of these questions and the concerns many women have about abortion pill effectiveness, safety, and potential risks.
Please note: this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns or emergencies.
Abortion Pill Effectiveness
The abortion pill, also referred to as a medical or chemical abortion, is used to end an early pregnancy up to 10 weeks. The abortion pill is a combination of two drugs, mifepristone (blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to support the pregnancy) and misoprostol (causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy).
However, the further along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective it may be and the chance of needing additional medical care can increase.
Approximately 2-8% of women experience an incomplete abortion after taking mifepristone and misoprostol, with the likelihood increasing as pregnancy advances. Some women require an additional surgical procedure to remove remaining pregnancy tissue or to treat heavy bleeding.
For these reasons, an ultrasound is important to confirm how far along the pregnancy is, whether it is developing, and whether it is located inside the uterus. This is important for your health and safety.
Abortion Pill Safety
Like any pharmaceutical drug, the abortion pill comes with side effects and risks that vary from person to person. As pregnancy progresses, the abortion pill becomes less effective and the likelihood of additional medical treatment increases.
The abortion pill cannot treat an ectopic pregnancy. An undetected and untreated ectopic pregnancy, whether the pregnancy develops outside of the uterus) can be life-threatening and needs to be diagnosed and treated by a medical provider.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia and gonorrhea, may have no symptoms. You don’t even know that you have them. If left untreated, they can affect reproductive health and may increase the risk of complications.
It’s important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy with an ultrasound and be tested and treated for STDs before taking the abortion pill. At Parkville Women’s Clinic, we offer no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STD/STI testing and treatment, and pregnancy option counseling.
Possible Risks and Complications After Taking the Abortion Pill
While medical abortion may appear like a private and less invasive option, research has linked it to higher complication rates.
Potential complications include:
- Incomplete abortion requiring surgical follow-up
- Heavy bleeding which can potentially require surgery
- Blood clots in uterus
- Fever
- Infection
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe or persistent cramping and pain
- Ongoing pregnancy if the abortion fails
Some women require emergency medical evaluation or an additional surgical procedure after taking the abortion pill. Knowing the warning signs and seeking prompt medical care if they occur is an important part of protecting your health.
If you are experiencing any of the above side effects, seek emergency medical care. Tell your healthcare provider which medications you have taken. This information helps your medical team provide the safest and most appropriate care.
What Should I Expect?
After taking the abortion pill, most women experience cramping and bleeding as the uterus empties. The amount of bleeding and cramping varies from person to person and may be heavier than a normal menstrual period. Follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to confirm that the abortion is complete and to address any concerns or complications.
Talk to Someone Who Cares
We understand how overwhelming pregnancy decisions can be, and you shouldn’t have to navigate them alone. If you have questions about the abortion pill, we’re here to support you with compassionate, confidential medical care. Parkville Women’s Clinic cares about you and your safety.
Schedule an appointment to talk through your questions about the abortion pill and your pregnancy today.
While we do not perform or refer for abortion, we are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based information so you can make an informed and confident decision about your future.
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