You may have heard that taking the abortion pill is as simple as taking ibuprofen—but this comparison is highly misleading. While it might seem like a quick and easy option, a medical abortion is still an abortion and can involve many of the same physical and emotional side effects as a surgical procedure.
In this blog, we’ll explain how the abortion pill works and what side effects you may experience after taking it.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The popular name “abortion pill” is actually a little deceiving. For one, it’s not just one pill. A medical abortion involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Secondly, it’s often not always taken orally. In many cases, misoprostol requires vaginal insertion requiring a medical professional to administer.
The abortion pill works by a first dose of mifepristone, which blocks your body’s ability to produce progesterone, which is vital for fetal viability. The second pill, misoprostol, causes contractions and forces your body to expel the pregnancy tissue.
Again, not the sort of experience your body goes through when taking an ibuprofen.
Abortion Pill Side Effects
The effects your body experiences during and after a medical abortion can vary based on how far along you are in your pregnancy and how your body responds, which is different for everyone.
Common Side Effects
Many of the symptoms you’ll experience will be stronger versions of your body’s response to your monthly period. These include:
- Bleeding and spotting
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Other common symptoms include fever, chills, and a range of emotional responses. Many women report mixed feelings of:
- Relief
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Depression
- Guilt
It’s essential to approach the emotional aspects of a medical abortion with care. Feeling confident in your decision is key, and ensuring you are fully informed can help you navigate the process with clarity and support.
Uncommon, But Serious Side Effects
As mentioned before, a medical abortion is still an abortion procedure. As such, you may experience some of the more serious symptoms that come with a surgical abortion.
These include:
- Infection
- Severe bleeding
- Crippling anxiety and/or depressionn
- Incomplete abortion
What is an Incomplete Abortion?
An incomplete abortion is when the abortion procedure fails to eject all fetal tissue from the body.
If not all pregnancy tissue is expelled, it may result in an incomplete abortion, which could require follow-up medical care to ensure your health and well-being.
Is a Medical Abortion Right for Me?
While it is tempting to affirm your decision and claim that a medical abortion is no different from taking an ibuprofen, this unfortunately overlooks the complexity and risks that come from the medication.
An elective abortion is a major decision, and it’s important that it’s made in an informed environment, free from pressure.
If you're considering a medical abortion in Texas, it's vital to consult with a local healthcare provider or clinic that can offer you all the necessary information and support. You can also access free pregnancy testing and ultrasound services to help ensure that you are making an informed decision.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/description/drg-20064805