Abortion is a sensitive and often polarizing topic. But the truth is that abortion is a common medical procedure. In fact, 30% of American women have this procedure in their lifetime.
If you're considering an abortion, make sure you understand your options and the facts about abortion procedures. You may want to learn about the abortion pill, which is a medication-induced abortion. Find out more about the abortion pill in this guide.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is taken in two doses. Typically, the first dose (mifepristone) blocks the hormone progesterone, which is essential for sustaining a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the uterus lining breaks down, and the fetus is expelled.
You can take the second dose of medication (misoprostol) 24 to 48 hours after taking mifepristone. Misoprostol causes contractions of the uterus, and the fetus is expelled.
Keep in mind that the abortion pill is different from emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill. The morning-after pill is a high dose of birth control that can be taken up to a few days after unprotected sex. The morning-after pill does not terminate a pregnancy – it prevents a pregnancy from happening in the first place.
Pro-tip: If you think you may be pregnant and want to take the abortion pill, it's important to act quickly. The abortion pill is most effective when taken within the first eight weeks of pregnancy. Though it can be taken up to about 70 days after the first day of your last period, it's less effective the longer you wait.
What Can You Expect After You Take the Abortion Pill?
After you take the abortion pill, you can expect some bleeding and cramping. These symptoms are normal and usually last for a few hours to a few days. You may also have some spotting or light bleeding for a week or so afterward.
Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, breast tenderness, or mood swings. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience severe side effects, such as profuse bleeding, severe pain, or fever, you should call your doctor right away.
You may need to follow up with your doctor after taking the abortion pill. They will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure that the abortion is complete and that you are recovering properly. If you have any questions or concerns during this time, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor. For more information, contact an abortion pill clinic near you.
Share25 May 2022
One day I was playing a game of basketball with a friend, and the friend I was playing ball with tripped and took a hard fall to the ground. He hit his head hard, but he insisted he was okay and just wanted to go home and take a nap. I knew in my heart that he was not thinking clearly, and I didn't feel right letting him go home. I talked him into letting me take him to the hospital, and after some tests, it was determined he had a bad concussion. The doctors told me that if I had let him go home and sleep, things could have taken a turn for the worse. I created this blog to remind everyone to look out for each other after injuries. Not everyone thinks clearly after a head injury, and just being a good friend could save a life.