Before we talk about the often unknown drawbacks of a medical abortion, we should explain what type of medical procedure this is first. A medical abortion is also known as the abortion pill method.
You take two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a pregnancy. All pregnancies need the hormone progesterone to develop. Without progesterone, a pregnancy can’t continue.
Mifepristone, the first drug taken, blocks progesterone, which terminates the pregnancy. You take the second drug, misoprostol, to expel the pregnancy and tissue from your body. Many women report severe pain and bleeding after taking misoprostol.
Taking a few pills sounds easy, doesn’t it? However, there are several reasons why the abortion pill method may not work for you. Let’s take a closer look.
Not Everyone Can Have a Medical Abortion
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a medical abortion isn’t a safe option for the following reasons:
- You are allergic to either mifepristone or misoprostol.
- The location of your pregnancy is outside of your uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy and can cause serious, life-threatening health issues.
- You use long-term corticosteroids for such things as asthma, eczema, or arthritis.
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place.
- You have a blood-clotting disorder, anaemia, or chronic adrenal failure.
- You don’t have access to emergency care.
You Might Have an Incomplete Abortion
One risk of the abortion pill method is an incomplete abortion. When an abortion is incomplete, the pregnancy ends, but not all of the pregnancy tissue leaves the body.
Doctors refer to this as retained products of conception. You may experience a fever, pelvic pain, and an infection. Heavy bleeding or blood clots could indicate an infection, and you may need additional surgical intervention.
You Are Too Far Along in Your Pregnancy
The FDA approves the use of the drugs for a medical abortion through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along you are, the less effective the drugs become, and the more dangerous this method becomes.
The exact date you got pregnant can be difficult to determine, but getting an ultrasound can detect the number of weeks and even days.
A Pregnancy Test May Not Be Enough Information
Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Because it takes a woman’s body days or weeks after a miscarriage to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test after a miscarriage. There’s no reason to pursue a medical abortion if you’re no longer pregnant.
Taking more than one test is essential. Whether you need to take your first test or you need to retest to confirm the results, come to HopePlace for free, confidential pregnancy testing. Our team ensures your test results are correct.
Before Ordering the Drugs, Get the Facts First
We care about your health and safety. Get as much information about a medical abortion as soon as possible. We can help you.
The caring team at HopePlace provides the space you need to learn about your pregnancy, express your concerns, and get the facts about a medical abortion.
Don’t take risks. Meet with a healthcare professional before ordering any drugs. Fill out our convenient online contact form. We’re here for you.