Medication Abortion by Pills - Mifepristone and Misoprostol
Using the abortion pill is a method that uses a combination of two medications. Mifepristone blocks a hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. The next medication, Misoprostol, then causes the uterus to contract and expel the uterine contents. This process is less invasive than a procedural abortion and is a great option for terminating an early pregnancy.
Medication abortion process
State laws in Florida and North Carolina require two in-person visits for abortion care. At your first in-person appointment you will complete an ultrasound, lab work, medical history, counseling session, and receive state-mandated consent.
When you return for your second appointment, you will receive your first dose of the medication, Mifepristone, to be taken in our office. The second medication, Misoprostol, will be given for you to take the following day. You may be instructed to take this medication orally or to insert it vaginally. You will be given the option of taking this dose in the privacy of your own home. Within 24 hours after taking Misoprostol, you should experience some cramping and bleeding. Your uterus will contract and its contents will be expelled.
Symptoms and Side Effects
Most women will experience cramping and bleeding, which usually means the treatment has been successful. Bleeding may be similar to or heavier than your usual period. You may also pass some blood clots and tissue which is a normal part of the process. Bleeding lasts 9 to 16 days on average but may last as long as 30 days. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue.
To learn more about Mifepristone please visit www.earlyoptionpill.com.
How Effective Is the Abortion Pill?
Studies have shown that medication abortion using Mifepristone and Misoprostol is highly effective. Mifepristone has been successfully used by millions of women worldwide. Roughly seven women out of every 100 using this method will not completely terminate the pregnancy. For those women, a procedural abortion may be done at our facility.
Follow-Up
We will call you three days after your procedure to check in. We ask that two weeks after your visit, you return to A Woman’s Choice for a pregnancy test and possibly an ultrasound examination to determine if the abortion is complete. This follow-up appointment is included in your fee! At this visit, we ensure that you have a negative pregnancy test. If you are still pregnant, we will discuss your options, which may include a procedural procedure to end your pregnancy. Your next normal period may return 4-8 weeks after your abortion.
Follow-up appointment availability varies at each clinic. Please call to schedule an appointment time.
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