In countries where abortion is legal, a woman can have a pregnancy pregnancy terminated using medication till 12 weeks into the pregnancy. This method, known as medical abortion, offers several advantages over surgical procedures. It’s less invasive, can be done in the privacy of one’s home, and often feels more natural to many women. The medications used, typically a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, have been extensively studied and proven safe when used under proper medical supervision. Moreover, this option empowers women to have greater control over their reproductive health decisions. It allows for earlier interventions, which can be both physically and emotionally easier for the woman. The availability of medical abortion has also improved access to safe abortion services, particularly in rural or underserved areas where surgical facilities may be limited. However, it’s crucial to note that proper medical guidance and follow-up care are essential throughout the process. Women should always consult with healthcare professionals to ensure they’re making informed decisions and receiving appropriate care. While the 12-week limit is common, it’s important to remember that laws and medical guidelines can vary between countries and regions.

Key Points!

For a successful abortion procedure, mifepristone (Mifeprex) and misoprostol (Cytotec) must be used together.
Abortion pills are very effective when taken correctly, and have a success rate of more than 90%.
They can be taken up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy and have a low risk of causing complications.
First Seek medical advice before embarking on a medical abortion pill procedure.

Overview

A medical abortion also known as medication abortion refers to a procedure that utilizes 2 specific medications, Mifepristone and Misoprostol commonly known as “Abortion Pills” with the aim of terminating a pregnancy.

This process typically involves two types of tablets. The first is Mifepristone, which inhibits the female hormone progesterone essential for pregnancy growth. The second is Misoprostol, which induces contractions in the uterus to expel its contents.

is the first tablet that is taken orally with water and is meant to block the action of progesterone, the female hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy.

When progesterone is blocked, the pregnancy can not continue.

24 hours later, you will have to swallow the misoprostol or you might be required to self-administer the misoprostol tablets vaginally at home as instructed by the nurse.

Misoprostol is meant to weaken the lining of the uterus and after a few hours the pregnancy will be expelled hence causing a miscarriage also know as an induced abortion.

What happens during a medical abortion consultation?

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The initial stage in obtaining abortion care is a consultation. Typically, this is conducted over the phone, but should you desire a more personal interaction, we offer the option of an in-person consultation at our clinics. During this session, we will evaluate your suitability for telemedicine abortion services, also known as ‘pills by post’. Furthermore, we will provide detailed information about what to anticipate during and after a medical abortion procedure including potential discomfort and bleeding.

How does a medical abortion work?

It is essential to know that there are two different methods of administering the abortion tablets. The preferred medical abortion procedure

strategy is by taking both mifepristone and misoprostol. The combination of both abortion pills has shown to be highly effective and safe, with a success rate of over 95%.

However, there is also an alternative method which is taking only misoprostol abortion pill if . It should be noted that this method is not as successful as the combination method but it can be considered in situations where mifepristone is not available or contraindicated.

As earlier on explained that two abortion tablets will have to used during the abortion process, the two tablets will have to be taken in two consecutive days.

Mifepristone Alone

Misoprostol alone may not be effective as well as the combination of misoprostol and mifepristone.
Dissolve 4 Misoprostol tablets under your tongue and let them dissolve for 30 minutes.
Swallow any remaining pieces in your mouth using water.
Wait for 3 hours and take 4 more Misoprostol tablets with water.
If you’re more than nine weeks pregnant, you’ll need to swallow another 4 tablets after 4 hours incase you havent started bleeding.

Mifepristone & Misoprostol

A combination of Misoprostol and Mifepristone is 97% effective in terminating unwanted pregnancies.
Swallow 1 mifepristone tablet and then have to wait for a period of 24 to 48 hours.
After 24 hours, dissolve 4 misoprostol tablets under the tongue and as they melt swallow everything in your mouth. you may use some water to rinse and swallow.
During this time, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything in order to ensure that the medication is properly digested.
You might be required to swallow another extra 4 misoprostol pills after three hours if you’re more than nine weeks pregnant and haven’t started bleeding three hours after taking the pills, you’ll need to repeat the second step.

Day 3 - Cleaning tablets

After the termination is successful, the next day you will be required to take the antibiotics that you were provided in order to avoid infections.

What to expect

Advantages of Medical Abortion Facts

While personal preferences and circumstances may vary, it is important for individuals to have access to all options for safe and legal terminations of pregnancy, so that they can make the decision that is best for them. Medical abortions are
a commonly reported preference among a significant number of women that they would choose a medical termination of pregnancy over a surgical abortions for a variety of factors.

For most women it feels more natural ike going through a miscarriage.
The perceived ease and convenience of a abortion pills easily accessible near them procedure, which involves taking medication to induce a miscarriage at home, may be an important consideration.
Provides confidentiality and convivence because medication can be obtained via Tele-health without visiting an abortion pill clinic.
Others may feel more in control of the process, as they are able to manage the timing and environment of the termination themselves.
some women may find the prospect of surgery and anesthesia to be intimidating or even traumatic.
Very affordable
This medical approach offers several advantages:
1. Non-invasive: No surgical intervention is required.
2. Privacy: Can be completed at home after initial medical consultation.
3. Accessibility: More widely available than surgical options in some areas.
4. Safety: When used as directed, medication abortion has a high safety profile.
It’s important to note that medication abortion is subject to local laws and regulations. Women considering this option should consult with healthcare providers to ensure they receive accurate information and appropriate care. This method allows women to exercise their reproductive rights while accessing safe and confidential services.

Medical abortion isn't an option if you:

Medication abortion provides women with an alternative way to end an unwanted pregnancy. However, it is important to note that this method may not be appropriate for everyone.

Are too far along in your pregnancy. You shouldn’t attempt a medical abortion if you’ve been pregnant for more than nine weeks (after the start of your last period). Some types of medical abortion aren’t done after seven weeks of pregnancy.
Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy.
Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care.
Have an allergy to the medicine used.

How to prepare for an abortion procedure

Making an informed decision about abortion is extremely important. If you have decided to move forward with the abortion process, incase they interested in terminating an early pregnancy, they may use the Tele-medicine option to consult online and if they qualify for the abortion pill process, then the medication can be delivered to them.

it is important to do some preparation beforehand. You should start by talking to your healthcare provider about the different types of abortion procedures available, as well as the risks and benefits associated with each one. This will help you make a more informed decision about which procedure is best for you.

It is also important to consider the cost of the procedure, any medical abortion process medications, and any follow-up care you may need.

Several abortion options may vary

be less expensive than later procedures, so researching different types of abortion and associated costs ahead of time can help you plan accordingly.

It is also important to make sure you have a support system in place before, during, and after the procedure. Talk to your friends and family members who may be able to provide emotional or practical support throughout the pregnancy termination medicine process.

Finally, take some time to consider your decision and make sure you are comfortable with it. Abortion is a difficult decision, but ultimately it is your choice. Taking the time to make an informed decision and putting a support system in place before the procedure can help ensure that the abortion process is easier.

What to expect after an abortion is done

The abortion process itself is quick and relatively painless, with many individuals describing the experience as similar to menstrual cramps. However, it’s important to note that individuals may experience severe cramping for up to one or two days afterward, and bleeding may last for up to two weeks.

Additionally, pregnancy symptoms usually subside within a day or two following the procedure.

It is also important to note that all individuals who undergo dilation and evacuation (D&E) should be given prophylactic antibiotics. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the cost of an abortion can vary depending on the type of procedure and the clinic or hospital you visit. Make sure to check with your doctor or clinic before beginning the process in order to make sure you know exactly how much it will cost.

It is also important to know that healing after abortion healing isn’t a linear process; it’s ok to go back and forth between feeling relieved, regretful and other emotions.