Drugs have both side effects and risks, but they are different. While risks are chances of complications that could happen but aren’t guaranteed, side effects are known, unwanted (usually unpleasant) effects of a drug.
The abortion pill process is definitely not easy and comes with side effects to note when considering your options. Keep reading to find out how the abortion pills work.
You can also visit Life Choices Family Resource Center to verify your pregnancy and talk with a caring team member in a confidential setting. Schedule your appointment today.
How Do the Abortion Pills Work?
The abortion pill process involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Each drug has a different function. While mifepristone blocks the necessary hormone progesterone to end the pregnancy, misoprostol triggers the uterus to contract and expel the embryo or fetus, placenta, and all other tissue inside the uterus out the vagina.
These drugs cause significant side effects to end and expel a pregnancy.
The Side Effects from Start to Finish
After women take mifepristone to end their pregnancies, they could experience the following side effects: vaginal bleeding or spotting, cramps, pelvic pain, vaginal burning, itching, or discharge, and headaches.
Misoprosol by itself can cause diarrhea, headache, stomach pain, upset stomach, gas, vomiting, constipation, and indigestion. If you vomit blood or have bloody or black, tarry stools, you need to contact a doctor as soon as possible.
In general, the abortion pills can cause upset stomach, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headaches.
However, the main two side effects come from misoprostol, which will trigger contractions and cause heavy vaginal bleeding, which can produce blood clots up to the size of a lemon. (Any blood clots larger than a lemon should trigger an immediate call to your doctor or emergency room visit.)
These two drugs work to end your pregnancy and empty your uterus, and it can take a number of days to complete this type of abortion. During and after the procedure, women need to monitor for warning signs of infections, incomplete abortion, heavy bleeding, or other complications.
Protect Your Sexual Health
Visit Life Choices Family Resource Center in Montrose, Colorado, today. We offer no-cost and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STD/STI testing to verify your pregnancy, collect important details, and safeguard your health.
Only you can make a decision for your pregnancy. We’re here to assist you as you consider your options.
Life Choices Family Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.