Medical abortion is the official name for terminating an early pregnancy with prescription drugs.
You might have heard of medical abortion before by another name such as the abortion pill, self-managed abortion, at-home abortion, online abortion, mail-order abortion, chemical abortion, medication abortion, or Plan C.
These names represent different characteristics or qualities of medical abortion but ultimately refer to the same procedure.
Medical Abortion: How Does it Work?
A medical abortion uses drugs to end and expel a woman’s pregnancy.
The most common form of medical abortion utilizes two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
While the first drug blocks the hormone progesterone to end the pregnancy, the second causes uterine contractions to expel the embryo or fetus and pregnancy tissue through cramping and bleeding. It can also come with other side effects.
Medical abortion usually takes a few days, as the drugs are spaced out by either days or hours. The specifics depend on a woman’s unique prescription.
As with any medical procedure, abortion comes with risks. You can read about the risks of both medical and surgical abortion here.
Considerations Before Medical Abortion
Before moving forward with an abortion, consider the below actions. Only you can decide for your future, but these will help protect your health and safety and build your confidence:
- Consider every one of your available pregnancy options.
- Receive an ultrasound to ensure you’re pregnant with a viable pregnancy within the FDA-approved timeframe for medical abortion.
- Pursue STD testing and treatment to prevent an existing infection or disease from spreading deeper or worsening.
- Understand the procedures, risks, and side effects.
Visit Sienna Women’s Health in Ypsilanti
If you’re in the middle of an unexpected pregnancy, we can help. Schedule a no-cost appointment for pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. Our caring staff can lend a listening ear and offer resources to support you during this time.
Schedule online at a time convenient for you. We’ll provide services and answer your questions in a confidential and comfortable setting.
