Over the past few months, there’s been a legal battle over access to mifepristone (also known as Mifeprex), one of the drugs used in the abortion pill regimen. In response, some women have turned to misoprostol-only abortions. If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and your state has been affected by the mifepristone ban, you may be wondering if a misoprostol-only abortion is the right choice for you.
In this article, we’ll explore how misoprostol-only abortions work, their risks and side effects, and help you take your next steps! Keep reading to learn more.
Normally, two pills are taken in the abortion pill regimen.
Mifepristone is taken first, which blocks the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. The embryo stops growing without a steady supply of progesterone. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later, which causes the uterus to cramp, bleed, and expel the pregnancy.
In a misoprostol-only abortion, you skip the mifepristone and take multiple doses of misoprostol instead. The dose you take depends on your gestational age. Misoprostol can only be taken through ten weeks gestation (or 70 days or less since the first day of the last period)[1].
Although misoprostol alone can be used to induce an abortion, this method is not as effective as the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol[2]. Misoprostol can also cause severe side effects, such as[3]:
It’s also important to note that not everyone can take misoprostol. Those who experience kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart or blood vessel problems, or dehydration should not take misoprostol, as it could worsen their conditions[4]. Speak to your doctor beforehand and never order misoprostol online without a prescription!
If you’re not able to take misoprostol, you may be wondering if a dilation and curettage (D&C) is a better option. Unfortunately, D&Cs also come with serious risks, including:
Asherman’s Syndrome is a condition where scar tissue builds up inside the uterus[5]. Women who have had multiple D&Cs are at greater risk of developing Asherman’s Syndrome. In the first trimester, up to 13% of women develop the condition after a D&C. For women who have late-term abortions, the risk jumps to 30%[6].
The cervix can be torn during a D&C. The provider may have to administer medicine or stitch the wound to stop the bleeding[7].
The surgical tools used in a D&C may accidentally poke a hole in the uterus. The wound may be able to heal on its own, but if an organ is damaged, you may need surgery to treat it[7].
An unplanned pregnancy comes with a lot of overwhelming choices. Even one choice can feel like one too many. You don’t have to take this next step alone! Richland Pregnancy Services is a safe, confidential place to explore your pregnancy options at your own pace. We’re here to help you make an informed and empowered decision.
Give us a call at (419) 522-8862 or schedule your appointment online today! All services are free and confidential.
Please be aware that Richland Pregnancy Services does not provide or refer for abortion services.