What happens during a medical abortion?
Medical abortion involves taking medication orally or through the vagina. It does not require anesthesia or surgery. It works by using a combination of two drugs that, when used together, induce an abortion. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone. Without progesterone, the uterine lining will thin, and the embryo will not stay attached. When misoprostol is taken, it causes the uterus to contract, bleed and expel the embryo. The most common medical abortions are: Mifepristone and misoprostol (oral): You will take mifepristone with your healthcare provider or once you are home. Then, you will take misoprostol 24 to 48 hours later at home. Mifepristone (oral) and misoprostol (vaginal, buccal or sublingual): This is the same medication, except the misoprostol is taken through the vagina or dissolved in the cheek or under the tongue. It is also taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first medication. The most severe side effects from a medical abortion start shortly after taking the second pill. After both doses of medication have been taken you can expect the following to occur: Bleeding and cramping that starts between one and four hours after taking the second pill. Heavy bleeding with blood clots for the next several hours. Heavy cramping for several hours. A low fever or chills that last about a day after taking the second pill. Others report feeling tired, nauseas and dizzy, and having diarrhea. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to make sure there were no complications. Some healthcare providers may prescribe antibiotics, although infection from a medical abortion is uncommon.