Abortion Pills and Your Health

If you are considering taking abortion pills to deal with a positive home pregnancy test, there are multiple factors to consider before getting them. In recent years, it has gotten much easier to obtain a prescription for abortion pills without even having to see a medical provider to obtain medication. Many retail and online pharmacies sell abortion medications like Plan B One Step, Julie, Aftera, and many other brand names that you can have shipped to your home without seeing a doctor or prescriber. Be aware, though, that taking any of these medications without consulting a licensed medical professional can pose some risks for your own personal health. This article will discuss abortion pill risks and cautions to help you make an informed decision about next steps if you suspect you are or may be pregnant and are considering abortion pills.

Emergency Contraceptives/Morning After Pills

Medications like Plan B One Step or other “morning after pills” are designed for use within the first 72 hours after having unprotected sex. Medications like these pills can often be obtained without a prescription, and they are aimed at preventing pregnancy by delaying ovulation. These medications are referred to as emergency contraception because women may have had unplanned or unprotected sec and fear pregnancy could result. Without consulting with a medical professional though, you could experience some side effects like changes in your menstrual cycle with heavier or lighter bleeding than normal due to the pill’s high progesterone dose. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal cramping, breast tenderness, and fatigue are also possible side effects. It’s important to point out that breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting can also be symptoms of pregnancy—particularly if you may have missed a menstrual cycle or had unprotected sex within the last 6-8 weeks. Checking with a medical professional before taking emergency contraception is ultimately the safest option to help determine if a morning after pill is safe for you. These medications may be less effective in obese women, meaning there is a chance the medication may not work to delay ovulation and pregnancy could result

Abortion pills for confirmed pregnancy 

Abortion pills aimed at ending pregnancy after six weeks or up to around 10 weeks gestation are available in most states. These pills involve doses of two medications—misoprostol and mifepristone—that must be taken in the correct order to end pregnancy. When taken as designed, the pregnancy can end within 2 to 24 hours of final dosing. Importantly though some women require an extra dose of medication. If taken too late (after 10 weeks’ gestation), the medications may be ineffective. These medications can often be obtained without seeing a medical professional, but as with emergency contraceptives, you may be more prone to negative side effects or ineffective treatment if you do a self-administered home abortion. Additionally, any questions you may have about specific side effects or problems you are at risk for will go unanswered.

Meeting with an experienced and licensed medical professional will ensure the protection of your own health and to minimize the risk for unwanted side effects from use of abortion medications. A medical provider with Anchor of Hope can review your unique medical history, details about your last menstrual period, and use of in-clinic pregnancy and ultrasound testing to determine if use of these medications are safe. Keep in mind that missing your period may be caused by other health issues. Stress, hormone fluctuation, medications, or underlying history of medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, extreme weight changes, ovarian cysts, or thyroid dysfunction are all health conditions that can alter your menstrual cycle. Taking an abortion medication without verifying pregnancy means you may be at risk for side effects unnecessarily. 

Anchor of Hope exists to offer women a free and confidential clinic to undergo medical evaluation and treatment for possible pregnancy and screening for sexually transmitted infections. Our team is experienced at caring for women’s needs and helping to connect you with information and community resources to help you make informed decisions about your health. Contact our clinic to talk with a professional team member who can answer your questions with a listening ear and a heart-level desire to help meet your needs.