Most people researching medical abortion have the question “how does the abortion pill work?” The “abortion pill” is typically used to refer to the two medicines, mifepristone and misoprostol, in that order, to end an early pregnancy. Medical abortion as a method of Care for Abortion is endorsed by the World Health Organization when done appropriately for the pregnancy duration and with sufficient support. (World Health Organization)
What is the Abortion Pill?
A medical abortion is an alternative to a surgery.
Two medicines associated with medical abortion are:
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Mifepristone
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Misoprostol
They have different functions and are, in most cases, used together. Mifepristone is used to interfere with the action of progesterone. Misoprostol is used to cause the uterus to contract and assist the expulsion of the pregnancy tissue.)
How Does Mifepristone Work?
Mifepristone is used to block the action of progesterone at its receptors. Progesterone is needed for a pregnancy to continue.
When the progesterone activity is blocked, changes occur in the uterus, and the cervix is prepared for the pregnancy to be expelled.
Because of this, mifepristone is usually the first of the two medicines used.
How Does Misoprostol Work?
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin medicine. It causes the uterus to contract and helps to soften and open the cervix.
These contractions along with cramping and bleeding, can cause the uterus to pass the pregnancy tissue.
The length of the process depends on the situation. WHO says that medical abortion involves bleeding, cramping, and the passing of the pregnancy tissues.
Why Are Mifepristone and Misoprostol Used Together?
The two medications work via different mechanisms.
Mifepristone affects progesterone activity, while Misoprostol causes contractions in the uterus. Using them in combination is more effective than using either of them in early medical abortion alone.
The steps and regimen of the procedure vary in the duration of pregnancy and the individual’s medical background, so individuals should consult a medical practitioner for guidance in place of using online resources.
What Happens After Taking the Medicines?
The use of medical abortion medications is followed by cramps and bleeding.
Other symptoms people may experience include:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Headaches
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Chills
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Fever
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Fatigue
Bleeding may be heavier than usual and may include large clots.
The process is different for each individual.
How Long Does the Process Take?
In medical abortion, the process of termination does not happen immediately after taking the first medicine. WHO says the process may take several hours or days.
Does the Abortion Pill Work for Every Pregnancy?
Medical abortion is not the best method for every pregnancy.
Pregnancy duration, symptoms, and medical history would all influence treatment decisions even before considering abortion. If there is uncertainty or concern surrounding the pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy should be ruled out with medical assessment.
Abortion medicines cannot be used to treat an ectopic pregnancy.
When Does Urgent Care Become Necessary?
Due to the risks involved, urgent medical intervention should be sought if there are any of the following symptoms:
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Very heavy bleeding
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Severe abdominal pain that gets worse
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Fainting
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Extreme dizziness or weakness
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Fever that doesn’t go away
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Severe pain on one side of the abdomen, or pain in the shoulder tip that gets worse
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Abdominal pain with weakness or feeling very unwell
The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia also considers the symptoms listed above to be associated with an ectopic pregnancy. ([وزارة الصحة السعودية][6])
Abortion Pills and Saudi Arabia
It should be appreciated that the information about abortion pills in Saudi Arabia and the information about abortion pills in other countries are often separated from each other.
Local laws do not allow abortion pills in Saudi Arabia and although there are conditions that have been set for abortion care, the Saudi Ministry of Health confirms that abortion pills cannot be provided. ([وزارة الصحة السعودية][7])
If you want to know more about abortion-related care and other considerations of Saudi Arabia, please refer to this Saudi Arabia pregnancy care information.
Medical Advice is Important
Even though the management of medical abortion doesn’t require hospital admission in some circumstances, the implementation of medical abortion requires information and the support of a medical professional.
A health professional can give you advice on whether the situation applies to you to get an abortion pill, determine how far your pregnancy has progressed, and identify if there are any factors that will require another form of treatment.
WHO prefers its current abortion-care guidelines to be context-based based on the stage of pregnancy and the local conditions of the law and healthcare. (World Health Organization, 2003)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill usually describes medications used in medical abortion, like mifepristone and misoprostol.
How does the abortion pill work?
Mifepristone, in this case, blocks progesterone, and the second medication, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions, which aids the body in expelling the pregnancy tissue.
Does the abortion pill cause bleeding?
Yes. You can expect to experience some bleeding and cramping when you undergo a medical abortion.
Can abortion pills treat an ectopic pregnancy?
No. An ectopic pregnancy requires the appropriate medical care and intervention.
Is the abortion pill available everywhere?
No. The rules and regulations concerning legislation and prescribing practices vary from country to country and within different jurisdictions.
Conclusion
To understand the abortion pill, know that each of these components has their own specific role. Mifepristone interferes with progesterone and misoprostol causes contractions to aid the body in the expulsion of the pregnancy tissue.
Pregnancy, medical indications, signs that you might need emergency care, and local laws should all influence your decision to have an abortion. You should be able to access information that you can trust and know what to do to receive appropriate care if needed.
