What Medications Can Be Used Safely For An Abortion With Pills
Abortion with pills involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. They can be used togetheror misoprostol can be used aloneto empty the uterus safely and effectively by starting a process similar to a miscarriage. When misoprostol is used alone, it is slightly less effective but still very safe. This method is very common because mifepristone is not available in many places.
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Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and eight other senators asked the FDA in a letter last week to to expand access to mifepristone by approving its use for miscarriage management. This would improve women’s access to the pill in states that are restricting access, the senators wrote.
The FDA has approved mifepristone in combination with the tablet misoprostol as a method to terminate pregnancies before the 10th week. Mifepristone prevents the pregnancy from continuing and misoprostol causes contractions that empty the uterus. The method is 96% to 98% effective at ending early pregnancies.
The abortion pill has become an increasingly common way to end a pregnancy in the U.S. Abortions with the pill increased 154% from 2011 to 2020, according to CDC data.
More than 620,000 abortions were performed in the U.S. in 2020, a 15% decrease since 2011. Almost all abortions, 93%, are performed at or before the 13th week of pregnancy, and 80% are done at or before the ninth week, according to the CDC data.
Surgical abortions are the second most common method to end a pregnancy. About 40% of all abortions were performed with surgical procedures at or before that 13th week of pregnancy, according to the CDC.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Medication Abortion
Medication abortion is not suitable and may not work for everyone. If you have any concerns, it is important to discuss them with someone you can trust. Such as a partner, friend, family member, teacher, school counsellor or health professional.
Advantages of medication abortion include:
- Is effective for around 95 to 98% pregnancies and no further treatment is needed.
- Does not need to take place in a hospital or day surgery so it doesn’t require a surgeon, anaesthetist or other medical staff. This makes it a suitable alternative for people in remote areas as long as they have access to emergency care.
- Is a less clinical and non-surgical procedure, which some may prefer.
- Some people feel it is a more natural process.
- It happens in a home environment.
- You usually have more choice about the timing.
Disadvantages of medication abortion include:
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Why Do Women Have Abortions
There are many reasons why a woman might choose to have an abortion. Deciding to have an abortion is a deeply personal choice and in many cases, a very difficult decision to make.
For example, the pregnancy may be unplanned and the womans personal circumstances might make it difficult or impossible to raise a child. These reasons could include financial considerations, being in an abusive relationship, where assault is involved, not being the right time, or the woman may not want to have a baby.
Some women may discover there is something wrong with their baby or that continuing with the pregnancy may put their own health at risk.
Whatever the reason a woman decides to terminate a pregnancy, the choice is hers to make.
Tansy To Induce A Natural Abortion
Before proceeding with the use of Tansy, it is important to note that Tansy is a potent and toxic herb. The popularity of Tansy had been declining as people opt for less poisonous herbs that can bring the same results.
Tansy still has its advantages. It is an excellent insect repellent. As an abortifacient, Tansy works well as long as you follow the dosage and instructions to the letter. The compound Thujone is very potent in Tansy meaning anyone with pre-existing epilepsy, kidney and liver problems, and phototoxicity should not use it.
The essential oils derived from Tansys flowers should never be ingested. They are toxic even in small quantities.
To use Tansy for abortion, put a teaspoon of dried Tansy leaves powder in a cup of hot water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink 3-4 times a day for no longer than seven days. To use Tansy as a tincture, put ½ -3/4 of a teaspoon in a cup of warm water. Drink 3-4 cups in a day for no more than seven days.
Do not use Tansy together with Vitamin C to avoid a counteraction.
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What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that happens outside of the uterus. This happens when a fertilized egg implants in a structure that cant support its growth. An ectopic pregnancy often happens in the fallopian tube . In rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy can occur on an ovary or in the abdominal cavity.
This is a life-threatening condition. An ectopic pregnancy is not a pregnancy that can be carried to term and can be dangerous for the mother if not treated right away.
How Late Can You End A Pregnancy
The vast majority of pregnancies are terminated before 16 weeks, but in some medical cases you may be able to end a pregnancy when youre farther along.
Still, the ultimate cutoff of when its possible to terminate a pregnancy, or whether you’re able to end a pregnancy at all, depends on your state laws as well as the providers or clinics available in your area.
If youre thinking about ending your pregnancy because of health reasons, its best to start the conversation with your provider sooner rather than later.
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How Serious Is An Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. The uterus is uniquely suited to hold a growing fetus. Its an organ that can stretch and expand as the fetus grows. Your fallopian tubes arent as flexible. They can burst as the fertilized egg develops. When this happens, you can experience large amounts of internal bleeding. This is life threatening. An ectopic pregnancy needs to be treated right away to avoid injury to the fallopian tube, other organs in the abdominal cavity, internal bleeding and death.
What Is Medication Abortion
Medical abortion video, courtesy Sexual Health Victoria
Medication abortion is an alternative to surgical abortion. This type of abortion can be performed in the early weeks of pregnancy .
Medication abortion uses a combination of 2 medications mifepristone and misoprostol to end an unplanned pregnancy.
Medication abortion is a low-risk, non-invasive way to terminate a pregnancy. It is around 99% effective.
Around 2 to 5% of people who have a medication abortion will need some follow up treatment to complete the abortion.
An increasing number of GPs in Victoria provide medication abortions. Some services offer telehealth as an option via a phone call and your tests are organised locally.
Visit our page Abortion in Victoria for more information about where to find an abortion provider.
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Where Can I Find More Information On Abortion With Pills
Reliable, evidence-based information on how to safely self-manage an abortion with pills can be found on the websites of these organizations:
- Women Help Women: www.womenhelp.org
- Women on Web: www.womenonweb.org
There are also these reliable mobile apps available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store:
Common Questions And Answers
Abortion with pills is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy, but you must use the right medications. There are many counterfeit and poor-quality abortion pills available. Here are 10 common questions and answers to help you find the right pills.
More information on how to self-manage an abortion with pills
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What Does Medical Abortion Feel Like
For most women, medical abortion feels like a bad menstrual period. The bleeding will be much heavier than a normal period. They will probably have strong to severe cramps, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. These symptoms are normal. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the cramps. But the doctor will want to know if any of the following occur:
- Bleeding through more than 2 sanitary pads in an hour.
- Fever above 100°F for more than 4 hours.
- Pain even after taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
When To Call The Doctor
Though pregnancy fatigue is a totally normal symptom, if you’re feeling unrelentingly tired or are otherwise concerned about your health, don’t hesitate to check in with your health care provider. He or she can rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms, which may include:
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
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Other Possible Complications Of Medication Abortion
If you think you are still pregnant after a week or you are not bleeding at all 24 hours after taking misoprostal, seek medical assistance straight away.
If the abortion does not occur and you remain pregnant, it is recommended that you do not continue the pregnancy. In some cases, the medications you have taken may cause malformation of the developing fetus.
Vitamin C To End Early Pregnancy
The use of Vitamin C as a natural way to end a pregnancy is probably the most common of all the home remedies for abortion. Using Vitamin C appears to be comfortable enough, though there are factors that one should consider before selecting this method.
It is possible to overdose on Vitamin C. Excess Vitamin C in your body will be detrimental to your kidneys. This method is not recommended for anyone with kidney stones, sensitive kidneys, or any other kidney problems. You must pay attention to the dosage and instructions.
Vitamin C is abundant in lots of fruits. It is better, however, to consider Vitamin C supplements instead. This is mainly to keep a lid on the dosage. When purchasing the Vitamin C supplements, make sure they only contain Ascorbic Acid. Avoid any supplements that contain Bioflavonoids or Rose-hips because they have the opposite effect.
Take a maximum of 10-12 grams of Vitamin C per day for 5-10 days. This dosage should be started at 500mg and then gradually raised to 10-12 grams. Split your dose intake into equal intervals to make sure that the rise in Vitamin C levels is gradual but steady. You might need to wake up in the night to ensure you keep your Vitamin C levels at par.
Vitamin C works by raising the levels of Estrogen in your body. When Estrogen levels rise, Progesterone levels decrease. Progesterone is the hormone responsible for the growth of the embryo. Reduced levels of Progesterone will lead to bleeding and eventual spontaneous abortion.
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What Are The Symptoms Of An Ectopic Pregnancy
The early symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can be very similar to typical pregnancy symptoms. However, you may experience additional symptoms during an ectopic pregnancy, including:
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Pain in your lower abdomen, pelvis and lower back.
- Dizziness or weakness.
If the fallopian tube ruptures, the pain and bleeding could be severe enough to cause additional symptoms. These can include:
- Rectal pressure.
When a tube bursts, you may feel sharp lower abdominal pain. This is a medical emergency and you will need to contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room immediately.
If you realize that you are pregnant and have an IUD in place, or have a history of a tubal ligation , contact your healthcare provider right away. Ectopic pregnancy is more common in these situations.
Forceful Methods To Terminate A Pregnancy
Women also use forceful methods to terminate a pregnancy. These methods not only induce early abortion but are risky and can be dangerous. It can also cause complications in future pregnancies.
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Can I Buy Abortion Pills Without A Prescription
Mifepristone and misoprostol can be obtained from a health provider, from pharmacies and medicine sellers, and from the internet. Depending on what country you live in, a prescription may be required to buy mifepristone and misoprostol from a local pharmacy or medicine seller. But the two medications are often sold without a prescription. Misoprostol is typically much easier to buy because it is also used to treat ulcers and to prevent or stop heavy bleeding after childbirth. Mifepristone and misoprostol combi-packs and misoprostol alone can be bought from online pharmacies and organizations that support people to self-manage their abortions .
Weight Gain During Early Pregnancy
Weight gain becomes more common toward the end of your first trimester. You may find yourself gaining about 1 to 4 pounds in the first few months.
Calorie recommendations for early pregnancy wont change much from your usual diet, but they will increase as pregnancy progresses.
In the later stages, pregnancy weight often shows up in the:
Hormones can cause the valve between your stomach and esophagus to relax. This allows stomach acid to leak, causing heartburn.
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What Are The Different Types Of Abortions
There are medical and surgical abortions. Some differences between the different types of abortions include:
- Medical abortions : A woman will take two different medicines . The medication is given by a healthcare provider and is either taken in the providers office or at home . Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions about how and when to take the medications.
- Surgical abortions: In this type of abortion, a healthcare provider will surgically remove the embryo from the uterus. These types of abortions require mild sedation, local anesthesia or general anesthesia . Some other terms for surgical abortions are in-clinic abortions, aspiration abortions and dilation and curettage abortions. Some reasons women have a surgical abortion are personal preference, too far along in pregnancy or a failed medical abortion.
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
- Bleeding a lot .
- Very bad belly pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Squaw Mint Or Pennyroyal Herbs
Pennyroyal comes in two types American Pennyroyal and European Pennyroyal . Pennyroyal is one of the most potent herbs. Anyone handling this herb should be extra careful because it has been known to cause death.
As dangerous as it is, Squaw mint is very useful in treating a myriad of ailments. It has been used since the 1800s to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and other respiratory problems, stomach pains, gas, intestinal disorders, liver and gallbladder issues, gout, mouth sores, and venomous bites. Squaw mint is also applied to the skin to act an insect repellent and is used on pets as a ticks and fleas repellent.
Pennyroyal is also a dangerous abortifacient. It contains a compound known as Pulegone that causes uterine contractions and bleeding. Fresh or dried Pennyroyal leaves can both be used to create the tea you need to jump-start the abortion. Put 20 drops of Squaw mint in a cup of hot water. Drink no more than 4 cups a day for five days or until bleeding is underway.
Under no circumstances should you use Pennyroyal essential oil internally as it is very poisonous. While some people advise that you apply the essential oil on your body, please note that the effect of Pennyroyals essential oil is equivalent to taking 50-75 gallons of Pennyroyal tea.
Stick to the stipulated dosage. Squaw mint is harmful to kidneys and liver, and anyone with pre-existing kidney and liver problems should not use this herb.
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