The abortion pill may seem like the most convenient option, but it could impact your health in many ways. The abortion pill can affect your physical and mental health, but every woman’s journey is unique.
Here are the risks to know about before you move forward with your pregnancy decision, as protecting your health is a top priority.
How Does the Process Work?
The abortion pill, known as medical abortion, is a two-step process that involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol.
1. Mifepristone
The first drug in the medical abortion process, mifepristone, is taken at a doctor’s office or abortion clinic. This drug blocks the progesterone hormone produced in a woman’s body during pregnancy, preventing the embryo from implanting or growing.
2. Misoprostol
The second medication taken during a medical abortion is misoprostol, which is typically taken at home. This drug causes the uterus to contract and release the embryo through the vagina.
Physical Risks of the Abortion Pill
The most pressing question on your mind when considering the abortion pill may be, ‘what will it do to my body?’
Common physical risks of the abortion pill include incomplete abortion, heavy/prolonged bleeding, infection, fever, and digestive system discomfort.
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs that could require medical attention after a medical abortion include:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Already Struggling With Your Mental Health?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly one in five adults has a mental illness. They also share that women are more likely than males to experience mental health disorders, with 25.8% of women experiencing any mental illness (AMI) and 15.8% of men experiencing AMI.
You may already suffer from depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Abortion can amplify these even more.
Mental health professionals have created a label to diagnose women struggling with post-abortion feelings so they can get the help they need. Post-abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) can differ between women.
The abortion experience can leave some women at an increased risk of the following:
- Substance use disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal behaviors
Get More Clarity Today
Get answers when it comes to your pregnancy, your options, and the risks to make an informed decision.
Our compassionate team at Woman to Woman Health Center offers lab-quality urine pregnancy testing for insurance and Medicaid verification. Pregnancy viability is confirmed via ultrasound to ensure you are not experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. We also provide screening and treatment for active STD infections, which should be addressed prior to abortion. We can provide, at no cost, blood screening to ensure you have no unknown blood clotting issues that could be exasperated during and post-abortion. Schedule a free appointment to begin pregnancy confirmation to learn what options are available based on your eligibility. Why? Because you’re worth it!