What Happens if the Abortion Pill Doesn’t Work
Abortion pills are used to induce an abortion of the foetus. This type of abortion is known as a medical abortion because it is non-surgical. Abortion pills can only be administered in the early stages of pregnancy up until 10-12 weeks of gestation.
The process involves a pill or a combination of two pills. The first is Mifepristone, which halts the growth of the foetus, and the other is misoprostol, which sheds the uterine lining. Misoprostol can be taken immediately after Mifepristone or up to 48 hours after it.
Only Misoprostol can be used for an abortion, but it is not as effective as the combination pills.
There are three ways of using the pills: orally by swallowing it, buccally by dissolving it between the cheeks and mouth, and vaginally by placing it in the vagina.
The process usually involves a lot of bleeding and cramping, an upset stomach and vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, and a mild fever (99-100° F).
However, your fever should not last more than a day; otherwise, it may indicate an infection. Note that symptoms may differ from person to person, so observe for abnormal signs.
For the cramping, consult your doctor for the best course of action. It is best to take a painkiller before misoprostol and avoid aspirin for pain relief, as this will exacerbate your bleeding.
Bleeding:
Bleeding typically starts within a few hours, and the intensity depends on your body and how far along you are. It lasts for hours and tapers down to spotting. Bleeding may last up to 16 days, but after a few days, the heaviness should have decreased.
It is recommended that you use a sanitary pad over tampons to reduce the risks of infection. During this time, it is advisable to take a few days off work to prevent any inconvenience. Also, ensure you are not alone in case of any complications.
Important Note:
Misoprostol, or any medication to induce an abortion, should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional. If you have any questions or concerns about a medication abortion, consult a healthcare provider.
What Happens if the Abortion Pills Do Not Work?
When using the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, it’s about 98% effective early, typically within the first nine weeks. Its efficacity, however, decreases as your pregnancy progresses.
Using medication abortion earlier in pregnancy reduces the risk of complications and ensures a smoother process.
If it fails to terminate the pregnancy, you might be administered more misoprostol, but if that fails, you may have a surgical procedure to remove any remaining pregnancy tissue.
Even with a successful abortion, you might still have pregnancy tissue that needs to be expelled.
As such, a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider is crucial within 1-2 weeks to confirm a complete abortion. This may involve:
- Ultrasound
- Blood test
Typically, the menstrual period will return four to eight weeks later. If it does not, it is best to consult your doctor.
It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for guidance and supervision throughout the medication abortion process. They can advise on the most suitable approach based on your specific situation and ensure your safety.
