7 Common Myths and Facts Around Abortion Pills

When you have decided to discontinue the pregnancy, the first step is to keep your options open. If you are ten weeks pregnant or less, you could opt for the abortion pill in most medical facilities.

There are many people that ask will abortion pill work after 10 weeks of pregnancy? The answer is yes. Medical abortion can be performed in the first trimester of pregnancy (3 to 14 weeks), second trimester of pregnancy (14 to 28 weeks) or even third trimester of pregnancy (beyond 28 weeks; late term abortions).

Procedures beyond 21 weeks in many states in the U.S are now illegal to perform Abortion pills or aptly medical abortion is one of the safest ways to end the pregnancy, but there are several myths around the procedure that women restrain from it.

One should never believe in what people have to say, instead look for facts so that a constructive decision could be reached. Here are some common myths and the corresponding facts that would offer you a clearer perspective and wisdom to choose better.

1. Medical Abortion Is A Risky Procedure

People have a misconception that if something is considered as safe, there is certainly more to the picture. Through the years, it has been witnessed that women have been very hesitant to try abortion pills owing to the risk concerned. But, one should also look at the facts before concluding.

As per a study, medical abortions have a complexity rate of even less than one percent. This is itself a proof that the combination of mifepristone (RU 486, Mifeprex) and misoprostol (Cytotec) is the safest way to get through an abortion.

There is a risk in almost everything, even when you decide to deliver a baby, there are risks involved. There is certainly a higher risk of complications and maternal death when going through a full term delivery vs medical abortions.

Abortion pills do not affect future fertility except in extremely rare cases (less than .001 percent) When the chances of failures are few, opting for abortion pills would be worth a try.

2. Abortion Pills Leads To Excruciating Pain

Many women ask “is the abortion pill painful?” If it were said that abortion pill has no pain associated with it, it would be completely wrong! Women are liable to experience different pains in their life.

Be it the menstrual cramps, going through the delivery, or getting an abortion; pain is a side effect one can’t do away with. Approximately 50% of women describe the pain as about the same as having a heavy menstrual period and do not have to ise any medications for discomfort.

Approximately 40 to 42 percent of patients will need to take some sort of anti-inflammatory medication (Motrin, Ibuprofen etc). The other 8 to 10% of patients may need a stronger medication for pain or discomfort.

Taking the first pill; Mifepristone does not normally cause that much of a discomfort. There are a small number of women that may begin having vaginal bleeding along with uterine cramping beginning within the first 12 hours of taking Mifepristone.

But, when a woman takes the second pill (Misoprostol) it leads to uterine contractions that, in turn, are likely to cause pain similar to menstrual cramps or even labor pains.

But, one should know that the intensity of the pain varies from woman to woman. One should not give up on abortion pills just because of the pain factor.

When you call the abortion pill clinic or medical provider, and the pain medication given to you is not working, they will more than likely prescribe you some form of narcotic medications that would help you deal with the pain.

3. Abortion Pills Are A Complete No-No For Teenagers

If you are a teenager who is looking for abortion options, you must have heard not to try abortion pills. But, one should be clear on the fact that abortion pills are safe for teenagers too.

The only thing that one should be careful about is; extra post-abortion care as the abortion pill pain could take the better of a teen girl if they normally do not experience bad menstrual cramps.

There are some teenagers who become pregnant are afraid to communicate this to their parents. This may lead to delay in being referred to a medical facility for many weeks.

The further one is in pregnancy, the higher the chance of complications that may occur with the abortion pill procedure. The further along in pregnancy the medical abortion is performed means a higher cost.

This can cause a significant financial burden for the teenager and her family. It becomes important to talk to your parents because it is their support at the end that would help you get through it.

If you are a minor, you would need consent from your parents. And, there is a law that requires a teen who is 18 years old or below, to inform their parents before getting an abortion.

Alternatively, the girl could apply in the court of law for a waiver. According to this waiver, you could opt for abortion without involving parents, but the reasons for it should be reasonable and acceptable.

4. A Woman Cannot Get Pregnant Again

Some misconceptions are doing the rounds that a woman cannot get pregnant again if they choose to undergo a medical abortion. There are no proven facts to this myth, which is no less than deception.

Whether you choose the surgical procedure or the abortion pill method; both are safe and do not impact fertility in any manner.

When in future, you would be prepared to get pregnant, you can and that too without complications. There is no effect on miscarriages, congenital disabilities, or even infertility later.

Countless women have chosen abortion in the past and have successfully delivered new-born without much difficulty later.

5. You Can Buy Abortion Pills Without Prescription

There are times when women feel embarrassed or even fear to visit a specialized medical center for abortion purposes. This is why they consider it better to buy abortion pill online or from any medical store.

But, this is one practice a woman should never consider. If abortion is in your mind, the first thing to do is visit an abortion pill clinic near you.

A thorough checkup would be undergone, and only after a doctor finds it suitable, a medical abortion would be suggested. One should also be careful with the medical center they choose.

The clinic should be certified and registered to offer you abortion procedures. It is highly recommended not to take risks and follow a systematic procedure as it is about your health and well-being in the end.

6. Abortion Pills Is Just An Alternative To The Surgical Procedure

It is a misconception that women, who are too scared to opt for surgical abortions, consider abortion pills. This leads to the belief that the abortion pill is no more than a substitution for the surgical procedure.

But, it is far from reality. Abortion pill has its unique identity, which is a safer, easier, and a faster way to end the pregnancy.

The abortion pill is a natural way that can be undergone in the comfort of one’s home if 10 to 12 weeks or less. After 12 weeks, one should consider completion of the Abortion Pill Procedure in the medical facility.

That is the reason behind its rising popularity and dominance over the surgical procedure. However, one should never overlook the need to consult a doctor when it comes to precautions and post-abortion medication assistance.

7. Abortion Pills Process Can Be Reversed

Some believe that after having the “mifepristone,” if a woman tends to change the decision to abort, and does away with “misoprostol,” the procedure can be reversed.

Mifepristone works as a anti-progesterone agent by causing the lining of the uterus (endometrium and blood vessels to shed) which separates the pregnancy away from the uterine wall.

There are medical providers that suggest giving a woman large dosage of hormone “progesterone,” can reverse the abortion process.

This seemingly may work at times in reported cases but there are no long term studies that show how effective this process is or the side effects to the mother or fetus.

There is no way one can reverse an abortion procedure! If you are into it halfway, the procedure cannot be reversed. There are chances that progesterone injections may not harm you, but why to even try something that is not doing any good either.

Wrapping Up

These are seven myths and the corresponding facts revolving around abortion pills. Always remember to keep your options open and your facts straight before getting an abortion.

Also, never hesitate to consult a health care provider and ask questions. You deserve to know everything about abortion and that too truthfully, before getting through the procedure.

The Fort Lauderdale Women’s Center is Offering The One Hour Abortion Pill Procedure – 3 to 14 Weeks. Patients who qualify may receive a significant discount in the price of the procedure if they meet certain criteria.

Call Us Now For Same Day Appointment.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center