Mifepristone..."The Abortion Pill": The Facts

SerendipUpdate's picture

Biology 103
2000 First Web Report
On Serendip

Mifepristone..."The Abortion Pill": The Facts

Sujatha Sebastian

On September 28, 2000 the Food and Drug Administration after several years of research approved Mifepristone, better known as the "abortion pill", for distribution in the United States. The FDA's decision will have a definite impact on women's health care in the United States. There will be social and medical repercussions. The drug has caused controversy not only in antiabortion groups, but in Pro-Choice groups as well. Critics are worried that an abortion available in pill form will be "too easy". They are worried that use of the pill will be abused. What many people do not realize is that while Mifepristone will be beneficial to women's health care, it is not without side effects. In light of all the recent coverage that the "abortion pill" has been given in the media, and all the misinformation surrounding it, I decided researching that Mifepristone would be interesting and helpful. The purpose of my paper is to discover how Mifepristone works, how it is administered, and to look at its side effects. I want to demonstrate the benefit Mifepristone will be to women's health care, while showing that it is not an "easy" solution to abortion.

"Mifepristone, formerly known as RU-486, is a medical alternative to aspiration abortion."(1) It works by blocking progesterone from being absorbed into the uterus. When this happens the uterus sheds the endometrium (lining in the uterus, therefore inducing menstruation. (2 When Mifepristone is used as a method for abortion is it administered as part of a three step process. The first step is that 200 mg of Mifepristone is given orally in a doctor's office. Then within 24 to 48 hours the patient is given 400 mg a drug called Misoprostol either orally or in a suppository form. Misoprostol, which is a synthetic hormone, is used to get the cervix to soften and dilate as well as getting the uterus to relax. The embryo is then expelled.(2) This is supposed to happen approximately fours hours after the administration of the drug. The final step is an examination by a medical professional to make sure the abortion is complete. (2)

There are restrictions as to who can use this medical method of abortion. It is only intended for women to use up to nine weeks after their last menstruation period. Women who are under 18 or over 35, epileptic, diabetics, or suffering from heart, lung, kidney, liver, stomach or intestinal disorders are ineligible. As are women who have taken steroids within the past 12 months, or deemed overweight or a heavy smoker. Women who have used an IUD or hormonal contraceptive within three months prior to conception are not allowed to take Mifepristone as well.(2)

Like any drug or medical method there are side effects to using Mifepristone and Misoprostol. It is the number of side effects and degree of each that critics argue about. The FDA has determined that taking Mifepristone does cause various degrees of pain. Short term physical effects can be pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue.(2) There are psychological side effects as well. In some cases products of the conception are visualized. (3)

The use of Mifepristone will have a definite impact on reproductive freedom in this country and the world. (3) It is seen as less invasive procedure which gives the woman more freedom and privacy. In the United States it has been reported by the Alan Guttmacher Institute that eighty-nine percent of the abortions occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Mifepristone will allow women another option to terminate a pregnancy in its early stages. (2) Twenty-four percent of the world's population lives in places where abortion is not legal. (3) As a result a significant population of women perform their own abortions or receive illegal abortions which kills them. The medical method of abortion would allow women in these areas of the world to receive a safe method of abortion.

A major issue that critics of Mifepristone have is that they feel that the drug will allow abortions to become "too easy". But the drug is only administered in a medical office and requires at least three visits. The last visit is an examination to see that the abortion is complete and that the mother is in good health. Before the patient is given Mifeprex tablets (Mifepristone) she must sign an agreement in which she acknowledges that there are side effects, that there is a three step process, and that 5 to 8 women out of every hundred do not have successful medical abortions and need surgical abortions . (5) Critics worry that the drug will cause an increase in the number of women who have abortions. Supporters of the drug cite the fact that in France, where the drug is manufactured and was first administered, there has not been an increase in the abortion rate. (2)

Mifepristone will change the way that abortions are administered. This method gives a woman more autonomy and does not require her to go through surgical procedure. It can also prevent pregnancy by taken as soon as a day after she has had intercourse. This new method will allow more women to have access to safe abortions. Mifepristone opens the door to a new area of medicine in which previously surgical procedures are now approached in a medical manner. Whether in support of or against Mifepristone one has to recognize the new technology the drug represents.

One of the problems I had when researching information was finding unbiased information. Both pro and anti Mifepristone groups used "research" and statistics to their benefit. Distinguishing the difference between opinion and fact was difficult. This is especially true because there is not a lot of accurate information about Mifepristone published by reliable sources. This is due to the fact that Mifepristone has just recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Mifepristone that will be beneficial to women's health care and medicine. But one must realize that it is not without side effects and cannot be seen as an "easy" solution to abortion.

 

WWW Sources

1)www.plannedparenthood.org/mifepristone.html, Mifepristone

2)www.rascalnut.com/naral.ohio/RU486.html, The Facts about Mifepristone (RU 486)

3)www.mja.com.au/public/issues/sep15/henshaw/henshaw.html, Mifepristone

4)http://jinx.sis.unsw.edu.au/~greenlft/1994/137/137p28htm, "Abortion Pill": A Woman's Right to Choose by, Kath Gelber

5)www.popcouncil.orgrhpdev/mifeprex/patient%5Fagreement.html,The Patient Agreement Mifeprex (Mifepristone) Tablets

6) www.pages.map.com/lroberge/ru486.htm, RU486: The Hidden Effects by Lawrence F. Roberge

6) www.nrlc.org/ru486/propsedFDAregs.html, RU486 *Please note that some of the sources read during my research were from biased sources (the National Right to Life Committee web site for example). Facts were not used from these sources in my paper. These sources were instead used to discover the arguments anti-Mifepristone groups had and to see the false information they were publishing about the drug.

 

 

Continuing conversation
(to contribute your own observations/thoughts, post a comment below)

08/06/2005, from a Reader on the Web

I took that pill and almost blead to death now i have have to say it's not as easy as it sounds it is very painful like child birth but more blooder atleast for me i now have endromitrious and may have to have my women parts removed i had nothing before i took those pills i'm 37 so i'm just saying better think it out before you take it because it's dangerious i have a son who is 18 it was easier for me to have him then go through childbirth than taking those pills becuse i'm still not well and it has been 7 months


10/10/2005, from a Reader on the Web

For what it's worth, I though I'd share my personal experience using Mifepristone almost a month ago.. After having made the difficult choice to abort, I learned of this pill as an alternative option to having the traditional surgical procedure. Of course, as anyone would, I opted to try the pill because it seemed -less- painful and was something I could do in the privacy of my own home. After having been given the first pill, Mifepristone, at the doctors office on a Friday afternoon, I finished out my day at work with minimal side-effects at that point. The Mifepristone made me slightly sick to my stomach, but compared to the ongoing morning sickness I'd been going through, it wasn't so bad. (ha ha) Misoprostol was the next step, given to me in the form of 4 tablets, to be inserted vaginally myself at home. I was also given a full bottle of Vicodin, as well as a bottle of 800mg Ibuprophen for the pain the doctor anticipated I would encounter (this worried me a little). Late Satuday afternoon, I'd say around 4:30pm, scared to death not knowing what to expect once everything started, and knowing I couldn't turn back now, I inserted the tablets and took 1 Vicodin as directed. About 30 minutes from the time I did this I began to have cramping comparable to what you would feel during a typical menstrual period.. but not for long. Within an hour I had severe cramping.. I'd been warned the pain could equal that of actual child-birth contractions, and this must have been it. (I've never had a child, so I can only imagine) I was to the point of feeling like I would pass out if the pain didn't let up when I passed the first, and largest, portion of what -was- the pregnancy.. Many people will tell you that all you'll see is blood and clots, and it's unlikely anything will look like actual tissue.. but mine sure did.. Large masses of gray tissue were expelled for the following numerous hours. Somewhere close to midnight that night I felt relief enough to know it was over.. or so I thought. 4 days after this, while I -should- have been feeling more or less back to normal, I began to experience increasing pain in my abdomen. I called and spoke with my doctor about this, but felt as though she didn't seem concerned at all. No more than 2 hours after hanging up the phone I developed a fever that shot through the roof out of nowhere, and my heart began beating unbelieveably TOO fast. The "increasing pain" in my abdomen now had me laying in bed, hardly able to move. I called my mother who left work and rushed to my home to get me. I couldn't even get out of bed to let her in when she arrived I hurt so bad. I ended up in the emergency room that afternoon with a heartbeat of 143 beats/min.. (Check your own and then you'll see just how high 143 is) and a 103 temperature I ended up fighting to keep away for the next 4 days. To make a long story short, that first afternoon I spent over 8 hours in a treatment room in the emergency area before they got my vitals under control and discovered the cause of everything.. The abortion pill I used began attacking my own body in a sense, and began a horrendous infection in my uterus. In the end I spent a week in the hospital on 3 of the most potent anti-biotics available, as well as some heavy-duty narcotic pain killers, while specialists from the surrounding hospitals kept watch over me constantly. It's now been almost a month since then, and I still have to have blood work done, as well as ultrasounds every now and then to keep monitoring my recovery. I have constant sharp pains in my abdomen and have been told the scar tissue left over from the infection may now keep me from becoming pregnant in the future.. It's all so much to deal with, and honestly, I don't think I've come to terms with everything yet. It still feels like a bad dream. Regardless of my experience with the pill and side effects it caused me, I can still step back and look at the broad picture of things.. The majority of women who use this method have no problems, and for them, this is a good way to go. I really do think it's a better choice for most, than to have the surgical abortion.. BUT - be warned.. It's not "easy" using the pill, and there's no way to know how you're body will react to it. I never knew I'd go through the things I did because of it. This is definitely not something to be looked at as the "new contraceptive" either, as some are saying. It's so risky, putting your body through something like this. It could take a toll on you that will effect the rest of your life. Like me.. Will I ever be able to have kids after everything that happened? Every woman out there should begin by being aware of how to avoid an unwanted pregnancy from the start. Such as life happens, and most protection only offers 99.9% effectiveness, we forget that's NOT 100%.. If you still become pregnant and choose to abort, do your homework.. read about all possibilities, and all side effects for each.. then decide what's best for you. I think the pill is a great option.. but be careful, it's certainly not without it's flaws.

 

Additional comments made prior to 2007
It has been almost 2 months since I had made the painful decision to get an abortion. I am only 18 years old so you could imagine hoe scary it was for me. After they examined me and told me how far I was they put me in this rome with a female doctor so I can take the oral pill that actually determines the pregnancy. When I took that pill, I felt fine until I had to get something in my stomach, I couldn't even eat my stomach was turning so bad. the doctor told me that I could insert the four pills vaginally anytime between then and 48 hours after the visit. I decided to insert them that night to get it over with and about an hour after it was literally hell. I was vomiting,bleeding perfusely, and experiencing pain more severe then I had ever felt before. To make a long story shorter, it has been about 2 months and I still haven't exactl stopped bleeding. I am young and afaid to go get checked because of it, and my life will never be the same. I had no choice my situation at the time wasn't what I wanted and now I will always regret it ... Reader on the web, 12 August 2007

 

 

I used the pill around february of '07. I was 6 1/2 weeks and I guess I didnt really know what I was getting myself into. I took the first pill which I had no side effects to. When I took the second one the next day, it was almost immediate cramping. Basically the worst cramps I had ever had. I was puking, had diarrea, and was in so much pain I was balled up on the couch crying. I guess I was a "lucky" one because my horrible cramps only lasted about an hour until I passed the birth tissue and then they subsided. Although I bled for a month after that (most of it not heavy), I completly regret it to this day. All I can ever think about is a perfectly beautiful child is now in a sewer somewhere. It's horrible, but thats how I think of it now. I wish I could go back and change things. I wish I never did it. All I hope is that it didnt hurt my chances of having a child in the future ... Reader on the web, 13 September 2007

Comments

Haley's picture

To Trisha

I went through with an abortion for the seame reasons as you (well some of them). I didn't want to go, I didn't want to hurt my baby, but I couldn't face the possibility of telling anyone - my parents, my friends, other adults who I looked up to.
Having the abortion was the worst thing I could have done - it was the absolute wrong decision for me. I'm 27 - I know it's a little older than you, but I see kids of friends of mine and what nasty terrible parents they are - yelling at their kids, making them feel like crap because they can't control their tempers, and I know my baby would have had a better life than them, but yet MY baby is gone and THOSE friends' kids deserved to live and have a chance at life?
These are the things that plague me. I'm not saying they'll plague you too, but I was instantly horrified after the abortion and I felt a lot like you.
Now looking back all the reasons I thought I had for choosing abortion are nothing & meaningless. I would gladly be homeless in the street right now if I could go back and change the decision I made and have my baby alive and well inside of me.
Please think this through. You will feel the change in your body when the baby is gone and if you're anything like me, it will make you sad. I miss my baby. I WISH I could feel him (or her, but I feel like it was a boy) again.
You can never go back and change this decision - it is irreversible. For me, it's a mistake I can never fix or change or make up for. Nothing can or will ever bring MY child back.
Whatever choice you make will be yours - because you can't be exactly like me, I know. But just consider my reality before you make your choice.
And look on the internet for other options - I found them all too late. If only I'd googled around before I went to that stupid clinic.
I thought I'd get over it and just live with my decision before I went through with it. Now I realize how wrong I was.
Good luck in whatever your outcome. I hope you don't live the reality I do now.

trisha's picture

Thank you all

Hi guys. Thank you all for your heart warming messages and advice. I have figured out that every individual is different and i have decided to go through this process.

I have been to the gynae today and will be doing the procedure on Monday. As heart breaking and emotional i am, i have to do this, due to family responsibility, career plans and financial issues.

I really want you all to pray that all goes well and when i am ready i will have a healthy baby/or even for me to be fertile. because im not ready to be a mother now, and i know someday when i am ready i will give everything for my baby. I love my baby that is inside me and i will always feel guilty but god does these things to make us think and realise whats right.

To my little angel, mummy is really sorry angel and i want you to know that i love you with all that i have. Please forgive me. I donot want to bring you into this world and have difficulties with your upbringing. I am so sorry sweetheart.

I know your'll may be thinking why i write the above, this is the only place where i can speak my heart out. Thank you all so much for your support and my advice TO ALL GIRLS THAT I HAVING SEXUAL INTERCOURSE ABD NOT READY TO HAVE A BABY: please spend allitle money on birth control or whatever that stops you from having a baby when u not ready, donot wait until u miss your deadline and realise you are preganant. Please i beg u 2 take extra care and take responsibilty of your actions. Abortion is not something that u can forget, it will eat you up everytym u see anything that has to do with a baby, let alone seeing a baby or hearin that any1 is expecting.

All the best. Take care and please be safe(i wish i were more responsible)

Love: Trisha

Haley's picture

response to Trisha

My thoughts are with you & my offer still stands. Call or email if you need to. I'm not sure if you received my emails. It might be easier to talk to a stranger than to someone you know.
Take care.

trisha's picture

Hi

Hi.Thank you for that heart throbing message.i really dont know what to do,really.I am so lost.heres my life simplified:
I am a 3rd year HR student, i teach indian dancing to over 30 kids, i have a loving family, 2 elder brothers and 1 older sister.1 brother is married with twin girls at 3 years.
My boyfriends family is a business family with a well known reputation as my family in our area. they have no babys in their family. his sister who is married is trying to have a baby for 3 years and has some difficulties. Now how can i bring a baby with all these things in my life. I have smoked and drank before i knew i was pregnant @ 7 weeks. i have danced so much in these weeks as we are booked. i have planned so many things in life to have a engagement and my studies. I am so confused and to make matters worse my boyfriend wants this baby now. Help me please.i wish i could just die and never live another day with this. I am starting to show that i am preganant.

Haley's picture

Trisha - email

I know it's confusing and difficult - I've been there. I also had a few drinks while pregnant because I didn't know I was pregnant. I also exercised pretty hard because i was extra hungry and didn't know it was because I was pregnant and I wanted to work off the extra calories. The funny thing is that when I went for the procedure, the staff there tested my blood and it turns out I would have had a healthy pregnancy - that only makes me feel worse now.

I sent you an email with my cell number if you want to talk because I WISH I had talked to someone about it and I didn't - I couldn't face anyone I knew, but you don't know me and you never have to see my face, so maybe it will help to talk to someone who you never have to meet.

Just remember that everything is going to be ok - no one ever told me that and I think I would have needed to hear it. Life WILL go on, even if your plans change slightly. You have a lot of possible options. Don't panic and don't feel helpless and out of control - You are the ONLY one in control here and don't let anyone make you feel otherwise. My thoughts are with you and you are NOT alone.
Call m if you need to - I mean that!

Serendip Visitor's picture

plss help

hi
if anyone can help answering my query that i had taken abortion pills on 1st may .. its already been two months now.. i hvnt got my next periods.. i jus wanna know how long it takes after abortion pills to have periods....
plssss help
does that mean m still pregnant .. but the test i did exactly after 4-5 days says negative.. wat now...

Serendip Visitor's picture

I had the procedure in early

I had the procedure in early may and I got mine 6 weeks after. They told me it's most common to get your period 4 to 6 weeks after you take the pill. Good luck!

Serendip Visitor's picture

8weeks prg. & monday

I'm 18 n I'm 8 weeks pregnant...
And this Monday I'm going in for the abortion pill ....
I'm really nervous but I just can't take care of an unwanted baby... But I hope everything goes good I have the support of my boyfriend, cousin,sister n friends but my parents don't know anything ...n I don't wish to tell too ashame too face them.
But I Hope its not as bad as everyone says it is.

Serendip Visitor's picture

hi, im 16 and i just had mine

hi, im 16 and i just had mine about a month ago,
and i can assure you there is nothing for you to be nervous about, my cramps weren't all that bad, they weren't any different from my normal period cramps. the bleeding was annoying though (buy lots of maxi pads!) mine lasted for about 2-3 weeks. Im glad you have so much support, but it would be nice to tell your parents, as soon as i found out i told my mom right away! She wasn't upset with me, she was only upset that she would never think it'd tell her! It made me and my mom closer in my opinion. Your parents love you no matter what, and it's best they know. I know what you mean by the ashamed feeling, i felt the same way, like my parents thought less of me, but i feel like they're proud of me for making my own choices, and i bet they would too. your 18 and deserve to have a happy, fun, young life!

thumbellina's picture

anyone had the pill after 10weeks gestation

i would like to hear from anyone who has had the abortion pill from after 10 weeks pregnant. does it hurt more and can you tell that its a baby when you pass it. this is baby no. 10 for me but dont know if i could cope with yet another little one. im so depressed trying to make the hardest decision of my life

Serendip Visitor's picture

yes i had a medical abortion

yes i had a medical abortion at 14 weeks due to my poor baby having trisomy 21 it wasnt so bad just like mild labour and over as soon as you pass baby its heart rendering and i didnt look at baby as i wwas extremly distressed at having to terminate but i can tell you they are around the size of the palm of your hand and have skin etc

Serendip Visitor's picture

Did i passed it or not?

Ok i took the first last tuesday june the 14 and the other 4 the next day im reading all these post about people seeing this gray shit coming out and all that all i seen was blood clots and they are not the size of goft balls, those that mean the pill did not work

Serendip Visitor's picture

Ok, I don't know where all

Ok, I don't know where all these horror stories about almost bleeding to death and being the worst pain ever are coming from, but considering experiences like that only count for about 1% of all medical abortions, maybe most of them are from a bunch of pro-lifers who want to scare girls into not taking the pill. :/
I just took the pills and it was nothing like the nightmarish experiences I'm reading about here (physically anyways). I personally didn't want to have an abortion but was faced with the decision of suffering some bad medical difficulties carrying the baby to term, or ending it now before it was too late. I, after a lot of though and guilt, chose to end it and try to have a baby at another time when I am healthier and not on so many meds that can cause birth defects to boot. I still feel horrible about having to end the pregnancy emotionally. But physically it wasn't even as bad as most of my periods I've had, and I think it's pretty shady to try scaring girls out of this safe method of early term abortion. Their reasons could be like mine, where they have to choose between their health and lives, or going through with a high risk pregnancy.
My bodily experience was easy, to say the least. I took the first pill on thursday with absolutely no noticeable side effects. Then this evening I began to bleed a little bit, so I took the last 4 pills by mouth. For the first hour I got a mild headache, some mild nausea, and few mild cramps that come and go, then I got up to go to the bathroom because I had to pee, and before I even made it to the toilet a few clots fell out, followed by the embryo. And that was it. For about an hour or two afterwards I had some light bleeding that has all about stopped now. My throat is a bit dry, my head and stomach still aches a tiny bit, and I am a bit dizzy and tired, but other than that, nothing bad happened.
Now idk, maybe mine went without a hitch because I was only 3 1/2 weeks pregnant, and maybe these horror stories are all coming from women who used it when they were almost finished with the 1st trimester, but a lot of them sound pretty over the top to me. That doesn't mean this is something you should use as birth control, and the choice to abort should never be taken lightly. I'm just saying if this is something you have to do, don't worry about it unless you really do start to experience horrid side effects. I haven't so far. So my honest experience is, while it is emotionally heartbreaking, it did not make me that sick. I hope my experience helped.

MS. Pitts 's picture

Response to ur post!

Hello I agree with ur post 100% I was 7 weeks when I took the pill and people said so many horror stories but when I took it! I can compare it to a normal period! I had diarrhea but that's all n spotted for weeks my only problem is I did it April 19 11 and I still haven't had a period!

Serendip Visitor's picture

Abortion is a different for every woman

For the women who said "it was easier than most periods," consider yourself very lucky. I entirely believe the other women's stories about the physical pain, as I had a similar experience. The cramps were so painful I was curled up crying in the fetal position for probably around 5 hours, and having to get up every few minutes to the toilet because I was heavily bleeding. What people don't realize when they read these stories is that every women's body is different. You could have a totally different experience. However, just know that it could be as bad as these stories. One mistake I think abortion clinics make is that they do not adequately warn you if how severe the physical pain and bleeding can be. I know I had no idea. Also, whether you are pro-life or not, an abortion will have emotion as l consequences. And at least in my case, have feelings of regret, and 'what if' thoughts. Hope this helps.

Serendip Visitor's picture

thank you.

thank you.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Response

I, too, made the painful decision to terminate my 8-week pregnancy via the "abortion pill." I experienced more emotional issues than physical. I am 19-years-old, single, jobless, and without a car. Being a full-time college student and aspiring actress/novelist, my decision was based off of various factors. While I believe my decision was for the best, I feel immensely guilty. The pain and discomfort were temporary. The emotional psychological damage is long-term. I must agree with you that the pill should not be ostracized. While I don't believe one should use it as an alternate contraception, I feel it was a safer, more personal alternative to aspiration. That being said, everyone's body is different and no one can determine how their body will react to such a harsh procedure. Some tolerate pain more well than others. Thus, one cannot deem these experiences exaggerated or fictitious. If that is indeed the case, those people need to remain silent.

Visitor____Hello's picture

When i try the abortion pill

When i try the abortion pill it was not bad at all.I mean yes at first you feel nervous and scared because you dont know what to except but when you take the first pill its really nothing. When you take the second pill you start feeling these cramps that feel like your monthly cramps. These procedure was not at all bad.Then again im 20yrs old.

Serendip Visitor's picture

My doctor never mentioned antibiotics!!!

I read a bunch of posts saying you have to have them or you will get an infection!!!! Is that true??? My doctor never said a thing about them and I never got a prescription for them! Maybe it's because I'm only about 3 weeks pregnant? Idk, but now I'm nervous as hell! I just took the pills about 20 mins ago! Should I have antibiotics too?? Help!!

RORO's picture

taking the pill what can you eat that don't have Folic acid

well hello i have some question i just left the doctor and they told me not to eat no food that dose not have no folic acid what is the food that i can eat please HELPPPPPPPP thank you

Serendip Visitor's picture

I took the first pill

I took the first pill yesterday and was fine today I took the four and a half hour later i was flowing like a river. no cramps lots of clots dizziness and I feel weak. I have a 4 month old and no one to help me to take care of her, and she just got her 4 month shots today and is not feeling good she is constantly crying and wants me to stand up with her for long periods of time but everytime im standing up with her I start to bleed more and more and pass hella clots. what should I do

Kathryn's picture

I will be taking the first

I will be taking the first pill on June 21st and the next ones the following day and some of these testimonials are scaring me even though I know some may be fake. I cannot afford to take too much time off of work...only the 21st and 22nd....I'm hoping on the 23rd I wont be bleeding all over the place at work and hopefully not in pain....I need to know what I should expect from taking this abortion pill.

Serendip Visitor's picture

The emotional and physical

The emotional and physical pain associated with Mifepristone is under-emphasized but two days off of work should be plenty. It is surprising how much blood you lose, but it will not hurt you. The worst and most common side effect is bacterial infection.. only if you do not take your antibiotics! The hours after I took the second pill was the only time I really felt like I needed to be alone. A pad will work fine for anytime after that. You can always call Planned Parenthood with questions and concerns.. before you start panicking! You will be okay. :)

stephannie's picture

i took the first pill on the

i took the first pill on the first and the other four on the secound. i took 4 days off work. i am still bleeding heavily and have had the cramping since the 2nd. and its only gotten worse. i go in for my follow up tomorrow. but from my experience you will need more than those two days off. i've been in tears the last few days from the pain. i've had a daughter and the pain compares to the labor contractions i had. i couldn't take very many days off of work either but im glad i did.

Serendip Visitor's picture

no bleeding

5 weeks pregnant I have 3 kids already and I am 35 yrs old not ashamed just annoyed at myself anyway now i am worried got the injection and had 4 tablets bacully and 2 vaginally and nothing is happening blood wise diarrhoea and mild cramps any advice?

Ana's picture

What may happen if I take the

What may happen if I take the pills before I'm 5 weeks pregnant?

Serendip Visitor's picture

Anyone know how long after

Anyone know how long after taking the pills test can still show positive? I wasnt able to make my followup appointment because the closest center where I had the procedure done was over an hour away, and my car broke down. I was able to go to a local store and pick up a test but it still shows positive. It will be 3 weeks exactly tomorrow when I took the pills, I am still bleeding, but very lightly, its almost a brownish color, and has remained that way for about the last two weeks. Is it just the pregnancy hormone its detecting since i am still bleeding and it may not have passed everything? Im worried because they said they can still get me in, but I am afraid that I am still carrying thru with the pregnancy... I wouldnt have bled as much right? I passed some pretty large clots. Any answers would be much appreciated!

Haley's picture

positive test

You will still be positive after only 3 weeks since the procedure. Try again in another 3-4 weeks. You should be getting a regular period anywhere from now to over the next 3 weeks (between 3-6 weeks after the abortion). That will let you know you're not pregnant anymore generally.

Serendip Visitor's picture

thanks! I did actually start

thanks! I did actually start bleeding pretty heavily almost the day after I posted this, and i would compare it to a little heavier than my normal period. I think its my period but I ended up passing a clot that was pretty big, way bigger than the tissue i passed during the first day or two after I took the pills. Is that normal? I havent felt sick, I am not bleeding profusely or "soaking through two pads an hour" alot heavier than Id like, but I havent really got any cramping, there is no odor or so they said to look for with infection, so I think I am ok? they were able to still get me in to the follow up appointment this coming wednesday which is good, but I want to know if i should be concerned that this is something that could be dangerous, or if I may have just actually gotten my period. P.S. this bleeding sucks. its not painful, but its just annoying. When I can I expect it to stop?

no's picture

not a good idea

soo this is sadly my second abortion, the first time i did the surgery so i decided to to take the pill since it seemed easier than going through surgery..boy was i wrong it was so painful i almost couldn't take it, it was probably the worst thing i have ever gone through, about a week after i had gone back to the dr for my checkup everything seemed fine and then i started bleeding heavily to the point that i passed out , hit my head, and busted my lip, and had to go to the ER and get a blood transfusion. They ended up having to give me a surgical abortion and diagnosed me with " incomplete abortion" so after all that trouble i still had to get the surgery, which i can honestly say was not painful at all. i would not recommend the pill to anyone. The doctor told me i couldve died if i had waited any longer to go to the hospital.

Serendip Visitor's picture

What happened to ME

I got on this site before I decided on the pill a couple months ago. I read the horrific stories, scared the hell out of me, then read the other posts saying they were lying. Well all you people saying they were lying- Screw u! Invalidating other peoples stories doesn't make it true. I went through hell with mine, and if yours was nothing short of a heavy period-good for you.
I went to the clinic and took my 1st pill on a Thursday. Fine until Friday, I took the other 4 pills and 5 minuets after I could feel my temp. raising and started sweating really bad. I was by myself and ran to the bathroom and sat on the toilet and felt like puking. The undescrible pain was so bad I remember thinking, I wish I would just pass out already. I called my friend and he came over and had to bring me my pain meds from my bedroom because I was too afraid to leave the toilet. After I took the pain meds I got cold chills and shivered uncontrolably. It was 2 hrs of hell before the pain was tolerable and was able to lay down and fall asleep. The Doctor told me to start my birth control that Sunday so I did and I was starting to feel normal again. The next day Monday I was fine until that night I starting having horrible cramps that felt almost as bad as that Friday when I orally took the 4 pills. I called the 24/7 number planned parenthood gave me but no one answered, I was scared and the only thing that helped was letting steaming hot shower water hit my stomach and couldn't sleep at all that night there were so bad. I called the office the next morning and they said everyone is different and I should be fine and go to ER if I get a fever. I had blood clots the size of golf balls and blood and cramps that entire week and they said that was a little uncommon but I was ok. I knew something was wrong because I couldn't hardly stand or lay on my sides or put any kind of pressure where my uterus is because I would get sharp pains and it felt like something was ripping inside me. Felt nausious all the time and was out of all my medicine except antibiotics. The next Friday (a week from when I took the 2nd pills) I started feeling dizzy and puked and started getting a fever and got to the bathroom and right before I started to pee, this flat grey thing the size of the palm of my hand came out and I instantly felt better. In the middle of the grey thing was another grey thing attached to it the size of a tampon. I called the clinic again and told them that I thought I had just now passed the embryo- 7 days after I was supossed to. They said that was uncommon but I would be ok until my 2 week check up. My check up was fine, I told the nurse practiscioner about all this and told her that I think the birth control is what caused all of the complications. The 1st pill sends a signal to block a growth harmon, the 2nd set of 4 pills sends a signal to dispel the embryo, then taking the birth control pill sends a signal to the body that makes the body think that it's pregnant and hardens the wall in the uterus. How can it dispel the remains if the wall is thickened? And why did I have to figure this out for someone that is licensed in this? She said it was possible that that caused it. My 1st suggestion is use the surgical type. 2nd suggestion, if you don't, at least wait until you are positive you have passed it before starting birth control. I thought I passed it before since they said I would within 8 hrs after but I didn't. I seriously thought and felt like I was going to die for 7 days.

Serendip Visitor's picture

pill has been okay so far

I found out yesterday I was 4 weeks pregnant, so I opted for the abortion pill. I took the first tablet yesterday and I was 100% fine. Today I took the other four tablets, and within 30 minutes the cramps started. There has been a little bit of bleeding and the cramps have subsided a bit after taking 3 painkillers.
I hope that it will continue to be this easy...
All in all, a not so bad experience.

Kookies123's picture

Not the best night ever...

Im 22 and actually got my pills on the womenonweb website as abortion is illegal where I live, they were really helpful and any questions I had were answered almost immediately. I took the first pill on sunday. Then 24 hours later I took 4 bucally (in between your gum and cheek for half an hour so it will absorb in your body) which was perfect because about half an hour later I got sick. Just had slight cramps then, nothing much. Then 4 hours later I took the last 2 tablets. About 15 minutes later I was writhing around in my bed with pain so I said Id better move rooms so noone would hear me. I could barely walk but did it in between what I would call quite strong contraction pains. I got some ibuprofen and said Id probably be better to go sit on the toilet. As I did my water broke. I just made it to the toilet so that was ok. The pain continued so I rocked back n forth to try and ease it, then I realised this would probably be the time to push, Il be honest I nearly passed out with the pain but I just concentrated on breathing and getting it over with. I felt the tissue coming out (I was over 9 weeks pregnant which I know is over the time but I had to chance it) This continued for about 45mins I kept pushing... I stupidly looked between my legs to see if it was all gone, and Il say this loudly. DO NOT DO IT. I nearly got sick, I wont explain what I seen but it hasnt left my mind so Im warning everyone just dont. Anyway after a short while the pain eased and I sat for another hour, just breathing. I couldnt get off the toilet for fear Id see something in it so I flushed it at least 10 times. I finally got up n everything was fine. I went to bed. Found it hard to sleep as I couldnt stop thinking. But my body just felt tired and like I was having a normal period which was such a relief after the night Id had. Unfortunately for me I was alone when I did it as I couldnt tell my family or anyone. But then again maybe that helped as I didnt have anyone asking questions or anything after? I really wish whoever is doing this the best of luck, dont be scared, just be cautious. Everyones bodys are different so it mightnt be bad atal! If anyone wants to talk about it email me no bother. X

chrissy's picture

where did you bought the pill

Hi, I am 5 weeks pregnant, I want an abortion but like you, abortion is illegal where I live, please help. what is the website where you bought the pill? Thank you

past 9 weeks & worried's picture

how far past 9 weeks were u?

how far past 9 weeks were u? im 14 weeks & worried about having an incomplete abortion :s

Serendip Visitor's picture

dont do it hun.i had a

dont do it hun.i had a medical abortion at thirteen and a half weeks,after hours of pain (same as actual labour) i gave birth to a fully formed little baby it moved its arm by this point i was crying uncontrollably my heart just broke by the time i gave birth to the palcenta just a few pushes later i looked down it was perfect i touched it ,it was dead it has been the most horriffic experiance of my life -traumatising.x

Serendip Visitor's picture

heyyy just took the damn

heyyy just took the damn pill, and i just wanted to say to every single dumba** b*tch on here that said it was so bad, stop LIEINGGG it is NOT cool to spread such vicscious and horrendous stories about something that was literally like a really bad period, yes there was bleeding, yes i saw huge clots and yess the cramps came in waves and i had to hold my breath because of the pain, but it was not "unbearable", i took the first pill and then today just took the 4 intravaginally, i swear to u, don't believe the retards on this post, i was just as scarred as u all were i cud barely sleep last nite, but im done and it was literally FINE....goodluck to all!

Serendip Visitor's picture

pain and bleeding

I'm about to take the pill and your post is the only one that sounds like it wasn't hell to pay. Can you please tell me more before I go through with it.
thanks!

Serendip Visitor's picture

My experience...

C'mon people. Everyone is different, which for you ladies out there that have taken this pill, your doctor most likely told you that. They told me about twenty times! I have a friend that took it years ago, and was in bed for a week, in pretty bad pain. For me, I took the four pills earlier this afternoon. Waited thirty minutes after to take an ibuprofen. I'm feeling fine. I've even gotten out of bed several times. I get antsy. My boyfriend is here to help but so far have only had him bring me a cup of tea, and deliver a fresh pair of panties to the bathroom. I did have some huge clots, but that's to be expected. I have no delusions of what it is here that I'm doing today. Trust me, I'm not to insensitive, or not trying to be, simply realistic. Do real research about this procedure, then do your very best to make the right decision for you, not us ladies. It isn't easy, just as having a surgical abortion isn't. Or the most difficult, raising a healthy, intelligent, well supported child into adulthood.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Took the pills yesterday!

Hi,
I was 5 weeks 3 days pregnant,i already have a 13 month old and thierfore i would not be able to cope with another atm,I read some stories on the net an i must say that my experience was Not bad at all.i think some of these people just write dramatic stories to scare people.
I took the 1st pill yesterday at 8.40 an then went back to the clinic the same day at 3.30 for the 4 other tabs to be inserted,about an hour an half later i started gettin cramps ( exactly like period pains) but i must say they did get a little bit more painfull and i started to bleed,but it was bareable plus i was only taking paracetmal,About 7 hours passed by an i finally passed the baby,After this all the pain eased off and now im just bleeding like a period an feel fine.I feel abit guilty about it all but i suppose thats normal etc,but please girls dont read into thins on the net because it really dosnt help,Everyone is diff and i found this experience not that bad at all.anyone who wants more detailed info feel free to email me x

Jennifer's picture

Need ur help

I have missed my period for 5 days now and am thinking of going for a test and if it positive l will have an abortion. Please tell me all l need u to tell me more abt the pill. Thank

Serendip Visitor's picture

The pill

I am cosidering getting the abortion pill, im really freaked out about it and i am scared because i have to hide it and i cant tell my partner because he would force me to keep the baby and i already have one 2 year old and im not ready for another one... is the pain something you can pass... i know the bleeding will be a problem though, as i heard it lasts for a couple weeks...

Serendip Visitor's picture

Its almost been 4 weeks for

Its almost been 4 weeks for me and I am still bleeding. This sounds horrible, but if you could fake a miscarriage, that would be your only way. This is not something you can pass off as a normal period.

Katrina's picture

Pill

Ive done the pill once before and it wasnt more then a heavy period with cramps. The cramps are not much worse then the ones you have when your on your monthly. You can pass it off saying you think you had a miss carriage. Just look up the symthoms of mis carriages incase he questions you. Youll be fine, dont worry about it. Do not put in a tampon after, wear a pad bc the medication is still up there. You dont want it to go into the tampon and not work correctly for you.
What I did was insert tge tablets and I fell asleep right after. You might wake up a few times during the night bc of cramps, but just find a comfortable position and try to go back to sleep. Saltine crackers helped with my cramps
Hope this helps.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Abortion - The pill

My dear, it will be like a miscarriage if he sees it. That early they can not stop it but if he does take you to the ER there might be small chance he finds out you took it since it will be in a blood test. They also are not allowed to tell anyone without your permission but you never know. If he leaves you alone with the staff you can tell them what he is like and that you don't want him to know. Yes there will be pain but it is bearable but you also get a 24/7 number to call in case you bleed to much or worry. Planned Parenthood have a very good page on their site explaining what is bleeding too much etc. And there are painkillers to take. The bleeding can start as early as 30 minutes after you get the last pills and it usually goes on for 5-6 hours and sometimes even longer.

And legally he can not do anything. Legally his rights to a child does not start until the baby is born. If you are in a abusive relationship which it sounds like, please seek help. This is not good for you or your child.

Good luck!

Leah's picture

Hi.. just wanted to say that

Hi.. just wanted to say that the pills do NOT show up in a blood test! Only way they can know is if YOU tell them!

ERICA's picture

ME TOO

IM LIKE 5 OR 4 WEEKS AND I HAVE 2 BABIES AND ITS HARD AND I DNT KNW WHAT TO DO THE PEOPLE IVE TOLD HAVE TOLD ME ITS MY DECISION BUT IF I MIGHT REGRET ALSO OTHER PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO SAY BAD THINGS LIKE RUMOORS AND STUFF AND ITS ONLY BEEN TWO DAY SINCE I TOLD THEM I GO TO THE DOC TODAY AND NOT SURE STILL SO I WAS WONDERING WHAT WAS URE OPINION I THINK I SHOULD ODF JUST KEPT IT TO MY SELF THAT WAY I WOULDNT HAVE TO BE GOIN THREW NONE OF THIS AS IN THE DRAMMA OF FAMILY MEMBERS TELLING ME STUFF AFTER WHAT I DECIDE ON I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS SINCE U ALREADY WENT THREW THIS PROCEDURE THANKS SINCERLY ERICA

Serendip Visitor's picture

waterbag

is it norml when the whole water bag comes out of vagna but the fetus remain? i took two vaginally and four orally and another two.. i fel severe crams and try to push and the whole water bag just comes out..i still feel severe cramps right now

Drea's picture

After 3 months

I realized that im glad wit my choice but i will avoid it forever. I did really freak myself out too.. I had a horrible experience I was 7 wks. Yeah I felt guilty n felt like my life wasnt worth shit cuz I felt so weak for I had the abortion pill. In my case I ended getting a D&C procedure cuz I started bleeding where if I would stand in the shower I could juss see blood flowing after my 2 week checkup. I dont wanna scare yu. But it felt horrible to wake up to see all my bed full of blood,even my matress got blood. when I was asleep for 2 hrs. I dont wanna scare yu. But this is wat I experience. And noe yur fucking your body up your metabolism.. .Do wat yu have to do to be Happy.. But just please take care of yourself.. No ones else IS going to! Now my last 2 periods have bin wit more cramps than I Usually had... Be safe girls.

Shawna's picture

HELP

OK so I am going in 2morrow to discuss with my doctor the options of the pill. I am sooooo scared about the stories that I have been reading and don't know what to think. How much does it cost and is all this pain serious?
WILL you please respond....

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.