As with any medication, there are associated risks women deserve to understand before undergoing an online or at-home abortion. Risks include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
What Is An Online Abortion?
An online abortion or at-home abortion is formally known as a medical abortion. This process occurs when two medications, mifepristone, and misoprostol, are taken.
When mifepristone is digested, it acts to block a hormone called progesterone. This hormone is essential in pregnancy. When this hormone is impacted, the uterine walls begin to thin, and the embryo and pregnancy tissue becomes detached.
Next, misoprostol is used in the medical abortion process. This drug works by producing contractions that cause the body to push out the detached embryo and pregnancy tissue, exiting through the vagina.
What Should I Know First?
Women considering an online abortion should always contact their physician or reach out to a local pregnancy care center to understand the risks and impacts this procedure could have on their health.
In addition to the understanding risks previously stated, over 200 medications are not recommended to take with mifepristone. Here are some measures which you can easily take to help protect your health and be safe:
- Have a physical exam to know the state of your current health.
- Give a complete health history (this can be important since the Mayo Clinic states not everyone qualifies for this type of abortion procedure).
- Communicate currently used drugs.
- Receive a pregnancy test and ultrasound to understand what options are available to you.
Though it may seem inconsequential, going the extra mile can play a key role in protecting your wellness.
Where Can I Go?
If you want more information on your options or wish to help protect your health by receiving clarity on medical abortion, contact us today!
We provide flexible scheduling, free, confidential appointments, no-cost ultrasounds, and pregnancy testing in a judgment-free zone.
We want to help you get the answers you deserve, so you can weigh all your options and make an informed decision that’s right for you.