If you just had a positive home pregnancy test and you’re not sure if you’re ready for this pregnancy, ordering the abortion pill online may seem like an easy way out. But before you take the leap and make your decision, you should be sure you know all the facts about your pregnancy options so you make the choice that’s best for your health.
Here are a few things you need to know before choosing to order the abortion pill online. You deserve the best – make sure that’s what you’re getting.
1. The Abortion Pill Comes with Risks
Also referred to as RU-486, the abortion pill is actually a two-medication process: Mifeprex or Mifepristone is the first dose, followed by Misoprostol. The first pill causes the pregnancy to detach from the uterus and stop growing. The second pill causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
Like other medications or medical procedures, the abortion pill is a serious medical undertaking that involves certain risks and potential side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of the abortion pill include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
2. Regulations Are Important but Not Universal
Have you ever ordered something online and had it arrive looking completely different from what you thought you ordered? Similarly, ordering medications online can be risky if you’re unsure of the source of the medication, or if you’re not receiving the specialized medical care you need.
Although regulations surrounding the abortion pill have shifted in recent years, the FDA still recommends caution when ordering medication online, as serious side effects or unintended complications can result from medications with varied or substandard ingredients.
3. Oversight Matters
In addition, without the specialized attention of your in-person physician, the prescribing company may be unaware of your unique situation, including any other medications you may be taking that could cause unintended interactions or other preexisting conditions that may affect your health.
How Do I Know What My Pregnancy Options Are?
The abortion pill is only recommended and approved by the FDA for termination of early pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Because of this, it’s very important to be sure how far along in your pregnancy you are before seeking the abortion pill.
Without seeing a medical professional for personalized in-office care, it’s highly likely that your pregnancy could be at a different stage than you think. If you take the abortion pill and you are farther along than you realize, you could be at risk for incomplete abortion, which would require further medical attention such as surgical abortion or other surgical intervention to prevent infection or damage.
Additionally, an abortion pill prescriber over the internet would have no way of diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside of the uterus). This complication necessitates immediate medical intervention, and the abortion pill would not be effective or recommended in this situation.
To know if any of these risk factors are a concern for you, obtaining an ultrasound is the best way to go. A medical professional can answer the questions of how far along you are, if you are at risk for ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, and discuss your pregnancy options with you, in a way that is specific to your unique situation.
Our caring and compassionate medical staff is here to help you figure out the path that’s best for you and your future. Schedule your free appointment today to get the answers you need, tailored specifically to you.