Having an abortion is a major medical decision. You need to consider many factors. If you take the drugs associated with the abortion pill method without medical oversight, you could face serious consequences. Protect your health and well-being by getting proper medical supervision before pursuing this method.
Continue reading to learn about the risks and how Women’s Clinics can assist you.
Why Do I Need Medical Supervision to Take Pills?
It sounds easy, doesn’t it? Take a few pills and your “troubles” are over. However, the drugs used in the abortion pill method are powerful, and you need to take them cautiously.
Here’s what you need to know beforehand:
Do You Know the Number of Weeks You’ve Been Pregnant?
The FDA approves the use of the abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective the drugs are.
Many women use Period Tracker Apps to calculate the number of weeks, but experts find these aren’t as reliable. An ultrasound is the best way to determine the number of weeks and days of gestation.
Do You Have an STD?
Before undergoing an abortion, it’s essential to be tested for STDs. Many STDs do not have immediate symptoms, but left untreated, they can cause complications after your abortion. Infections can spread to other parts of your body or cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Women’s Clinics provides women free and confidential testing for some of the most common STDs. If you have an STD, our clinic can prescribe or refer you for treatment options.
Do You Know if These Drugs Conflict With Other Medications You Are Taking?
Several drugs negatively interact with the abortion drugs. For instance, if you use long-term corticosteroids for asthma, eczema, or arthritis, the abortion drugs are not a safe option for you. The Mayo Clinic provides a long list of medications that should not be taken along with the abortion drugs. They recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to ensure you are safe from adverse effects.
Are You Aware of How Much Bleeding is Too Much?
You perform the abortion pill method at your home without medical supervision. Knowing the potential side effects is essential. No one can predict how you will respond to the drugs, but you need to be aware of complications and when to contact emergency care.
Do You Know the Location of Your Pregnancy?
Although rare, some pregnancies form outside of the uterus. This type of pregnancy is called ectopic. An ectopic pregnancy usually forms somewhere in the body where it cannot continue to grow, leading to the potential for life-threatening complications. The abortion pill method does not end an ectopic pregnancy.
Only an ultrasound can determine the correct location of your pregnancy.
Get a Free and Confidential Pre-Abortion Screening
As you can see, you should check several health factors before an abortion. Although the Women’s Clinics do not perform or refer for abortions, we can provide you with factual, medically based information regarding procedures, the side effects to expect, and potential physical and emotional risks.
Take a closer look at our Pre-Abortion Checklist. Follow it to protect your health and safety. Take advantage of a number of our free and confidential pregnancy services.
We care about you. Contact us for free testing and consultations. Please fill out our confidential online contact form or call one of our three convenient locations. We’re here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.