In the last decade, there has been a rise in information about medication abortion and abortion pills. Many women are researching their options when it comes to ending a pregnancy, and they are learning that they have more. When it comes specifically to medication abortion and abortion pills, there is a lot of misinformation floating around.
Some of this information could make you doubtful or afraid to pursue the option; however, you shouldn’t be. There are many myths about medication abortion and abortion pills that need to be busted once and for all.
You’ll Feel Like You Have the Flu
Because medication abortion and abortion pills use the same medications that people take for the flu, you’ll likely experience mild side effects such as feeling a bit under the weather. However, if you are experiencing a high fever, chills, a cough, or vomiting, you should call your doctor immediately because you may have an infection.
A doctor should be able to help you identify the source of the infection and treat it accordingly. Medication abortion and abortion pills will not make you feel like you have the flu. It’s not that serious. If you experience one of these symptoms, it’s likely because you are experiencing the side effects of the medication.
Medication Abortion Doesn’t Always Work
This myth might stem from the fact that women who are taking the abortion pills that are available in the United States have a higher chance of having a chemical abortion. The abortion pill that women take in the United States is made up of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is at least 95 percent effective when taken correctly and at the prescribed times; however, misoprostol, which is meant to be taken in two doses, only has a 72 percent success rate. This means that even if you are taking the correct dosage, you may still fail to have a successful abortion. If you don’t experience any bleeding, cramping, or other side effects within the recommended time frame, you probably had a failed abortion.
Medication Abortions are Only Safe in the First Trimester
The myth that medication abortions are only safe in the first trimester is a false assumption. Medication abortion is just as safe and effective in the second trimester as it is in the first trimester. However, women who are in the second trimester will likely experience more symptoms and side effects than those who are in their first trimester.
The second trimester is when the fetus begins to develop arms and legs, ears, a face, and a brain. This is also the time in which medication abortions can become more complicated. The fetus could be larger, which makes digesting the medication more difficult. Women in the second trimester may need a larger dosage of the medications for them to be successful.
Women Don’t Know They Are Pregnant When Taking Medication to End a Pregnancy
This myth is large because women who are taking abortion pills in the United States do not have to see a doctor. However, some women are unaware that they are pregnant when they start taking the second medication in the abortion pill. If you are pregnant, the first thing you should do is get a pregnancy test. After you receive the results, you should visit the doctor and discuss your options. You can choose to continue the pregnancy and adopt the child out or raise him or her in your current living situation. Or, you can take a medication that will end your pregnancy.
This is a very personal decision, and it is one that you should not make lightly. If you are unsure about your decision, it is best to seek the advice of a medical professional.
You Can Become Infertile After Medication Abortion or Using Abortion Pills
This is a myth. Medication abortion and the abortion pill do not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. The only way you can become infertile after taking these medications is if you are taking other medications that have the potential to make you infertile. You should talk to your doctor about any medications that you are currently taking to see if they have any risks of infertility.
If you are taking abortion pills and are worried about becoming infertile, you can always use a backup method of birth control such as a condom.
The Side Effects Are Extremely Bad
The side effects of medication abortion and using the abortion pill are usually mild. You may experience some mild cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These are normal side effects that are not uncommon when taking medications. If you experience any severe side effects such as high fever, a cough, chills, a rash, or severe abdominal pain, you should call your doctor immediately. Although these side effects may be uncomfortable and inconvenient, they do not last very long.
Most women experience the worst side effects during the first 24 hours after taking the abortion pill. After two days, the symptoms usually subside.
There is Blood, Tissue, and Other Waste Left Over After a Medication Abortion or Using Abortion Pills
This myth is ridiculous given the fact that there is no surgical instrument used during medication abortion and the abortion pill. The only way there would be blood, tissue, and another waste left over after a medication abortion or using the abortion pill is if you did not follow the instructions given by your doctor. If you are taking the abortion pill, you should follow the instructions exactly as they are written in the instructions booklet that comes with the medication.
If you have any blood or substance coming out of your vagina after taking the abortion pill, you should call your doctor. If you have any questions about what you should be experienced after taking the abortion pill, make sure to call your doctor.
Conclusion
There are many myths about medication abortion and abortion pills that need to be busted. The most common myths are that medication abortion only works in the first trimester, you can become infertile after taking the abortion pill, the side effects are extremely bad, and there is blood, tissue, and other waste left over after taking the abortion pill.
These myths are false, so don’t let them scare you away from pursuing this option. If you are struggling with an unplanned pregnancy, there are many options available to you. You can choose to have a medication abortion or use the abortion pill, you can have a surgical abortion at a clinic, or you can continue the pregnancy and parent the child. Whatever option you choose, know that you are not alone.
