Medical abortion

Medical abortion is a procedure that uses medicine to end a pregnancy. The procedure doesn't require surgery or medicines that prevent pain, called anesthetics. A medical abortion is safest and works best during the first trimester of pregnancy. The procedure can be started in a medical office or at home. If it works as it should, follow-up visits at your healthcare professional's office or a clinic aren't necessary. But for safety, be sure you can reach a healthcare professional by phone or online. That way you can get help in case the procedure leads to medical problems called complications.

The reasons for having a medical abortion are highly personal. You can choose to have a medical abortion to complete an early miscarriage or end an accidental pregnancy. You also can choose a medical abortion if you have a health condition that makes continuing a pregnancy life-threatening.

In general, medical abortion is safe and effective. But it does come with risks, including: The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion. An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn't work. Heavy and prolonged bleeding. Infection. Fever. Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach. It's also risky to change your mind and choose to continue a pregnancy after taking medicine used in medical abortion. This raises the chances of having serious complications with the pregnancy. In general, medical abortion hasn't been shown to affect future pregnancies unless there are complications. But some people should not get a medical abortion. The procedure isn't an option if you: Are too far along in your pregnancy. You shouldn't attempt a medical abortion if you've been pregnant for more than 11 weeks. A pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last menstrual period. Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place. Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy. Have certain medical conditions. These include anemia; some bleeding disorders; chronic adrenal failure; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder. Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines. Can't reach a healthcare professional by phone or online, or don't have access to emergency care. Have an allergy to the medicine used in a medical abortion. A surgical procedure called a dilation and curettage may be an option if you can't have a medical abortion.

Before a medical abortion, your healthcare professional reviews your medical history. The healthcare professional also talks with you about how the procedure works, the side effects, and the risks and possible complications. These steps take place whether you have an in-person healthcare appointment or meet with a healthcare professional online. If you have an in-person appointment, your healthcare professional confirms your pregnancy. You might receive a physical exam. You also might receive an ultrasound exam. This imaging test can date the pregnancy and confirm that it's not outside the uterus. An ultrasound also can check for a complication called a molar pregnancy. This involves an unusual growth of cells in the uterus. Blood and urine tests also may be done. As you weigh your options, think about getting support from your partner, a family member or a friend. Talk with your healthcare professional to get answers to your questions. Your healthcare professional also can talk with you about medical and surgical abortion options and help you consider the impact the procedure may have on your future. An abortion requested for reasons other than to treat a health condition is called an elective abortion. In some places, an elective abortion may not be legal. Or there may be certain legal requirements and waiting periods to follow before having an elective abortion. Some people who have miscarriages need medical abortions to pass pregnancy tissue out of the body. If you're having an abortion procedure for a miscarriage, there are no special legal requirements or waiting periods.