Medical abortion is just one option for an unexpected pregnancy, and it’s crucial to learn about its side effects and risks before making a decision.
When it comes to your pregnancy and reproductive health, you deserve the gold standard of care. RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics offers Pregnancy Options Consultations and pre-abortion screenings to help you make an informed decision.
Schedule an appointment today to access our low to no-cost services.
Understanding This Option
Medical abortion, also called “the abortion pill,” uses drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The FDA has approved this method up to 10 weeks of gestation (70 days or less from the first day of a person’s last menstrual period).
Mifepristone is taken first. This drug blocks progesterone, a hormone essential to the pregnancy’s growth and development. Without progesterone, the uterine lining thins, and the pregnancy detaches and ends.
Misoprostol is the second drug taken in the medical abortion process. It causes the uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy and related tissues from the body.
Who is Eligible?
Not everyone can have a medical abortion. If any of the following factors apply to you, medical abortion is not a safe option:
- An IUD (intrauterine device) is currently in place
- You have a suspected ectopic pregnancy (which occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus)
- You have certain medical conditions, including anemia, some bleeding disorders, chronic adrenal failure, specific heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
- You take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- You have an allergy to the drugs used during a medical abortion
- You don’t have access to emergency care
Side Effects and Risks
Medical abortion will cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which can be severe. However, other side effects can occur, including:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
Risks can also occur from a medical abortion, including:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)
- An incomplete abortion (which occurs when the body doesn’t release all the pregnancy tissue)
Before making a pregnancy decision, you need the facts. We provide comprehensive medical services to safeguard your reproductive health.
Pre-Abortion Screenings at RealOptions
RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics offer pre-abortion screenings to protect your well-being and provide critical pregnancy information.
A screening may include:
- Lab-grade urine pregnancy testing
- We also provide a pregnancy test verification form that serves as proof of pregnancy for insurance companies and agencies.
- An obstetrical ultrasound exam (offered after a positive pregnancy test)
- An ultrasound determines if there is a fetal heartbeat, the gestational age (how far along you are), and the pregnancy’s location.
- Pregnancy options consultation
- STD testing and treatment
As a Medi-Cal and presumptive eligibility provider, RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics offers services with or without insurance. All our comprehensive medical services are low to no cost.
Schedule a confidential appointment today to or call one of our Bay Area Clinics.
400 30th St #401
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 891-9998
1671 The Alameda #101
San Jose, CA
(408) 978-9310
12 N White Rd
San Jose, CA
(408) 272-5577
33523 Western Ave.
Union City, CA 94857
(510) 487-4357
Disclaimer: We do not refer for or provide abortion services at our clinics. This website and blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content from this website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general understanding only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
