Medical abortion, also called the “abortion pill,” is one method that ends a pregnancy. It comes with certain risks and side effects you should consider before deciding.
RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics provides the gold standard of care through offering comprehensive services, including pre-abortion screenings. Receive trustworthy information without worry—you are our priority.
Considering medical abortion? Continue reading to learn more about this method.
How Does Medical Abortion End a Pregnancy?
Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy, and it is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation.
The first drug used in this regimen is called mifepristone, which blocks a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone helps the pregnancy grow and develop, and without the hormone, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining and ends.
The second drug is called misoprostol, and it induces uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy from the uterus. When women take these drugs, they’ll experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Additional side effects include:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Taking abortion drugs poses certain risks to one’s health, and it’s critical to know them if you’re thinking of this option. Risks can include:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (the body does not release all the pregnancy tissue from the uterus, which may require a second round dose of the abortion drug or surgical intervention)
When Is It Not An Option?
Medical abortion is not for everyone. The procedure isn’t an option if a woman:
- Is too far along in her pregnancy
- Has a suspected ectopic pregnancy
- Has an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Has certain medical conditions (i.e., chronic adrenal failure, an uncontrolled seizure disorder, severe liver disease)
- Takes a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Can’t access emergency care
- Has an allergy to the drugs used
If you’re thinking about medical abortion, discussing your health history and any concerns with your medical provider is essential. Considering all your options can also help you make an informed decision that considers your well-being and future.
We’re here for you. You deserve information and services you can trust.
Comprehensive Medical Services
You may not know where to turn when faced with an unexpected pregnancy. That’s where we come in—our medical services will provide the information you need and help you safeguard your health.
At RealOptions, we will provide you with the GOLD standard of care! Taking advantage of a pre-abortion screening will help you consider all aspects of your situation and provide you with services including an ultrasound. An ultrasound is a critical step in the process of considering having a medical abortion as it determines how far along you are so you know if you are a candidate for the drugs, determines if the pregnancy is in the uterus or ectopic (located outside the uterus) and if the pregnancy is viable. You’ll have your questions answered in a trustworthy, fact-driven environment. We inform… you decide.
As a Medi-Cal and presumptive eligibility provider, RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics offers services with or without insurance. Additionally, if you are concerned about your financial ability to pay for a service, you may be eligible for a state-funded financial aid program that would provide services for you at no cost.
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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. All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing. 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.
