What happens when you take the abortion pill?

Someone asked us:

What is the effects of the abortion pill like? How much blood is there supposed to be? How much does it hurt? How long does it last?

Here’s what it’s like to take the abortion pill.

The abortion pill (AKA medication abortion) is really a two-part process — not just one pill. First, you take a pill called mifepristone. Often, this step happens at the health center or at your doctor’s office, but in some cases they may give you instructions for taking it at home. After the first pill, you may feel a little nauseated or start bleeding, but most likely you won’t feel anything. Your doctor or nurse will give you antibiotics to take to prevent infection.

Next, you’ll take a second medicine, called misoprostol, up to 48 hours after you take the first pill. You’ll want to be somewhere comfy for this, and make sure you have some over-the-counter pain relievers and pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup on deck, because this second medicine causes cramping and bleeding. Usually, the cramping and bleeding starts 1-4 hours after taking the misoprostol.

Exactly how much bleeding you’ll experience is hard to say, but lots of people compare it to having a really heavy, crampy period. It’s normal to see some large blood clots (up to the size of a lemon) or clumps of tissue when this part of your abortion is happening.

The cramping and bleeding can last for 4-5 hours, but it may take longer. You may have a little cramping on and off for the next couple of days, but overall you should be good to go back to most of your regularly scheduled life the next day if you feel up to it.

At your appointment, your doctor or nurse will talk with you about following up in the weeks after you take the abortion pill.

Want to make an appointment to get the abortion pill? Call your nearest Planned Parenthood health center.

-Emily at Planned Parenthood