The abortion pill has become a popular option for women who want to end an early pregnancy. It’s seen as private and convenient, but it comes with important risks that women need to be aware of. In this blog, we’ll talk about the dangers of the abortion pill, including the growing trend of ordering it from overseas, which can create even more serious problems.
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is actually two different medicines: mifepristone and misoprostol. Together, they work to end a pregnancy. The pills should be taken within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.** Mifepristone blocks a hormone called progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol is taken a day or two later, and it causes the uterus to cramp and push out the pregnancy tissue.
In places where access to abortion is difficult, more and more people are buying these pills online, often from other countries. While this might seem like an easy solution, it comes with big risks.
Health Risks of the Abortion Pill
Even though the abortion pill is considered safe when taken under a doctor’s care, there are still some risks involved:
- Incomplete Abortion: Sometimes the abortion doesn’t fully work, and some of the pregnancy tissue stays in the uterus. This can cause heavy bleeding, infections, and might require surgery to remove the tissue.
- Heavy Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, but in some cases, the bleeding can be much heavier than expected. This could require medical attention, and in rare cases, a blood transfusion might be needed.
- Severe Cramping and Pain: Misoprostol causes strong uterine contractions, which can lead to painful cramps. For some, the pain may be worse than expected, and without proper pain relief, it can become a major issue.
- Infection: If the abortion is incomplete, or if the body doesn’t expel the pregnancy tissue quickly, there’s a risk of infection. Infections can become very serious if not treated, sometimes leading to life-threatening conditions.
- Pain: a study published 12/24 by BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health reported that women often experienced more pain than they expected. 92% of the women said the pain was at least a 4 out of 10 on the pain scale while over 40% rated their pain as severe (8-10). Women who have experienced a miscarriage say it’s comparable pain.
- Emotional Stress: For some people, the experience of having an abortion can cause emotional and psychological stress, especially if they don’t have access to supportive counseling or help. Feelings of sadness, guilt, or anxiety may arise.
The Dangers of Ordering Abortion Pills from Overseas
Many people are turning to online sources, especially from other countries, to get abortion pills. This can seem like an easy way to handle things, but it comes with extra risks:
- Fake or Unsafe Medications: Pills bought from unregulated online stores may not be real or safe. They could be counterfeit, expired, or improperly stored, which means they might not work or could cause harm.
- Wrong Dosage: Without a doctor’s guidance, people might take the wrong dose, leading to incomplete abortions, dangerous bleeding, or other side effects.
- Lack of Medical Support: If you order pills online and something goes wrong, you might not have access to medical care or know what to do. Delaying treatment can be dangerous if serious complications arise.
- Legal Trouble: In places where abortion is restricted, ordering abortion pills online (especially from other countries) could have legal consequences. Some people have been prosecuted for taking medication not approved in their region.
- Shipping Problems: Ordering from overseas can result in delays, and the package could get held up in customs or never arrive. This can cause major stress, especially when you’re on a tight timeline.
Why Medical Supervision is Important
The safest way to take the abortion pill is under the supervision of a doctor or healthcare provider. They can make sure the medication is right for you, monitor your health, and help if any problems come up. If you’re considering an abortion, it’s important to speak with a trusted healthcare professional to understand your options and stay safe.
Conclusion
While the abortion pill offers a private option for ending an early pregnancy, it’s important to know the risks involved. Ordering pills online from overseas might seem convenient, but it can lead to serious health problems and legal risks.
If you or someone you know is thinking about using the abortion pill, make sure to get the right information and support from an expert in this area. Your Choices Randolph will provide all the information you need, like an accurate determination of how far along you are. Staying informed and getting help from professionals is the best way to protect your health.
**An ultrasound is the only way to determine whether you are under the 10 week limit for the abortion pill. Make an appointment with a nurse at Your Choices Randolph by calling or texting 336.629.9988.