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Mifepristone..."The Abortion Pill": The Facts

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Biology 103
2000 First Web Report
On Serendip

Mifepristone..."The Abortion Pill": The Facts

Sujatha Sebastian

On September 28, 2000 the Food and Drug Administration after several years of research approved Mifepristone, better known as the "abortion pill", for distribution in the United States. The FDA's decision will have a definite impact on women's health care in the United States. There will be social and medical repercussions. The drug has caused controversy not only in antiabortion groups, but in Pro-Choice groups as well. Critics are worried that an abortion available in pill form will be "too easy". They are worried that use of the pill will be abused. What many people do not realize is that while Mifepristone will be beneficial to women's health care, it is not without side effects. In light of all the recent coverage that the "abortion pill" has been given in the media, and all the misinformation surrounding it, I decided researching that Mifepristone would be interesting and helpful. The purpose of my paper is to discover how Mifepristone works, how it is administered, and to look at its side effects. I want to demonstrate the benefit Mifepristone will be to women's health care, while showing that it is not an "easy" solution to abortion.

"Mifepristone, formerly known as RU-486, is a medical alternative to aspiration abortion."(1) It works by blocking progesterone from being absorbed into the uterus. When this happens the uterus sheds the endometrium (lining in the uterus, therefore inducing menstruation. (2 When Mifepristone is used as a method for abortion is it administered as part of a three step process. The first step is that 200 mg of Mifepristone is given orally in a doctor's office. Then within 24 to 48 hours the patient is given 400 mg a drug called Misoprostol either orally or in a suppository form. Misoprostol, which is a synthetic hormone, is used to get the cervix to soften and dilate as well as getting the uterus to relax. The embryo is then expelled.(2) This is supposed to happen approximately fours hours after the administration of the drug. The final step is an examination by a medical professional to make sure the abortion is complete. (2)

There are restrictions as to who can use this medical method of abortion. It is only intended for women to use up to nine weeks after their last menstruation period. Women who are under 18 or over 35, epileptic, diabetics, or suffering from heart, lung, kidney, liver, stomach or intestinal disorders are ineligible. As are women who have taken steroids within the past 12 months, or deemed overweight or a heavy smoker. Women who have used an IUD or hormonal contraceptive within three months prior to conception are not allowed to take Mifepristone as well.(2)

Like any drug or medical method there are side effects to using Mifepristone and Misoprostol. It is the number of side effects and degree of each that critics argue about. The FDA has determined that taking Mifepristone does cause various degrees of pain. Short term physical effects can be pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue.(2) There are psychological side effects as well. In some cases products of the conception are visualized. (3)

The use of Mifepristone will have a definite impact on reproductive freedom in this country and the world. (3) It is seen as less invasive procedure which gives the woman more freedom and privacy. In the United States it has been reported by the Alan Guttmacher Institute that eighty-nine percent of the abortions occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Mifepristone will allow women another option to terminate a pregnancy in its early stages. (2) Twenty-four percent of the world's population lives in places where abortion is not legal. (3) As a result a significant population of women perform their own abortions or receive illegal abortions which kills them. The medical method of abortion would allow women in these areas of the world to receive a safe method of abortion.

A major issue that critics of Mifepristone have is that they feel that the drug will allow abortions to become "too easy". But the drug is only administered in a medical office and requires at least three visits. The last visit is an examination to see that the abortion is complete and that the mother is in good health. Before the patient is given Mifeprex tablets (Mifepristone) she must sign an agreement in which she acknowledges that there are side effects, that there is a three step process, and that 5 to 8 women out of every hundred do not have successful medical abortions and need surgical abortions . (5) Critics worry that the drug will cause an increase in the number of women who have abortions. Supporters of the drug cite the fact that in France, where the drug is manufactured and was first administered, there has not been an increase in the abortion rate. (2)

Mifepristone will change the way that abortions are administered. This method gives a woman more autonomy and does not require her to go through surgical procedure. It can also prevent pregnancy by taken as soon as a day after she has had intercourse. This new method will allow more women to have access to safe abortions. Mifepristone opens the door to a new area of medicine in which previously surgical procedures are now approached in a medical manner. Whether in support of or against Mifepristone one has to recognize the new technology the drug represents.

One of the problems I had when researching information was finding unbiased information. Both pro and anti Mifepristone groups used "research" and statistics to their benefit. Distinguishing the difference between opinion and fact was difficult. This is especially true because there is not a lot of accurate information about Mifepristone published by reliable sources. This is due to the fact that Mifepristone has just recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Mifepristone that will be beneficial to women's health care and medicine. But one must realize that it is not without side effects and cannot be seen as an "easy" solution to abortion.

 

WWW Sources

1)www.plannedparenthood.org/mifepristone.html, Mifepristone

2)www.rascalnut.com/naral.ohio/RU486.html, The Facts about Mifepristone (RU 486)

3)www.mja.com.au/public/issues/sep15/henshaw/henshaw.html, Mifepristone

4)http://jinx.sis.unsw.edu.au/~greenlft/1994/137/137p28htm, "Abortion Pill": A Woman's Right to Choose by, Kath Gelber

5)www.popcouncil.orgrhpdev/mifeprex/patient%5Fagreement.html,The Patient Agreement Mifeprex (Mifepristone) Tablets

6) www.pages.map.com/lroberge/ru486.htm, RU486: The Hidden Effects by Lawrence F. Roberge

6) www.nrlc.org/ru486/propsedFDAregs.html, RU486 *Please note that some of the sources read during my research were from biased sources (the National Right to Life Committee web site for example). Facts were not used from these sources in my paper. These sources were instead used to discover the arguments anti-Mifepristone groups had and to see the false information they were publishing about the drug.

 

 

Continuing conversation
(to contribute your own observations/thoughts, post a comment below)

08/06/2005, from a Reader on the Web

I took that pill and almost blead to death now i have have to say it's not as easy as it sounds it is very painful like child birth but more blooder atleast for me i now have endromitrious and may have to have my women parts removed i had nothing before i took those pills i'm 37 so i'm just saying better think it out before you take it because it's dangerious i have a son who is 18 it was easier for me to have him then go through childbirth than taking those pills becuse i'm still not well and it has been 7 months


10/10/2005, from a Reader on the Web

For what it's worth, I though I'd share my personal experience using Mifepristone almost a month ago.. After having made the difficult choice to abort, I learned of this pill as an alternative option to having the traditional surgical procedure. Of course, as anyone would, I opted to try the pill because it seemed -less- painful and was something I could do in the privacy of my own home. After having been given the first pill, Mifepristone, at the doctors office on a Friday afternoon, I finished out my day at work with minimal side-effects at that point. The Mifepristone made me slightly sick to my stomach, but compared to the ongoing morning sickness I'd been going through, it wasn't so bad. (ha ha) Misoprostol was the next step, given to me in the form of 4 tablets, to be inserted vaginally myself at home. I was also given a full bottle of Vicodin, as well as a bottle of 800mg Ibuprophen for the pain the doctor anticipated I would encounter (this worried me a little). Late Satuday afternoon, I'd say around 4:30pm, scared to death not knowing what to expect once everything started, and knowing I couldn't turn back now, I inserted the tablets and took 1 Vicodin as directed. About 30 minutes from the time I did this I began to have cramping comparable to what you would feel during a typical menstrual period.. but not for long. Within an hour I had severe cramping.. I'd been warned the pain could equal that of actual child-birth contractions, and this must have been it. (I've never had a child, so I can only imagine) I was to the point of feeling like I would pass out if the pain didn't let up when I passed the first, and largest, portion of what -was- the pregnancy.. Many people will tell you that all you'll see is blood and clots, and it's unlikely anything will look like actual tissue.. but mine sure did.. Large masses of gray tissue were expelled for the following numerous hours. Somewhere close to midnight that night I felt relief enough to know it was over.. or so I thought. 4 days after this, while I -should- have been feeling more or less back to normal, I began to experience increasing pain in my abdomen. I called and spoke with my doctor about this, but felt as though she didn't seem concerned at all. No more than 2 hours after hanging up the phone I developed a fever that shot through the roof out of nowhere, and my heart began beating unbelieveably TOO fast. The "increasing pain" in my abdomen now had me laying in bed, hardly able to move. I called my mother who left work and rushed to my home to get me. I couldn't even get out of bed to let her in when she arrived I hurt so bad. I ended up in the emergency room that afternoon with a heartbeat of 143 beats/min.. (Check your own and then you'll see just how high 143 is) and a 103 temperature I ended up fighting to keep away for the next 4 days. To make a long story short, that first afternoon I spent over 8 hours in a treatment room in the emergency area before they got my vitals under control and discovered the cause of everything.. The abortion pill I used began attacking my own body in a sense, and began a horrendous infection in my uterus. In the end I spent a week in the hospital on 3 of the most potent anti-biotics available, as well as some heavy-duty narcotic pain killers, while specialists from the surrounding hospitals kept watch over me constantly. It's now been almost a month since then, and I still have to have blood work done, as well as ultrasounds every now and then to keep monitoring my recovery. I have constant sharp pains in my abdomen and have been told the scar tissue left over from the infection may now keep me from becoming pregnant in the future.. It's all so much to deal with, and honestly, I don't think I've come to terms with everything yet. It still feels like a bad dream. Regardless of my experience with the pill and side effects it caused me, I can still step back and look at the broad picture of things.. The majority of women who use this method have no problems, and for them, this is a good way to go. I really do think it's a better choice for most, than to have the surgical abortion.. BUT - be warned.. It's not "easy" using the pill, and there's no way to know how you're body will react to it. I never knew I'd go through the things I did because of it. This is definitely not something to be looked at as the "new contraceptive" either, as some are saying. It's so risky, putting your body through something like this. It could take a toll on you that will effect the rest of your life. Like me.. Will I ever be able to have kids after everything that happened? Every woman out there should begin by being aware of how to avoid an unwanted pregnancy from the start. Such as life happens, and most protection only offers 99.9% effectiveness, we forget that's NOT 100%.. If you still become pregnant and choose to abort, do your homework.. read about all possibilities, and all side effects for each.. then decide what's best for you. I think the pill is a great option.. but be careful, it's certainly not without it's flaws.

 

Additional comments made prior to 2007
It has been almost 2 months since I had made the painful decision to get an abortion. I am only 18 years old so you could imagine hoe scary it was for me. After they examined me and told me how far I was they put me in this rome with a female doctor so I can take the oral pill that actually determines the pregnancy. When I took that pill, I felt fine until I had to get something in my stomach, I couldn't even eat my stomach was turning so bad. the doctor told me that I could insert the four pills vaginally anytime between then and 48 hours after the visit. I decided to insert them that night to get it over with and about an hour after it was literally hell. I was vomiting,bleeding perfusely, and experiencing pain more severe then I had ever felt before. To make a long story shorter, it has been about 2 months and I still haven't exactl stopped bleeding. I am young and afaid to go get checked because of it, and my life will never be the same. I had no choice my situation at the time wasn't what I wanted and now I will always regret it ... Reader on the web, 12 August 2007

 

 

I used the pill around february of '07. I was 6 1/2 weeks and I guess I didnt really know what I was getting myself into. I took the first pill which I had no side effects to. When I took the second one the next day, it was almost immediate cramping. Basically the worst cramps I had ever had. I was puking, had diarrea, and was in so much pain I was balled up on the couch crying. I guess I was a "lucky" one because my horrible cramps only lasted about an hour until I passed the birth tissue and then they subsided. Although I bled for a month after that (most of it not heavy), I completly regret it to this day. All I can ever think about is a perfectly beautiful child is now in a sewer somewhere. It's horrible, but thats how I think of it now. I wish I could go back and change things. I wish I never did it. All I hope is that it didnt hurt my chances of having a child in the future ... Reader on the web, 13 September 2007

Comments

Serendip Visitor's picture

My girlfriend is 16..

Hello,
Well, I shouldn't be here really. I'm a 17 year old guy. My girlfriend is 16.
She doesn't really have time for this so I'm the one who has to take all the information off the internet.
Well, me and my girlfriend avoid sex. But yes, we do indulge in foreplay that includes masturbation and things like that.
A week and a half back, things went out of hand.. While making out, we just thought we should have sex. I used two condoms. I couldn't penetrate deeper than an inch because the bell rang and my sister came home. We quit.
But both of us are worried to death! It's not about penetration.. It's about the other activities. Well, there might be a 5-10% chance of my sperm entering her body.
And her getting pregnant will be the end of both our lives. I'm from India and parents here really get a hell out of you. Well, that's another story.

I had been doing a lot of research for over a week now.. And I never knew such pills existed.
But since that I know now.. I was thinking of advising my girlfriend on taking these. But after reading the experiences of the fellow respected women here, I want to think again.
There are very little chances of her being pregnant. But still, there ARE chances even though they are minute.

Before getting a test and dying of heart attacks to see the positive result (if, maybe), I want to see all the ways that we can do to abort the baby(if it's there).

I just want to ask for some advise on what I should do? To mention again, my girlfriend is 16.
I do not want her to go through pain to avoid this pregnancy. But there is ABSOLUTELY NO chance for us to be alive if she gets pregnant.

Before it's too late, please help me out?
I would love it if I can chat with someone about this.
Because it's not an easy thing to go through.

Thank you. :)

Serendip Visitor's picture

your decision

if she is pregnant and you have no choice,she should get an abortion before the baby gets older.its not the best thing to but we all make mistakes.i personally had one because it was necessary and i believe that for some of us this is the choice we have to make

Christine's picture

Is this really her choice?

Is this what your girlfriend and you really want? If I could find you help...would you be willing to at least consider getting help rather than killing your baby? I know that sounds harsh but especially if you love her...you and she will love that baby. And be heartsick when you realize that your offspring was killed in this way. Please don't do it. I know you think you have no other choice. But with God, all things are possible. I have already found several possibilities that may be able to help you in India. I know this sounds crazy but I don't think its by accident that I found your post. Please let me know what is happening. I am praying for you and so are four other people.
Sincerely,
Christine

Serendip Visitor's picture

It is her choice. And you are good to support her!

How lucky she is to have someone care about her enough to want to find an alternative method! I understand your concern and the decision that must be made. Do not let others influence that. Let her decide to do what is best for both of you and support her in that decision, whatever it is.

That being said, stress and anxiety can make a period late. My period is late all the time, it means nothing. (I completely skipped one while I was moving into a new apartment and starting a new job at the same time.)Relax. Wait it out. Find out if she is pregnant first, before making any decisions. It's entirely possible that she's not pregnant.

But if she is, just know there is support out there.

There are two types of abortions; Medical and Surgical. The surgical method is most effective, not as painful (physically), and is done in about 10 minutes at the clinic. The medical one is what is mentioned here. It does have some side effects, takes longer but can be done at home.
This is not some pill you can just go pick up at any old drug store though. She will have to go to the doctor, they will have to examine her and determine how far along she is and she will have to go back for a check up to make sure it is complete. If the side effects are severe enough she may have to go to a hospital. (Though rare, it is possible.)Every procedure comes with a caution, so make sure you research as much as you can.

I hope this was helpful.I wish you both the best of luck!

Patte's picture

Your girlfriend & the little baby who may be in her womb

It is important for you to understand a few things, honey. First, we know from the Bible that God is the One who designed & created you & your girlfriend &, if your girlfriend is pregnant, He has personally created your son or daughter too. Jeremiah 1:5 is God speaking. He says: ""Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." This means that before your father's sperm penetrated your mother's egg, God knew you. If your girlfriend is pregnant, your baby is not an accident. God designs, creates & sustains us ON PURPOSE. If your girlfriend is pregnant, this baby is a gift from God Himself. To you, to her & to the world. Psalm 127:3 declares; "Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him."

Knowing this, young man, you must understand that it is sin to murder the child. God has given us His commandments. They are written on all of our hearts. One of the commandments is "You shall not murder". All murderers have their place in the lake which burns with fire & brimstone. This means that people who shed innocent blood are sent to HELL at the judgment. You should know, too, that sexual intimacy is also forbidden by God outside of marriage. The Bible tells us that no sexual immoral person has any inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. I do not want you or your girlfriend to go to hell. God requires you to repent. Turn from your sin & cry out to Him. Did you know that He has provided a way for sinful people like us to be forgiven? He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life & die on a Cross as a sacrifice so that He could bear the punishment that we deserve. But, to be forgiven you must confess & forsake all of your sin & place your trust in Christ. Cry out to God to help you & your girlfriend to repent & trust Him to help you keep pure towards one another. Ask the Lord to help you face the possibility of carrying a child & He will help you do what is right. You absolutely cannot murder your baby. Christine has told you about adoption & this may be a wonderful way for you to respond if your girlfriend is pregnant.

Go with your girlfriend to Then go to . I also want you to go to &

We're here to love & support you & to point you to the only One who truly knows you from the inside out & also knows the end from the beginning. God can & will respond to you if you will humble yourself & obey His commandments. Jesus has told us that if we obey Him He will reveal Himself to us. Do you have a Bible? John 14:21 Jesus says: "Whoever has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” He has sent Christine & john & I to bring the love & truth to you today. Please, listen to your conscience & obey His commandment. Stop being sexual with this girl unless or until you & she are married. Put away all thoughts of murdering your child. That is evil & you must not consider it anymore. We are here & we are praying for you, your girlfriend &, the little one who may be living in her womb.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Before you do anything, wait

Before you do anything, wait to find out if your girlfriend misses her period. She may not even be pregnant.
But if she is pregnant...please don't abort the baby. When I was young I aborted a baby so I know what its like to have a crisis pregnancy. But I also know what its like to go through abortion. Please listen to me as I will save you tremendous heartache to the deepest part of your soul. You will be killing your own child. Its horrible to go through the rest of your life knowing that. Marry her or give the baby up for adoption. Please listen to me. I did it...you will regret it I promise
Christine

Serendip Visitor's picture

Christine, you are very

Christine, you are very kind.
But you may have missed to read a few lines there. My girlfriend is SIXTEEN!
Having a baby is not an easy thing to do for a little girl like her.
I don't know about your country.. But people in India are not gonna let this happen.
If she has a baby, both of us can be jailed for 6 years for having sex under the legal age.
It is IMPOSSIBLE for us to have a baby now. I know it's a bad thing to abort one but in my case, it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!
I hope you understand. Her periods are due 6 days now.
It's getting scarier.

Amanda's picture

Best way to not get

Best way to not get pregnant?
DON'T HAVE SEX. Why is it so hard for people to keep it in their pants?
I'm no angel but really? Do you need to have sex at this age?
Why can't just being together be enough until you two are older?

The you can have all the sex you want and not have the worry of having a kid because you'll be old enough to care for one.

*/not look bad, if that is the case, in your religion/family etc.*

Just....why put yourself and the one you love in a stressful situation, stick with playing with each other, just don't have sex until you are ready to deal with a situation that might be the result of having a child.

That's My Two Cents.....i'm not trying to be rude...i'm just trying to give everyone/anyone who reads this some realistic advice.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Amanda! You are right. NOT

Amanda!
You are right.
NOT HAVE SEX is actually as easy as it sounds.
But trust me, I've dated hell lot of girls and never felt like having sex.
This one is special. It just happened!
Actually, to be honest, we had sex a few times even after all this.
But the good part is that she is NOT pregnant cause she got her period.
And everything is fine.
I know everything about sex, abortion, pregnancy, etc.
I've done all the research and collected hell lot of information in these 32 days of waiting.
I know exactly what to do! :)

Amanda's picture

YEY!

Not that you wouldn't have a gorgeous baby. But i am happy to hear you two are able to pass this scare on and live your lives. *for a while* lol j/k having a kid or two or more is a wonderful experience that i hope someday both of you get to experience someday.

And i know that it's hard to keep your hands to yourself when you LOOOOOoooooooooooooooooovveee the heck out of each other. I started having sex at 17 and really, it wasn't all that great until i met the man who gave me our little girl.

Not saying sex can't be enjoyable but honestly i think at times people can make it out to be more than it is. I know 3 couples who can go weeks without having sex *mine included* who have a better relationship and better understanding of each other because of it. But like they say different strokes for different folks. I'm not your parent so i can't just tell you what to do lol. I can just give you my hind-site and hope that it has some effect. So yes....if you've already done it *obviously* and you don't want to stop. It's good to hear that you are informed and make sure she is informed as well as you are to the teeth. Not to mention getting PAP's and checkups done for YOU as well.

Errrmmm and i guess having sex "less" often :S even though at your age i doubt that will hold ground lol.

But it's just a thought, when you hold out for longer periods of time, to me, the sex is better and more meaningful.
If i say i love you 6 times a day, it wouldn't mean as much if i only told it to you a few times a day. like in the morning or at night.

blah, blah, blah i could go on.

BUT YEY AND LIVE YOUR KIDDIE LIVES BECAUSE YOU'LL MOST LIKELY MISS THEM WHEN YOUR OLDER!

Serendip Visitor's picture

LOL Thanks a lot for all the

LOL
Thanks a lot for all the advice.
You know? Actually, I have similar thoughts about sex.
Why ruin the big surprise for the future, init? Haha!
We have sex only when we feel like, i.e. when we are making out while watching a movie or something.
Otherwise, we enjoy going out shopping together, studying, making silly jokes and teasing, singing, slow-dancing, etc..
And yes, my girlfriend also enjoys the awesome lap-dance I give her! *confession*
We have an awesome life. Though we fight like, 9 million times in a week, we know we are gonna be together.
And I'm sure that we are gonna have a baby which'd be the first one and not aborted! *smugs*

And yeah! About that question of yours.. here, in my city, we go to college after our 10th grade.
We have junior college for two years and then, we can get into the course of our choice which goes on for 2,3,4, etc, years. It's not any different from the normal going to school though.
It's just that.. in college, you don't have to wear any uniform, you can bunk lectures, etc.
It's pretty fun! :)

Anyway, thanks to everyone who showed concern! And for the record, I'm an agnostic. Although, I DO believe in prayers that (if) any of you have given so that I didn't land up into the biggest problem of my life (yet).
After we got through, me and my girlfriend got closer and careful. Sex happens rarely. But making out is hot! Because I've never seen such a beautiful kisser! WOW!
*blushes*

Well, if anyone ever wants to ask me something or talk to me, feel free.
My name is Kunal. I'll be checking here everyday to see if any of you replied.
Especially, Christine, Amanda and John who disclosed their names and you(s) who haven't. :)
Hope all of you do great and know great when it comes to sex! It is actually deeper than I thought.
And I'm sure a lot of you agree with me!

Cheers!
-Kunal.

Serendip Visitor's picture

When you say her periods are

When you say her periods are due 6 days now, does that mean she should have had her period 6 days ago? Or that she is due to have her period in 6 days?

Yes, I did read your post and I empathize deeply with you. If your girlfriend is pregnant there is no easy answer. I pray she is not pregnant. I do have something to add and I ask you to please consider. There is something I believed about abortion that I wish someone had told me and it was a lie. The lie is this: That abortion will fix the problem...make it go away. And that is true to a certain degree. It certainly ends the pregnancy so that "problem" is gone. But in the end you will find that nothing is worse than killing your own child. Getting an abortion only makes the problem worse. Its a quick fix with devastating long term effects. Killing another human being, especially your own offspring, is a haunting reality to face. I know because I've been there. I would spend the rest of my life in prison if I could undo what I did and my child would be alive today.

Do you love the girl? Could you leave the country or run somewhere to safety and marry her or at least save yourselves? Do you know anyone who could take you in? Where are you?

Serendip Visitor's picture

Well, what you say actually

Well, what you say actually makes sense.
But there's no other option. Yes, I love her.
And her periods were supposed to come 7 days ago.
I have been with her for years now and I don't want any trouble.
Running away from India to some other country sounds impossible for us. We are kids and we go to college. There's no money to do that. And we do not even have anyone to take us in.
I hope she is not pregnant. We are going to get the test done in the morning.
I hope it is negative.
Please pray for me.
Thank you. :)

Serendip Visitor's picture

Misoprostol in the cheek-melt

Misoprostol in the cheek-melt way works without any other drugs and is safer than RU-486. That's what is used in Canada, and it's pretty easy to get. The sooner the better though.
If you do it right at one week late, the pain and problems will be much easier!!
the key is to be as fast as possible!! when the thing is very very small!

Amanda's picture

ps. you in college?? How old

ps. you in college?? How old are you? If your in college...then does that make youuuu.....over 17??

WOw.....i wish i could have went to college at 17!! I'm in the wrong country.

If i got you age wrong and your not 17 anymore and your like 18 and up...i apologize if i made it seem that you were younger :S

Serendip Visitor's picture

help for you

I read your post and I want you to know I am so sorry you find yourself in this situation, full of fear & anxiety about what's going to happen. But I agree with Christine. Please don't do anything yet. You have some time to come up with a plan. It will be a while before anyone will even know that your girlfriend is carrying your child. If she is even pregnant...sometimes stress & fear can cause a girl's period to be late...or even skip a month, especially at age 16. Have you been to the website or ? Please take some time to check both of these websites out. Is there anyone who can help you save the life of your baby? Anyone you and she can trust, who can get you to a safe place? Please write back. I care. And I'm praying for both of you. You and your girlfriend can get through this. You cannot end the life of your little baby. Please.
Allura

Sologracia's picture

16 year old pregnant girl

You have asked for prayer... Are you a Christian? You are in a very tight spot right now but there is hope... I can only speak with you through emails but I would encourage you to go to a Church... You can find help there... They may take care of your girlfriend and help save the baby.. Remember Matthew 6:33 Seek Ye first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you... If you seek God he will give you everything you need for Life and Godliness... It is a precious promise to His people... If you are not His you must repent of breaking His Commandments and Seek His Forgiveness,,, Lust and fornication is what has gotten you to this point... Don't add Murder to your crimes... God will see you through this if you throw yourself before him with a Repentant Heart... Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with... Check out ... We are praying for you... John

Serendip Visitor's picture

SHE GOT HER PERIOD! After a

SHE GOT HER PERIOD!
After a month and two days, finally!
She got her period!
I'm so happy!

Sologracia's picture

She got her period

I celebrate the Grace that you have recieved... I would Beg you to Repent from your sin and come to Jesus. Sexual sin destroys peoples lives... You saw what your life could have become... Please Turn to God and find some Christians near you to help you grow.... Praying God will give you life...

Take Care
John

semper fi 's picture

Not A Bad Experience

i took the abortion pill yesterday at 10:34am i didnt experienced any side effects i was previously nauseous before i got to the doctor i was so thankful for getting the nausea pills i took them and went about my day . . . today i woke up feeling horrible throwing up so much i had to make an effort and eat something to take my antibiotic and pain killers along with the nausea pills took the second set of 4 pills at 1:08pm i really dont know when i started bleeding because i fell asleep for almost 4hrs but i woke up with cramps like my menstrual period i seriously didnt had no pain at all it felt like a period i passed blood clogs and it all felt like my period i hope this help some of you who are scared of the pain i didnt experience non of the side effects of the pills which i am thankful for i suggest sleeping thru it specially if like me your husband is at work take advantage to rest and relax a warm shower helps ease the cramps good luck ladies

Anonymous's picture

Wow

I have taken the pills and had the procedure. It was the ineffectiveness of the pills that led to me having to have the actual procedure. What concerns me is how many of you have waited days to call the doctor back. If something doesn't feel right, CALL the doctor. The clinic that gave you the pills is supposed to do the procedure if the pills fail (as they did in my case). If I had to go back & do it all over, I would just do the procedure instead of the pills. Yes, it upsets me, yes I wish I had never had to do it. No one does this by voluntary choice, you do this because you feel you have NO CHOICE. But a termination is a termination whether it is by pill or a medical procedure. Don't listen to anyone who tells you that what you are doing, want to do or have done is wrong. You did it because at this point in your life you felt you had no choice. Make peace with yourself, with your unborn child and with your God and move on.

If you need to talk, email me at

Serendip Visitor's picture

please dont judge the

please dont judge the situation im in but i believe that maybe u can help me.i had the abortion procedure about 5 months ago and i believe that i am pregnant again and i am considering abortion again,but i am not so sure what would be best...the pill or the procedure?~please help me with any advice a.s.a.p.

thank you

Serendip Visitor's picture

please tell me how did u know it didnt work

I have ahd pain bleeding but dont know what it means for it to be effective - I am in pain since last week that I took the pills. It feeel liek it will never go away. I am so regretful and would be devastated if I had to do the procedure. What happened?

Sammi's picture

Next Month Periods Not Come

Normally my periods date is 17th of every month, Last month I could not get periods then I consulted doctor,they told me I was 4.5 weeks pregnant,Since I had cesarian and blessed baby girl 8 months back, I had gone for abortion fill on doctor suggstion. Doctor has written Ipill tabelts and it has 5 tables,one i took on 22nd Night, other four I have placed my self into vagina on 23rd night at 10 PM 2 tablets ,24th Night 10 PM 2 tablets 23rd Night I could not get bleeded on 24th got blood clots entire night along with urine. My problem is today is 24th Jul,according my periods plan I should get by 22nd max. I could not get still today it is 24th Jul. What could be the problem and if use Ipill Abortion pill is there any delays in the next month periods. Please reply if you somebody face same type problem or doctor suggestions.

Serendip Visitor's picture

How long

after you take the pill can you have sex again?

valentina's picture

Glad I did this, read my detailed research & personal experience

I read every user review, clinical study, history of, pharma details, sneaky religious/pro-life propaganda and doctor's reports and was terrified of the pending doom of the RU 486 experience, however I feel it is extremely important for me to share. This site is VERY useful! Too bad it took me so many days to find it and read of some NON HORRIFIC experiences.

>>>>I'M PREGNANT!!?!?!?

I was just under four weeks pregnant. I know my body well and "just could tell" based on some symptoms. I am 31 years old, in a monogamous relationship and healthy despite the removal of an ovarian dermoid cyst in May. I was VERY AFRAID of a medical abortion based on what I read online, but the truth of the matter is the earlier your gestation, the easier the miscarriage will be. Procrastinating because of fear actually guarantees that the experience will be much more trying for you and your body. There was no sac visible on the ultrasound, too. That was a good sign, and I didn't want to wait two more weeks, pregnant, just to have a surgical abortion, especially after just having the cyst removed (which, due to the surgery's effect on my hormones, how this unplanned pregnancy happened!)

I took a home pregnancy test first thing Monday morning which was positive, albeit faint. My levels of HCG were enough to give me some symptoms - "full" feeling, bloated, tender breasts - but the difference, for me, when it comes to PMS was the feeling I got when I was eating over the weekend: it was like the food was going in but not filling me, as though it was being thrown into a giant empty barrel or something. Hard to describe but if you know what I mean, you know what this feels like.

I called my gyno and made an appointment for the following day. I also told my boyfriend, who is currently going through a divorce and has two children. Luckily we are able to openly discuss any matter, and we both agreed that this was not the time for us to start a family for many reasons, mostly because aside from the pending divorce and the inevitable challenges that will generate for the both of us, we are working on a huge project together which will hopefully provide for our future. Right now, a child would be born into a stressful and financially unstable situation, and this would compromise both of our careers, our relationship with one another and our budget to the point of disaster. This experience was helpful because it opened the doors for us to REALLY talk about family planning, and I think when you're in love and having sex with someone, that's a good thing to be on the same age about. It made me feel a lot better when he expressed that the future, perhaps, say, three years, would be a better time. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful and understanding partner.

>>>>>> TAKING THE FIRST PILLS

When I went to the doctor on Tuesday, I was really freaked out by what I read online. And that she was leaving for vacation. I put a lot of pressure on myself to "get it over with". This also upset me. No matter how weird they were to discuss openly, I asked a lot of questions including what this could mean for my karma. She was very reassuring an unbiased. Based on the FLM (first day of my last menstrual) there was a good chance that the two-pill dose of Mifiprex could terminate the pregnancy on its own. She also thought I needed another day to talk to my boyfriend about the decision - I guess I seemed unsure - and gave me the Mifiprex to take with me. I don't know if this is protocol, but it sure helped me to feel more in control of what I was about to do. The decision was not easy, but I felt like I had to make a choice quickly because time was of the essence.

She also gave me a prescription for Vicodin and the Mifoprostol, instructed me to take the Mifiprex when I was ready and then, if I started bleeding and passing clots, to take a home pregnancy test which she provided. If it was negative, then I might not need to take the second pills. After another talk with my boyfriend after work, and again calmly weighing all of the reality of the situation and reassuring one another that we could get through this together, I took the first set of pills with my boyfriend there, at dinner. After swallowing them, I did get upset for a moment. Once you take the pills, there is no turning back due to fetal deformation. I also think this is why my doctor did not administer them in the office...I needed just a little more time.

The next day, Wednesday, I felt pretty "synthetic". I had a taste in the back of my throat from the pills and could feel them in my body. The "cramping" I was also experiencing before taking the pills, the feeling of your uterus moving and adjusting for the change, had stopped. I knew the pills had worked to terminate the pregnancy; I just didn't "feel" pregnant anymore. In my research I also found that the medicine is also used for acute psychosis, and I definitely felt "sedate" about what was going on, not panicking or very emotional at all. Just felt sort of spaced out and "icky", but not very "bad". I was hoping I would start bleeding but did not. At night, around 9pm Wednesday, I experienced awful stomach cramping that really only subsided when I laid very still. It was very painful, and even scary for a moment, but when I laid down it was much better. I did wish someone was with me then as I didn't know what was happening to me. I may not have eaten enough that day. Make sure you eat, even if you're worried to death!

>>>>>>TAKING THE SECOND PILL - TERRIFIED!

I went to the pharmacy and bought pads for heavy bleeding, overnight pads, a box of tissues, medicine for nausea, Motrin, baby wipes and a heating pad. (I made the ultimate list of what I needed based on what I read online.) On Thursday day I ate light, nutrient-rich and protein based foods. My boyfriend picked me up from work and I was really nervous, even "joking" about what was going on. So scared. I was afraid of the pain I would be in. I Put the heating pad in the bathroom with a puke bucket, tissues, nausea-meds, lit a candle. Even put a pillow and blanket on the floor "just in case". At 6:00pm I took two Vicodin and two doses of the anti-nausea syrup I bought. I took a shower, figuring to wait for the pain meds to get to a therapeutic level in my body before taking the pills as so many experiences seem to talk about something happening within an hour, sometimes less. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT.

I started to feel "loose" from the Vicodin and took the second pills, four Mifeprestone, at 6:45pm while my boyfriend went to the store. I am glad I took them alone so I could make peace with the little spirit and welcome it to return when we were both more prepared for it and could love and provide for it in a more healthy and loving way than right now would afford. If it makes you feel better with someone there, go for it. I am only sharing my own experience!

In about 40 minutes, I started to bleed but just a tiny bit. I was wearing a pad expecting a flood, but it barely filled it. I was uncomfortable in my abdomen, feeling cramping but nothing severe. I figured I would take two more Vicodin four hours after the last dose at 10pm if things got too bad, but they never seemed to. Having the painkillers in me and absorbed before the contractions (which is what is essentially happening to you) begin was VERY helpful and smart. I recommend doing this because if you get the meds to a therapeutic level and maintain that level you are MUCH better off than the pain starting and having to wait for them to "work". Think of it as stretching before exercising! You have to get your body ready for what is about to take place, which is a miscarriage. Not painless!

I used the heating pad and sat on the couch talking for a while. At around 9:30pm I felt like laying down with the heating pad and having my boyfriend rub my lower back would help a lot, and it did. The pain did remind me of a "high school" period, but it pain is dull and constant, sort of "Far away" thanks to the Vicodin. They were never terribly intense, even though I was expecting to be sitting on the toilet with the big D while vomiting into a bucket and bleeding, writhing in pain. This never happened! I was so relieved.

>>>>> THE ABORTION

At 10pm I took one more Vicodin. That makes three total. I probably could have gotten away with taking 600mg (3 tablets) of ibuprofen but didn't know if things were going to "get worse" based on what I had read online. My bleeding was still minimal.

At 12:30pm I fell asleep, and at 1:30pm I woke up with the feeling of pressure like I had to make a bowel movement. But more intense, all throughout my lower half. It wasn't painful, just more like an all-encompassing pressure. As if my entire area of woman parts needed to poop...
I went to the toilet and urinated, and while I was trying to "push" what I thought would be a bowel movement out (I was upset that I was now alone and perhaps this was going to be the REALLY BAD part of the night) I ended up "pushing" out a small, apricot-sized clot of blood and tissue. I waited for "more" as most experiences I read had more "matter", but that was it. I was pretty surprised. I didn't overly analyze the clot as it was at the bottom of the bowl, but I think it was everything that needed to be expelled. I put on an overnight pad expecting it to be a really messy night's sleep, however woke up at 7am and the pad had minimal blood in it.

I did have slight menstrual-like cramping in the morning, but it wasn't bad at all. I did also have two loose bowel movements, one which I had to go into a diner and use the toilet (thank God I was close to one) before getting on the subway. I would suggest taking the next day off from work if you can, just to avoid an unpleasant "accident". I was really worried I was about to - on the sidewalk!!!

I got to work and had a bagel, stayed for a couple of hours but had an ever so slight fever and went home at 11:30am. Ate a light meal (and a chocolate milkshake) and laid down, napping on and off for a few hours in a quiet room with my boyfriend. This was very healing for the both of us! I experienced extremely minor cramps all day, even now, but it is 10pm on Friday and I am just having very light spotting now and feeling alright. My stomach is a little bit upset, but the medicine I have taken this week was strong so it is to be expected.

My research and experience leads me to relay that the sooner you take the Mifiprex and start that 48 hour clock before the second dose, the better off you are. There is an ENORMOUS difference between three to four weeks of gestation and, say, six weeks. (Most women discover they are pregnant at the fifth week based on early pregnancy symptoms and a missed period. I just happened to feel it earlier, before I missed a cycle.) According to my friend who is also a doula and helped me through this, the less your cervix and uterus have expanded and started to prepare, the less excruciating the miscarriage will be. It makes perfect sense.

I have a follow-up appointment with the doctor in two weeks but think "this was it". It was very easy considering the worst of it was the anxiety and pain I went through based on the fear of what would happen to me -- but never did. If you prepare yourself for pain and discomfort, mentally, and have everything you need while relying on support during the ENTIRE PROCESS from someone you love and trust - family, friend, lover - I know you can handle it.

If you have any questions feel free to email me at redhookstar at gmail dot com.

very anonymous's picture

NO BAD AT ALLL!!!

I am following up to my earlier post which I made tuesday. It is now friday afternoon. I went in at around 330-4ish on wednesday to take the first pill and to also get a ultrasound to find out how far along I was. It was to my relief that I was only 4.5 weeks. After taking the first pills I was prescribed 800mg ibprofren and nausea pills. I was also given anti-biotics at planned parenthood. I took the first pill, stopped by a local cvs to pick up prescriptions and stock up on pads, tampons, and an electrical heating pad and went home. I felt no side effects from this first pill at all. I was a little out of it but my nerves were all over the place. The doctor did tell me that a small percentage of women will abort after taking this pill at early gestations, but I was not one of them. I felt a little bit of cramping that evening but it was incredibly mild and lasted about 5 mins. The next morning I took my anti-biotic went for a run and tried to keep my mind off of the inevitable 4 pills I would have to take later on. Through-out the day my body felt like it normally does the day before I get my period, like heaviness in the uterus and very very slight cramping (I just knew the pregnancy was over). As the time passed and I got closer to the 24 hr mark I started to get really really anxious. I didnt even bother taking the nausea medicine because I didnt feel comfortable putting all of this stuff into my body, especially since the nausea medicine had side effects of its own (diarreah, no thanks). I was also told to wait 30mins after the 4 pills before taking pain medicine because the nurse said it may interact with the 4 pills and cause them to not work as effectively. I felt so nervous, I tried to just breathe in and out because I was afraid of what was to come. (I feel like this was the hardest part). After about 10 mins I found some strength and put em in. The 30 mins in your cheeks suuckkss. They start to break apart and as you try to swallow as you normally do, bits start to go down with it.. even though I had chugged water all day, my nerves were giving me dry mouth so the chalky pills all over my tongue was not comfortable. after the 30 mins I immediately swished water around in my mouth and swallowed the rest. I didnt feel an ounce of nausea. I put the heating pad on my belly and watched tv. I was feeling ok and could tell in my body they were already starting to work. I ate a slice of pizza, had some ginger ale and took half of an 800mg ibprofren. After an hour I started to feel slight cramping and went to the bathroom. I sat down on the toilet and passed the pregnancy.. It wasnt bad at all. as the hours went on my cramping got a little more intense but nothing I couldnt handle. I took the other half of the ibprofren and watched a movie. The whole ordeal felt nothing more then a period for me. I have even had periods where I have experienced more pain then this. However, I was bleeding more, but only when I went to the bathroom.. my pads were otherwise staying pretty dry (ps. I HATE PADS). I did push a bit though while also pushing down on my lower abdomen while on the toilet. All and all no other harsh symptoms, the pills made my mouth a little sore for an hour or so and I had some gas pains and the occasional feeling of a very empty belly even though I had eaten (2 slices by this point). Now today, its like the second day of most of my periods, very light. I am very happy that I stuck to my guns and did it this way. It was not bad at all. It was exactly like a period. I have some friends that never experience bad cramping during their period so for someone like that to go through this I can see how it can be absolutely awful, but I was used to it, plus they werent even so bad. I asked and the doctors can not say for sure but believe it may be possible that the earlier you are the easier it is.. (less growth=less to come out), but everyone's bodys are different (I thought for sure I was doomed because I was always the one to experience all the bad side-effects when taking medication). I hope that who ever reads this knows that they are not alone if they are feeling any anxiety, and not to read everything they see on the web. Keep positive and remember to just breath (in through your nose out through your mouth) and relax. Definitely suggest having the company as it helps to keep your mind off of it. Try excercising the days before and drink plenty of water. If you have any questions feel free to email me!

Serendip Visitor's picture

Took the abortion pill last night around 1210...

I have been looking through everything on all the websites and was starting to relax about the whole thing and became a little less afraid of what was going to happen however I am going to share my experience on here, not to scare anyone but to prepare people for what they could be going through.....

1210, took 4 suppositories

115- fell asleep until 2 am

2 am- woke up shivvering with horrible cramps

215 am- Started bleeding

230am- started passing clots from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball

300 am- took Tylenol with Codine to ease the pain

330 am still no relief from the pain

4am- Passing clots around the same size pretty consistantly through out the night

430am- layed down with a heating pad, water and a movie, I STRONGLY suggest a heating pad, water and a movie, the heating pad helps the pain ALOT, the
water flushed my system and pushed everything out quicker and the movie helped to take my mind off things,

5am-finally the cramps were starting to ease up however the bleeding was still there but slowed down significantly

10am- cramping was going on a little, not too painful or consistant, maybe lasted about thirty seconds every ten-fifteen minutes.

---I did not vomit at all nor did I have Diahrea at all, I did have consistant chills and shivers that did not stop until I finally fell asleep, Over all the pain from the cramps were honestly the worst thing I have ever felt, this could have just beenn for me, all people are different and their bodies react to things differently however I just thought I would post this so who ever is thinking about doing this can see all the outcomes and options and reactions. To be honest if I ever get pregnant again I would go through with it, the pain I went through doing this was not worth the 500$ paid for the pills, it was not worth the pain, I think by far having the child and putting it up for adoption would be soooo much easier. If anyone has any questions and does not want to post on here feel free to email me on my personal email to talk about it, I have a Blackberry and will get back to you right away, My email in Blindsided85@vzw.blackberry,net

Also I was a little over 6 weeks along....

Ramesh's picture

Abortion

I eat an Abortion Pill -RU486 time 7 week to 9 week after eat the tablet had a bleeding after i'm not get period so went to Doctor he say 5 months pregnancy if any affect to my baby

Serendip Visitor's picture

Medical Abortion: First 24hrs

Hi,

I took Mifepristone (200mg) and Misoprostol (800mg/intravaginal insertion) and I have nearly completed the first 24 hours after the second set of pills. The pills were dosed ~24hrs apart as well. I was 8 weeks and 3 days. I was also given a macrolide antibiotic and codeine #3 for pain.

This was my 2nd medical abortion (the first 10 years ago at 4 weeks). The first time was not very painful at all, but this time the pain was excruciating to the point where I thought I would pass out despite the fact I had taken codeine #3 X 2 and 1000mg acetominophen. I vomited 3 times and also experienced hot flushes, chills and intense shivers. The cramping started less than 1 hour after the first dose, but the intense cramps lasted for 1 1/2 hours. I wish I would have had a heating pad. It was the most painful thing I ever experienced. The cramps ended suddenly after the 3rd bout of vomiting with a feeling of relief and were followed by dull, tolerable cramps that came in waves throughout the day. The bleeding started shortly thereafter and was/is lighter than I expected. I have passed several large clots, however, and continue to bleed.

The nausea I experienced along with pregnancy went away over the course of the day yesterday along with swelling in the hands/feet/face. My breasts are still tender. My lower abdomen is also smaller and less painful as I write this. Additionally, my mental "fog" is gone and a fair amount of energy returned. It surprised me how well I felt last night.

I think everyone has their own unique experience. It also depends on how far along you are and what your drug regimen was (route, dose). I was very thirsty afterwards and produced a lot more urine per/passing than before the abortion.

I had lots of water and grapes to eat afterwards. Once I was better I even a small (late) lunch and dinner. If you can have non-acidic fruit with high water content on hand like watermelon, grapes or even apples, that would be very helpful. Also, be sure to have someone with you during this time. You will need them. Take your pain meds AS SOON as you insert the misoprostol, too. Don't wait until you feel the cramps.

I am not happy that I went through this and hope it never happens again. I had been very ill for a long period of time prior to this and was not physically or mentally able to go through the pregnancy. I regretted choosing the medical abortion over the surgical abortion this time. There are pluses and minuses to both--the consequences can be dangerous. The process is scary. The decision is hard.

Serendip Visitor's picture

My experience

I found out I was pregnant around the end of june. I am 20 years old and my boyfriend and I have been together for about 8 months. I had NO idea I was pregnant. I had been on birth control and stopped for a month and that was when it happened. I missed my period and many of my friend said that it took a while to get their period again after stopping birth control, so i thought it was normal. My breasts started to hurt and I being feeling nauseous so i took a pregnancy test. I was in shock when I saw the results were positive.

I immediately told my mother and she made the appointment with Planned Parenthood. NO ONE ELSE KNEW. I decided to terminate the pregnancy because Im a fulltime student and my boyfriend is going to medical school. I chose the abortion pill. I went back the next week. I had to wait about 2 hours cause I needed the RHO- shot. IF you have a negative blood type they administer this shot to you.

One thing that I advise is to HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOUUU. It is not an easy experience at all and is very painful.
After a sonigram I was told i was about 7 weeks pregnant. I took the first pill at the clinic at around 3 30. I had mild cramping and felt nauseous. Im not sure if the nausea was because of the pill because I had felt that way for the past 2 weeks. They also gave me antibiotics to start so I took one of those at night

Exactly 24 hours later I took a 800mg motrin and waited 30 minutes then let the pills dissolve for 20 minutes and washed the rest down with water. I immediately started to feel very very mild cramping that as time passed started to intensify. About 2 hours later I started to bleed I actually felt like my uterus was being ripped out. I had no one with me which was my first mistake. Only my mother knew and she works full time so she wasnt home to comfort me. I was constantly on the phone crying to her cause it hurt so much.

My mistake was not taking the painkiller when the intense cramping began. The doctor prescribed me tylenol with codeine and said "prepare for the worst". I unfortunately was not. This was by far one of the most painful experiences in my life. I have been bleeding for about 3 hours not and because I took two of my painkillers now, Im not in too much pain. I was back and forth from the toilet about twice ever hour and the clots about the size of my thumb have passed. There were many times I was hunched over the toilet cause of the nausea. I would advise to eat a meal before taking the pills and have a couple of snacks during it. I am not because the thought of any food makes me want to throw up.

Right now the pain is minimal, I am still bleeding.

If you chose this I advise to take pain medication. It it definitely needed. Also if you can, eat something because the medication is very hard on your stomach. It is a long process as well.

I wish whoever has to do this the best of luck.

Serendip Visitor's picture

Its been a month now for you.

Its been a month now for you. How are you today?

Surprised 's picture

Easy Experience

I found out I was 6 weeks pregnant and had been on birth control pills, never missed a pill and took them at the same time every day. We do not want kids yet and decided to get the abortion pill. However, when I got to reading some experiences online about the abortion pill, I had my doubts because I was worried about the pain, etc.

Went to the clinic and they tested my blood - turns out I had a low iron count and would have to get a vacuum aspiration. Right as she tells me this, some girl screamed in one of the rooms. Turns out someone brought their kid with them in the waiting room...but ohmygod I thought it was someone getting an aspiration. I freaked out and had her re-test my blood, which luckily came back normal the second time. Make sure your diet is high in iron or they won't let you take the pill because of the amount of blood loss.

I took the first pill at the clinic in the room that they do the vacuum aspirations, which was completely freaky seeing the jars and vacuum equipment there, so that only reaffirmed my decision to take the pill quickly and get out of there.

Two days later, I took the second set of pills. They gave me Hydrocodone and some other pill for nausea. I took those first, then the 4 abortion pills orally. Sat around watching TV and let them dissolve. The Hydrocodone knocked me out for a while, then I woke up an hour later with some light cramping and took a few more pain pills.

Went and sat in the bathroom and a couple big clumps of blood/tissue came out. I did not look at the results so as to not traumatize myself with the images of what was down there.

I was still waiting for the "excruciation, blinding" pain to come. Passed a lot more blood and got sweaty and threw up once. Word of advice, do not eat red food in the days prior - when I vomited, I thought it was blood and got worried...then I remembered I ate those fruit snacks, Gushers, the day before...oops.

Sat in the bathroom and read a book for a while, had some more light cramping, blood/tissue loss, diarreah (which was welcomed after being constipated from the pregnancy), and then after about 30 minutes, it was over. The whole ordeal was no worse than regular period cramps (which I rarely get each month anyway), but I did take the Hydrocodone/nausea pills they prescribed, so that may have helped.

After the bleeding stopped, I felt remarkably better. My energy was back so quickly after being so tired/nauseated for a month during my pregnancy. It has been one week since I took the pills and just have regular bleeding like a period, which they said to expect. You cannot use tampons for a while, so using pads again is gross and I feel like I'm back in middle school again...yuck.

Overall, this was a relatively easy experience compared to what I was thinking it was going to be. I really thought I would be writhing on the bathroom floor in pain or going to bleed too much and die. Personally, going to the clinic was more stressful than anything - seeing the protesters (who want you to keep it, but are they going to pay for all of the expenses of having a child? give you income when you have to take time off to have a baby? pay for their college one day?). Also, just having to be around a medical facility in general is just not my idea of a good time, especially a place with so many worried girls in the waiting room.

Sometimes birth control pills fail - I never thought I would be someone who would need an abortion because I was so responsible about taking my birth control, but this is a fairly non- traumatic way to end a pregnancy. Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones who had an easy experience on these pills, as some of the stories on here seemed exaggerated.

Having an unplanned pregnancy is an incredibly emotional and scary time, and the nervousness leading up to taking the pills is probably the worst part. Good luck to you all with your experiences, as I hope it is as easy as mine.

Melanie Serendip Visitor's picture

How are you today?

How are you today?

Serendip Visitor's picture

After reading your post

I literally just took the four pills and -was- scared to death that I was going to be in terrible pain and not be able to sleep soooo after reading what you wrote it really really helped thanks!

Anonymous's picture

birth control?

Just out of curiousity, how long have you been on the birth control pills?

Serendip Visitor's picture

About four years now.

About four years now.

Kota's picture

Just started today

I took my first pil today at a clinic and it is going on twelve hours after and I have not started bleeding or cramping yet, is this normal? Also, how badly does it hurt being 6 weeks and 1 day along, I have never been through anything like this, I was using yaz after it was pulled and think that may be why this happened, if anyone could please give me some advice that would be great

very anonymous's picture

After reading this page I am

After reading this page I am incredibly nervous.My (ex)boyfriend and I (of 3 yrs) were not incredibly sexual, and if so we were always safe (was on birth control but stopped and were using condoms) but now we are not on the best of terms, we broke up last week and as fate would have it, I found out I was pregnant a week after breakup.. fml. I told him and he is here for me, and even though I am 24 and feel 50/50- obviously now is not the best time. I am a student still and even though he is a great person, i see no sailing off into the sunset even though i love him...anyywayy.. where I live I had to go in for the blood work (monday) and a check up similar to an annual. the nurse told me my uterus was small so I am assuming I am early in my pregnancy. HOWEVER... I am in school full time and work pretty much full time in the summer. And because doctors are only available on certain days to administer drugs this couldnt have happened at a worse time because I am unable to take off of work any time other then wed (tom) thursday and friday. this month. So I was able to make an appt tomorrow (wed) at 330. I am soo nervous about what is going to happen but I am more afraid of going surgical even though it is faster because you never know what could happen when using those instruments. I will try to keep everyone updated on my progress.

I would like to add that I have had no typical pregnancy symptoms. atleast none I know of. Used to get bad cramping before I used birth control (abour 3 yrs ago) but I discontinued birth control about 2 months ago (periods not so bad) And I have been trying to prepare myself physically and mentally by working out and trying to keep positive.

valentina's picture

I am about 4 weeks pregnant,

I am about 4 weeks pregnant, unplanned and accidental, and EPT home test detected enough HCG on Monday morning to show a positive, although faint. For many reasons we are not able to have (or afford) this child right now. The experience has led us to further discuss our family planning, so that is definitely a positive aspect.

I took the first dose, three pills, yesterday. My doctor said that since it is so early in gestation, taking the first pill might complete the abortion and then she gave me a pregnancy test to take at home, before taking the second dose, to check and see. Today I experienced a strange synthetic taste in my mouth and a general feeling of being "out of it". My emotional state, breast tenderness and "feeling" of being pregnant ceased or decreased significantly earlier today. I can tell that the pregnancy is terminated. Earlier tonight, 24 hours later, I experienced severe abdominal cramping. Painkillers helped, and I feel some minor "pulling" near my left ovary. Reading online is sort of nerve wracking, with so many conflicting stories, cases, sneaky religious extremists, etc. My doctor told me that if my pregnancy test came out negative, that I do not need to take the second dose of four pills as, again, the gestation is so low. I am going to take a test tomorrow first thing in the morning. If it is negative, I will follow the doctor's instructions and not take the second dose. I'm not sure if that means my body will expel the completed abortion on its own and I should wait as opposed to taking the second dose and cleaning out the uterus with contractions. I guess I'll follow up again tomorrow. Good luck to you all! The stories online about poo and vomit and cramping and death are a little overwhelming, however in the office my doctor said the chances of problems are so incredibly low and this is the best option for me at this time.

Hi there!'s picture

I took the abortion pill

I took the abortion pill about a month ago. Everything went as it was suppose to, but i haven't had another period yet. Its been a month now. I bled for about 10 days starting the day i took the pills. I'm just a little worried. I have researched & found out it could be a week early or late due to hormones being all crazy. So i guess i'll give it some more time. However im also curious how other womens bodies reacted. I have felt kindof crappy ever since i went through this. I have started having migranes & just feeling sick to my stomache. I've asked around & been told it is normal due to having the pregnancy hormones in your body. It could take a while to get back to normal, it has been a month now & im ready for normalcy again. If anyone has any input PLEASE feel free to share!

Serendip Visitor.... 's picture

Abortion Pill

I took the pill and experienced zero side effects.... I was around 4 weeks pregnant and 19years old. I can't say the side effects are overrated... everyone's body isn't the same. But I feel the psychological impact far weighs the physical one.

African's picture

Nausea

Oh yeah, i have never puked in my life so that wasn't a lovely experience. But its passed(was about 2 hrs after takin the 2nd set of pills orally) plus the diarrhea has subsided. I was too afraid to eat breakfast incase i brought it all back up again but now im drinkin a hot cup of hibiscus tea as i hold a plastic water kettle to my tummy. Relief...

African's picture

Hope all goes well...

Im from Africa and i had a feelin i was pregnant when my period was 5 days late. Im in college so havin a baby was not an option. I searched for all manner of herbal methods online, tried vit c but after 5 days there wz no sign of bleeding. This is cause abortion is illegal in my country therefore there were limited options available. Misoprostol is available but only by prescription. I informed my boyfriend and he said he'll search for a way to get the pills. Thank God he found them, but only 4. I thought this was too small a dose to work since my research led me to believe 4 doses, if using misoprostol alone, wld be the ideal. Im 5 wks n a few days along(countin from time of conception) and inserted 2 pills yesternight with instructions to insert the next 2 after 4 hrs. Thank God im bleedin. Im soo relieved but the amount of bleeding isn't much and im afraid all the uterine contents will not be expelled. Iv passed about 2 clots in the past 6 hrs and the cramps are light(but im in alot of discomfort as i never cramp) i pray the bleeding continues. I'll go to a Marie Stopes clinic in 2 wks and say i had a spontaneous abortion if things dont go as planned(i dont wanna be prosecuted) im goin to look for some ibuprofen now and hope it will help with the cramps. Im soo glad my boyfriend is soo supportive but i will never have sex at the most fertile time of my cycle again. We used a condom but it broke. Got the E pill the next day but i guess that dint work. Im glad i cld read all these posts-Im alone in my room in my dorm on campus thanking God that things aren't soo bad. And also trying to read for my finals but to no avail! Hope i pass.

Serendip Visitor's picture

i just wanted to say you're a

i just wanted to say you're a very strong girl.. and i wish you the best of luck with everything..

Serendip Visitor's picture

want to know if is normal

i took 10 tablets of cytotec to abort one month pregnancy...i bleeded for only 2days...is it normal???

kayley's picture

I'm 31 years old, 3 children,

I'm 31 years old, 3 children, and I took the pills yesterday morning. I was 40 days since LMP (between 5 & 6 weeks).

After reading these experiences I was totally terrified, but my experience was a little different. First of all I've come to the conclusion that using these pills results in a unique experience for each woman, exactly like how childbirth and miscarriage experiences are unique to each woman...

After taking the 1st pill in the office, I began bleeding for the next two days. I also was suffering from nausea. I didn't start feeling pukey until after I took the first pill, so I understand this might be a little outside the norm.

I took a Lortab and 3 ibuprofen Friday morning, and then 30 minutes later I took the second set of pills. They were to dissolve under my tongue. within 10 minutes of taking the second set of pills I vomited everything in my stomach. I called the nurse and they said if I threw up right after taking the pills it probably wouldn't work, but I was alone, high on Lortab, and had no one who could drive to the clinic and get me another set of pills!!

This clinic did not give me an anti-nausea medication with the pills --- they SHOULD HAVE. Please ask your doctor for anti-nausea meds to avoid this situation!

Luckily, enough of the pills must have gotten into my system because I began cramping and passing blood clots. When I would go to the toilet i would pass the clots...the biggest one was about the size of a small egg. The cramps weren't too bad -- make sure you take plenty of ibuprofen, it helps. Once it was over I began feeling better, and now I feel great. (No more insane mood swings or nausea, I'm so relieved)

I passed everything within 3-4 hours of taking the pills, and then bled like a period. It is now the next day, I feel like I'm on my period and I'm crampy but the ibuprofen is taking care of it. I can't run up and down the stairs though, because it increases the bleeding. I have to stay off my feet and rest.

All in all it was a tiring day, and I couldn't have taken care of my children during, so I'm glad I had someone take my kids for a while. You'll need childcare for at least 1 day, overnight would be better.

Serendip Visitor's picture

I have taken the treatment....

It has been over 7 weeks since I took the treatments(combination) I have yet to get my period. Although, pregnancy test(s) all come back negative...the ultrasound also does not reveal anything left in the uterus. I took the treatment when I was 5 weeks & 5 days @ per the ultrasound. ( I was NEVER given a pregnancy test in the office) I followed the instructions properly...& yet still no period or sign of bleeding!!! I have not had a period since 4/25/2010-It is now July 12, 2010. I would not recommend the medication. It is better to wait 1 more week & have a surgical-Atleast you can walk out of the office with the peace of mind that the termination is complete (in most cases) & resume a normal life. I suffered from flu-like symptoms for 2 weeks-but like I said-No Cramping, No bleeding-Just fever, severe aches, chills, cold sweats (while working career) I have since had several follow-up visits...It is the same line...Oh, everything is fine you should get your period soon. The last visit I was told to start taking birth-control..which I did (10 days, so far). Even though the package stated "start this medication on the 1st day of your menstral cycle." I am hoping this will enduce my period. Good Luck to everyone considering the pill. It is a long, drawn out-rough process. The surgical is the way to go...It sounds quite a bit more scary than it really is.....in my ""opinion"" of course! (28yr old female, mother of 2 boys 12 & 5) Best wishes to ALL!

Serendip Visitor's picture

worried

ok. my sister just took 2 of the abortion pills just a couple of hours ago. and im worried that imm being way more emotional than she is. i mean it was like i took the pill and she didnt. and im worried for me and her

SCR's picture

Follow up to earlier post

Alittle over 3 weeks ago, my 22 year old daughter found out she was pregnant - and being that I thought it was her choice as a woman, left the decision up to her with what she wanted to do. At this time, she felt having a baby wasn't right for her so I began looking into "abortion information" and ended up here as well as many other sites. At first, like many others, I read the horror stories of how it didn't work-almost bleeding to death-and the crucial pain that came along with the "pill" - - I was in a complete and utter state of shock and fear for my daughter, since PP did not offer the tradional abortion procedure. First trip to PP, our appointment was at 10am, we arrive at 9:45 to a room full of other females. After completing enough paperwork, as if we were obtaining a home loan, all the girls were called to the back. Once they are back there, they view a video about the abortion pill, over and over and over again while each girl has bloodwork done and talked to the appropriate person. This process took over 5.5 hours and depending on the order that you arrived!!! (so if your appointment is at 10am get there alot earlier, it's first come first serve, basically). Now, don't forget these girls are already scared out of their mind and just want to get in and get out and get this entire ordeal over with, and luckily that day you could only see and hear two protestors outside the clinic, but the overall condition/appearance of the PP clinic was very 70's style, which frightened me and the overall comforting level of nurses/doctors were definitely lacking to all the girls/support system. I watched as one girl came out - then another -then another - Where is my daughter-what are they doing back there? Finally, she comes out, she was so "stressed" by this time and had the shakes from lack of food and drink, that we immediately had to stop somewhere and get something. But, while you are in the back, they confirm you are pregnant and give you more paperwork along with the price and date to return. We were in there on a Thursday and was hoping for a Friday appointment, but all the girls received a Tuesday appointment at 8am.
Since I had several hours on my hands that day, I did talk with the nursing staff and was told, it's not actually an appointment, they are seen by the order they sign in. - so, remember that !!!! Tuesday....finally arrives. We get up extra early and arrive at the PP clinic at 7:20, we are the first ones there and my daughter is the first one to sign in. But, of course, the waiting room time, until called back, was about an hour once everyone signs another piece of paper and pays, then hearded back like a flock of cows.
A "staff member" comes out and says, "If you want to leave, go ahead. They will be a while and will be able to call you once they are done." I leave and go run some errands and receive a phone call from my daughter around noon. She was the 1st to be seen - while back there, they performmed an ultrasound, you again talk to the Dr. and they go over the procedure again and finally, the 1st does of pills are given. Once I returned and picked her up, she just wanted to come back home and go to bed. I assume it's partially because of stress and side effects of the pills. The PP instructions said she could take the 2nd set of pills at 11 am the next morning....and that's exactly what she did. Prior to her putting the pills in her mouth, I went ahead and gave her nauseau medicine and pain medicine and had the heating pad heated. Within about 15 minutes after the pills dissolved, her cramps began. Along with the intense cramps came nausea, diarrhea, chills and a light headache. She basically sat on the commode the first hour trying to decide if she needed to vomit, use the bathroom or urinate. She would go from the bathroom to the bed and back and forth. It's a very important thing - to have someone with you - I do not think she would have managed on her own, she was very scared and unsure !! Once I was able to calm her, somewhat, got her back in the bed and the heating pad on her stomach and told her to "relax and take deep breaths with the cramps" she seemed to be able to deal a bit better at that point. I'm real sure the pre-medicating had alot to do with this too - - so be sure to take your meds prior to taking your 2nd set of pills !!! Shortly after the intense cramping lets up, she goes back to the bathroom and she starts bleeding. At times, it was long clots and other times it was a plops of blood, but never gushing or a constant flow of blood! I continued to give her pain & nausea meds per the instructions and insisted on constant fluids (water, 7up, sprite, NO DAIRY) during the day!! By late afternoon, we were both laying in bed, watching movies and talking. Her pain on a scale of 1 to 10 at the highest was an 8 and by this time, it was still a 5-6. In between the prescribed meds, I also dosed her with Advils and kept the heating pad HOT !! Night time comes and this was the worse time, for me. I was so afraid she would bleed to death in her sleep or at least, the worse hadn't come yet. But, morning comes and when she finally wakes up, she is still somewhat "uncomfortable" but not nearly as bad as the day before, bleeding is moderate and nausea is moderate but overall she feels good enough to go to work (desk job). Through out, she did have to take some pain meds for the cramping, which she said, would come and go, but were like a bad crampy period and at some point, she said the nausea was terrible, which is probably after she took the pain pills ! (so be sure to nibble on something, crackers/bread/chips). We are now three weeks out from her taking the "pill" - bleeding is very light, she is now wearing a panty liner instead of those overnight pads and has had bloodwork done at PP lab and yet to hear if tests are negative or positive. However, luckily, we had scheduled a GYN appointment with her regular doctor, which did a pregnancy test and confirmed she was no longer pregnant and everything looked "normal." She did call PP yesterday for their bloodwork results and she was told, "When the dr. gets the results, we'll let you know." Planned Parenthood's time is of an essence look at this ordeal is so casual - there are alot of things on their end that definitely need improvements.
Lastly, if you are going thru this, steer clear of the negative and horror stories about the "pill." Have a quite place to be and a strong support person with you at both appointments and during the abortion. Start the Advil the day before and continue per the bottle and the day of the 2nd set of pills, start your prescribed medication immediately and continue to take it like the bottle says and definitely, get you a an extra large heating pad !! One thing to remember, your body is naturally terminating this pregnancy and what you may feel - is something totally different than what someone else feels, everyone's pain level and tolerance is different. Just think of your worse "cramping period" and multiple it a couple of times, like my daughter just stated, this is what you might experience.

Overall cost: 1st PP appointment $100.00, 2nd PP appointment $475.00, pain medications $30.00, a new heating pad $40.00 and a full bottle of advil $10.00. (PP does offer financial assistance for those who qualify)
Good luck to everyone going thru this - You are NOT alone and I hope that as you have read this, you find some comfort and assurance that everything will be OK !!!