Abortion Pills – Full Overview
### What are abortion pills?
Abortion pills are **medicines used to end an early pregnancy**. They are also called **medical abortion**. These pills work without surgery.
The two main medicines are:
1. **Mifepristone**
2. **Misoprostol** (also known by brand names like Cytotec)
Sometimes **Misoprostol alone** is used if Mifepristone is not available.
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### How do abortion pills work?
* **Mifepristone** stops the pregnancy hormone (progesterone).
* **Misoprostol** causes the uterus to contract and push out the pregnancy.
This process is similar to a **natural miscarriage**.
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### Up to how many weeks can abortion pills be used?
* Most effective and safest **up to 9 weeks (63 days)** of pregnancy
* Can be used up to **12 weeks**, but medical supervision is recommended
Earlier use = **safer and more effective**
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### How are abortion pills usually taken? (General info)
⚠️ This is **general information**, not personal medical advice.
**Method 1: Two-pill method**
* Day 1: Mifepristone
* After 24–48 hours: Misoprostol
**Method 2: Misoprostol only**
* Misoprostol taken in repeated doses as advised by a doctor
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### What happens after taking abortion pills?
Common effects:
* Cramping (like strong period pain)
* Bleeding (heavier than normal period)
* Blood clots
* Nausea, vomiting
* Fever or chills (usually short-term)
Bleeding usually starts **within a few hours** after Misoprostol.
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### How long does bleeding last?
* Heavy bleeding: 1–2 days
* Light bleeding or spotting: up to **1–2 weeks**
* Period usually returns in **4–6 weeks**
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### Is abortion with pills safe?
✅ Yes, **when used correctly and early**, abortion pills are very safe.
Millions of women worldwide use them safely.
However, **medical help is needed immediately** if:
* Very heavy bleeding (soaking 2+ pads per hour for 2 hours)
* Severe pain that doesn’t reduce
* Fever over 38°C lasting more than 24 hours
* Bad-smelling discharge
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### Who should NOT use abortion pills without doctor advice?
* Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside uterus)
* Long-term bleeding disorders
* Allergy to these medicines
* Very late pregnancy
* IUD still inside (must be removed first)
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### Privacy and confidentiality
Medical abortion is **private**, can be done at home, and does not usually require surgery or hospital stay if no complications occur.
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### Legal and access note
Abortion laws **vary by country**.
Always check **local laws** and try to consult a **licensed doctor or recognized medical organization** for safe guidance.
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### Important reminder
This overview is for **education only**.
Do not self-medicate without proper medical advice, especially in later weeks.