Medical (Non-Sugical) Abortion

ACU Health Center is committed to providing quality care to our patients with the latest technology. The recent approval of Mifeprex, also known as RU 486 or the “abortion pill”, has allowed women to have more choices in reproductive health. We are proud to introduce the option of having a non-surgical abortion using Mifeprex, also know as “Medical Abortion”, at ACU Health Center. Our goal is to give you accurate and up-to-date information to help you make an informed decision, if you should decide to have a medical abortion, to make the process as understandable as possible.  The following are some commonly asked questions and answers about Medical Abortion. If you have additional questions, please feel free to call ACU Health Center at 630-794-0645.

What is Medical Abortion?

Medical Abortion (sometimes called “the abortion pill” or nonsurgical abortion) uses two medications- Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and Misoprostol (Cytotec)- to end a pregnancy.  These medications cause changes in the lining of the uterus and muscle contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue.  Most women have cramping and bleeding like those that may occur during an early miscarriage or a very heavy menstrual period. 

When can I have a Medical Abortion?

Medical Abortion is recommended only in early pregnancy.  It can be done as soon as pregnancy is confirmed up to 49 days by ultrasound.  An ultrasound is used to confirm actual pregnancy measurement.

How long does the process take?

Medical Abortion involves several steps and requires at least two office visits.  During your first visit, the pregnancy is confirmed and we will determine if you are a good candidate for a medical abortion based on your personal medical history, current health status, and other important factors. You will have lab work done and meet with a Health Educator before receiving the first medication, Mifeprex. You must return to the center on the third day to receive the second medication, Misoprostol. The abortion may occur within 4 hours after ingesting the second drug, but it may take as long as 24 to 48 hours or longer.  A final office visit is required within 2 weeks to verify completion of the process.  If the Abortion process is not completed, Surgical Abortion may be done by Vacuum Aspiration.

How effective is Medical Abortion?

Medical Abortion is about 95 to 97% effective. This means that 95 to 97 out of 100 women who take the medications will have a complete abortion. In the 3 to 5 out of 100 cases in which abortion does not occur or is incomplete, a surgical abortion procedure is required.  Once a Medical Abortion has begun, it must be completed, because the drugs could cause birth defects.

How safe is Medical Abortion?

Medical Abortion is extremely safe.  The drugs used have been widely studied and are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The dosage regimen used at ACU Health Center may be evidence based rather than FDA approved. Millions of women all over the world have used Medical Abortion safely for several years and complications are infrequent.  Prolonged or heavy bleeding is the most common complication, occurring in about 1 in 100 women.  In some cases, this may require Vacuum Aspiration to control bleeding. Infrequent problems requiring emergency treatment are: bleeding heavy enough to require blood transfusion, ectopic pregnancy, hemorrhage, infection, allergic reaction, hospitalization or other  rare complications.

What are the side effects of Medical Abortion?

Vaginal bleeding and cramping are expected effects of Medical Abortion. Other  common side effects are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Some women also experience headaches, dizziness, and fever or chills.  Using pain relievers and anti-nausea medication can reduce some of these effects.

 What will the bleeding be like, and how long will it last?

The amount and duration of bleeding after Medical Abortion are different for each woman and depends on how far along the pregnancy is.  There is usually more bleeding and cramping than during a heavy period, with blood clots (sometimes large) and possibly some gray or tan tissue.  Women typically report some amount of bleeding for about 30 days after taking the drugs.

 What happens after Medical Abortion?

Fertility returns quickly- ovulation is likely within the first two or three weeks after the abortion. Your normal menstrual period may resume in about 4-8 weeks after the completion of the abortion.

Is Medical Abortion the right choice for all women?

 Our highly trained Clinicians, Nurses, and Health Educators can help you decide if Medical Abortion fits your health care needs. This non-surgical option is most appropriate for women who are committed to follow up care as required, who live a reasonable distance from the Center, and who understand how to manage symptoms like excessive bleeding and cramping. Following all medical instructions given by Center staff is crucial to this abortion method.