Overview

A medical abortion is the use of medicines to end a pregnancy. Usually two medicines are used. You take one medicine. Within 2 days after taking the first medicine, you take the second medicine. The timing depends on how the doctor tells you to use them. The second medicine takes about 1 to 24 hours to work, with bleeding usually starting within a few hours.

After the abortion, you may have bleeding, spotting, and cramping for the first 2 weeks.

You will take a pregnancy test at home or have an ultrasound or a lab test to make sure the abortion worked. You will be told when to do this. If the medicine didn't work, you may need to take a second dose of medicine or have a surgical abortion.

If you got and used abortion pills without working with a doctor (self-managed abortion), you should take a pregnancy test about a month after the abortion to make sure it worked.

You can get pregnant in the weeks after an abortion. If you don't want to get pregnant, talk with your doctor about birth control methods.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If your doctor prescribed medicine to prevent nausea, take it as directed.
• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Use sanitary pads until you stop bleeding. Using pads makes it easier to monitor your bleeding.
• Do not rinse your vagina with fluid (douche). It could increase your risk of infections that can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Ask your doctor when you can return to normal activities or strenuous exercise. Most people can return to normal activities after 1 to 2 days.
• Ask your doctor when it's okay to have vaginal sex. You can get pregnant in the weeks after an abortion. If you don't want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about birth control options.