Recently, there has been an increase in the use of abortion pills, a common term used for a medical abortion. The abortion pill in Manhattan, NY, is a popular choice for those who want a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy within the first nine weeks.
But, how do abortion pills work? What is the process like during and after taking them? Are there risks? The guide below details everything you need to know about a medical abortion in Manhattan, NY.
What is the Abortion Pill in Manhattan?
If you have decided to have an abortion, there are two different types of abortion you can choose from: medical abortion (also called the abortion pill) and surgical abortion (there are also two types of surgical abortion: D&C and D&E). Which one is best for you is determined during an appointment with an abortion provider and is generally determined by how far along you are.
When it comes to the abortion pill in Manhattan, NY, there are actually two abortion pills that must be taken to terminate a pregnancy, mifepristone and misoprostol. Before your doctor provides a medical abortion, they will review your health history and verify your pregnancy. You will likely be given a urine and/or blood test to confirm, followed by an ultrasound to determine the gestational age.
What is the Patient Experience Like?
If you have decided to have a medical abortion to terminate your pregnancy, you will need to take both pills mentioned above. The pills may be taken at the doctor’s office or hospital during two separate visits. However, in some cases, misoprostol may be prescribed to be taken at home.
It is important to follow the instructions given to you by your doctor, though here are the three steps you must take for a medical abortion.
Take the first abortion pill, mifepristone, in your doctor’s office. This pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. Without it, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy ends.
Take the second pill, misoprostol, about 48 hours after mifepristone. It causes the uterus to contract and empty, causing a miscarriage.
Follow up with your provider within two weeks to ensure that you are in good health and that your termination was successful.
You’ll be given an ultrasound or blood test again to verify that you are no longer pregnant. This visit may be a good time to ask about birth control if you wish to prevent future pregnancy.
Yes, it really is that simple! Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your abortion doctor, and let your provider know if any concerns arise during the process.
Speaking of Birth Control, When Can I Start Taking It After a Medical Abortion?
After taking abortion pills, you can resume sexual activity as soon as you’re ready. You can get pregnant immediately after a medical or surgical abortion, so you can also start using contraceptives right away.
How Effective is a Medical Abortion in Manhattan?
Overall, medical abortions are safe and effective. Taken properly within the first nine weeks of pregnancy, this type of abortion is effective in about 99.6% of cases, so about 4 out of every 1,000 women who use abortion pills may still be pregnant afterward.
A medical abortion can be done later in pregnancy, but the success rate decreases and the risk of complications increases. In this case, a surgical abortion may be more appropriate.
Are There Side Effects?
The risk of major complications is only about .4%, so it is considered to be safe. Signs that you should call your provider right away as you may be experiencing complications include the following:
- Abdominal pain that is severe in nature and isn’t relieved with pain medication, heating pad, or other options
- Blood clots that are larger than the size of a lemon or last for two or more hours
- Diarrhea, nausea, and / or vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
- Fever over 100.3 after the first day
- Heavy bleeding that causes you to use more than two pads per hour for two or more hours at a time
- No bleeding within 24 hours of taking misoprostol
- Vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant
Like with any medication, side effects from abortion pills are possible. In addition to the complications listed above, severe aftereffects include back pain, allergic reaction, and low potassium. Additionally, fluid retention, joint pain, overgrowth of the lining in the uterus, high blood pressure, and head pain may be experienced.
Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about the risks. Most abortions are safer than pregnancy and childbirth. As long as you’re honest about your medical history, follow all instructions, and call your provider if any symptoms of complications arise, you’ll likely have a positive experience without major side effects.
What Does a Medical Abortion Feel Like Physically and Emotionally?
Most women who have a medical abortion experience mild to moderate bleeding and cramping, which typically starts within one to four hours after taking the second abortion pill and lasts for a few hours to several days after the procedure.
You can expect it to feel similar to a heavy period. Be sure to have feminine hygiene supplies such as tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup on hand before taking the abortion pill in Manhattan, NY.
You may want to bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment for emotional support. There is a wide range of emotions after a medical abortion that are all considered normal, such as guilt, anger, relief, and sadness.
Try not to have any expectations about how to feel afterward, as that can make your feelings seem frustrating. Be patient with yourself, and know that the hormonal changes you will go through as the results of terminating a pregnancy through a medical abortion can cause strong emotions.
No matter what you’re feeling, it’s okay, and many others have likely felt the same way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed. Your abortion provider can refer you for counseling services so you don’t go through it alone if you feel like no one else understands you.
Common Symptoms of the Abortion Pill in Manhattan
Blood clots- Breast tenderness and / or discharge
- Chills
- Clumps of pregnancy tissue
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Mild fever
- Nausea and / or vomiting
It may feel very similar to the experience of having a miscarriage if you’ve had one before.
These symptoms are all completely normal and should resolve on their own within a day after taking misoprostol. To help with discomfort, you may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but avoid the use of aspirin.
After a medication abortion, be sure to get plenty of rest and avoid heavy exercise as well as strenuous work for several days. Your regular period is likely to resume about four to six weeks after bleeding from the abortion pill stops.
For the Abortion Pills Near Manhattan, Choose Metropolitan Medical Associates
You can find our facility conveniently located in nearby Englewood via a short drive on the New York Turnpike, or you can take the bus or subway.
For confidential, safe, private women’s healthcare with dignity, choose Metropolitan Medical Associates, where our board-certified gynecologists have over 100 years of combined experience in our field.
Request an appointment online now, or call us today at 800-932-0378 for questions or to schedule your appointment at our accredited center. Our call center is available from 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Saturday.