Over the past few months, there’s been a legal battle over access to mifepristone (also known as Mifeprex), one of the drugs used in the abortion pill regimen. In response, some women have turned to misoprostol-only abortions. If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and your state has been affected by the mifepristone ban, you may have heard about the misoprostol-only abortion and wonder how it works.
In this article, we’ll explore how misoprostol-only abortions work and their risks and side effects. Keep reading to learn more.
How Does a Misoprostol-Only Abortion Work?
Normally, two pills are taken in the abortion pill regimen.
Mifepristone is taken first, which blocks the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. The embryo stops growing without a steady supply of progesterone. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later, which induces labor, causing the uterus to cramp, bleeding will begin, and then the embryo will be expelled, ending the pregnancy.
In a misoprostol-only abortion, you skip the mifepristone and take multiple doses of misoprostol instead. The dose you take depends on your gestational age. Misoprostol can only be taken through ten weeks gestation (or 70 days or less since the first day of the last period)[1].
Are Misoprostol Only Abortions Safe?
Although misoprostol alone can be used to induce an abortion, the risk of having an incomplete abortion is higher when only using misoprostol[2]. This method can also cause severe side effects, such as[3]:
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Faster than normal heart rhythm (sinus tachycardia)
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Cuts or tears to the cervix (cervical laceration)
- Uterine rupture
- Infection (caused by a uterine rupture)
- Severe allergic reaction
It’s also important to note that not everyone can take misoprostol. Those who experience kidney disease, stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, heart or blood vessel problems, dehydration[4], or have had a previous cesarean section[5] should not take misoprostol, as it could worsen their conditions.
Which is Safer: D&C or Misoprostol?
If you’re not able to take misoprostol, you may be wondering if a dilation and curettage (D&C) is a better option. Unfortunately, D&Cs also come with serious risks, including:
Asherman’s Syndrome
Asherman’s Syndrome is a condition where scar tissue builds up inside the uterus[6]. Women who have had multiple D&Cs are at greater risk of developing Asherman’s Syndrome. In the first trimester, up to 13% of women develop the condition after a D&C. For women who have late-term abortions, the risk jumps to 30%[7].
Cervical Damage
The cervix can be torn during a D&C. The provider may have to administer medicine or stitch the wound to stop the bleeding[8].
Uterine Perforation
The surgical tools used in a D&C may accidentally poke a hole in the uterus. The wound may be able to heal on its own, but if an organ is damaged, you may need surgery to treat it[8].
Explore Your Options at Mid Cities Women’s Clinic
An unplanned pregnancy comes with a lot of overwhelming choices. Even one choice can feel like one too many. You don’t have to take this next step alone! Mid Cities Women’s Clinic is a safe, confidential place to explore your pregnancy options at your own pace.
Call us at (817) 577-4387 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are free and confidential!
Please be aware that Mid Cities Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
- Schreiber, C. A., Creinin, M. D., Atrio, J., Sonalkar, S., Ratcliffe, S. J., & Barnhart, K. (2018, June 7). Mifepristone Pretreatment for the Medical Management of Early Pregnancy Loss. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29874535/
- Krugh, M., & Maani, C. V. (2023, April 21). Misoprostol. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539873/
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, February 1). Misoprostol (Oral Route) Side Effects. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064805?p=1
- Rath, W., & Tsikouras, P. (2015, November). Misoprostol for Labour Induction after Previous Caesarean Section – Forever a “No Go”? U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4678051/#
- Asherman’s Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, January 8). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16561-ashermans-syndrome
- Smikle, C., Yarrarapu, S. N. S., & Khetarpal, S. (2023, July 24). Asherman Syndrome. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448088/
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, October 19). Dilation and Curettage (D&C). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910