Medical Abortion
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Desert Star Institute for Family Planning
Gynecologist & Family Planning located in Phoenix, AZ
A medical abortion, sometimes called the abortion pill, is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. At Desert Star Family Planning in Phoenix, DeShawn Taylor, MD, MSc, FACOG, provides medical abortions when it’s the best option to terminate a pregnancy. If you think you’re pregnant and want to know more about medical abortion options, call Desert Star Family Planning or schedule a consultation online today.
Medical Abortion Q & A
What is a medical abortion?
A medical abortion uses two medications — Mifepristone and misoprostol — to end a pregnancy in its first 10 weeks. After your exam and following the abortion protocols outlined in Arizona state regulations, Dr. Taylor prescribes the medications.
Desert Star Family Planning accepts health insurance, but the out-of-pocket fee for a medical abortion is $620.
Mifepristone blocks your progesterone production. Progesterone is a hormone that allows a pregnancy to develop. Without it, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine wall. Misoprostol triggers an evacuation of your uterus, creating a process similar to a miscarriage.
Many women choose to have a medical abortion so they don’t have to have a surgical abortion in the office. You might also feel that the process is more natural since it mimics a miscarriage.
What happens during a medical abortion?
When you have a medical abortion, you start the process by taking Mifepristone. Then 24-72 hours later, you place the misoprostol tablets between your cheek and gum and allow them to dissolve.
You should make sure that you’re in a comfortable environment when you take the abortion pill. You should start to experience bleeding and cramping within four hours of taking misoprostol.
You may pass large blood clots as the process is much like having a miscarriage. Some patients describe the sensation as similar to an extremely heavy and painful period.
You may be tired for a day or two after your medical abortion. You may also experience spotting and cramping for a few weeks.
Call Desert Star Family Planning if you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours of taking the misoprostol. Similarly, if you continue to bleed heavily or don’t start to feel better within a day or two, contact Dr. Taylor.
Is a medical abortion the same thing as an emergency contraceptive pill?
Emergency contraception like PlanB® is entirely different than a medical abortion. You use emergency contraception as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.
The medication works like a birth control pill to prevent pregnancy with the hormone progestin. Emergency contraception doesn’t cause an abortion.
A medical abortion is only available with a prescription from a physician and can end a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks.
If you are considering a medical abortion, call Desert Star Family Planning or make an appointment online today.
