Expert: Doctor Early Options - 11/10/2009

Question
Dear Doctor Joan,
What is the right way to take the abortion pills?  I read about different ways of taking two different abortion pills - mifepristone and misoprostol.  One place says I should swallow them, and I heard of someone who put the pills in their vagina.  Which is right? Do I have to see a doctor?  I don't want anyone to know I am doing this.  My last period was 6 weeks ago, and I am sure that I got pregnant last month.  Do the abortion pills cause problems in the future when I want to have a baby?

Answer
Dear Misty,
Thank you for your question regarding the Abortion Pills, mifepristone and misoprostol. It is an excellent question.  Many women are confused about the best protocol to take when getting a medical abortion. The Abortion Pill (mifepristone) is only available through a doctor's office.  Misoprostol is a commonly prescribed ulcer medication available through pharmacies.  In some countries misoprostol is available outside of pharmacies.  

There is no evidence that the Abortion Pills interfere with future pregnancies.  The medication is in and out of your system within days. You can even safely get pregnant the month after a medical abortion.  Medical abortions do not utilize a procedure so they cannot cause any scarring to the uterus.  

It is likely that you are eligible to take the Abortion Pills. The Abortion Pill (mifepristone) is 95-98% effective up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. When you go to see the doctor, they should confirm that your pregnancy is less than 9 weeks by completing an ultrasound.  

The most commonly used and accepted protocol for the Abortion Pills is:
1) Take mifepristone in the doctor's office.
2) Take 4 tablets of misoprostol 24-72 hours later. and let them dissolve in your cheek, between your teeth and the side of the mouth.  These pills should cause cramping and bleeding within hours.  
3) Return to the doctor's office to make sure the Abortion Pills were successful.  

There is much more information on taking the Abortion Pills, mifepristone and misoprostol, on my website at http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com  

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
Early Abortion Specialist
New York City