Which method should I choose?

Abortion pill:


Advantages of abortion pill(Mifeprex or RU 486 / Misoprostol):

  • It may seem more natural, like a miscarriage, but there is usually more bleeding.
  • It is more like a heavy period.
  • There is no need for shots, anesthesia, or instruments.
  • Being at home instead of a clinic may be more comfortable and private.

Disadvantages of abortion pill(Mifeprex or RU 486 / Misoprostol):

  • It takes longer than the surgical process.
  • Bleeding can be very heavy and lasts longer than that with the surgical process. If hemorrhage occurs, traveling either to the provider or the hospital is necessary.
  • Cramping can be much stronger than that associated with the surgical procedure.
  • There is a risk of infection as the process is slower.
  • Two visits to our office are necessary, and possibly more if there is need to increase monitoring because of failure to completely abort (less than 5 % chance).
  • Symptoms of fever, nausea, abdominal pain may occur and must be reported to our office immediately..
  • Should the pregnancy continue and follow up is not completed, a congenitally abnormal pregnancy can result. For this reason, it is absolutely critical to return for a follow up appointment in 3 weeks or sooner. At that point, we determine if your process was successful. If not, you will need a surgical procedure to complete your termination.
  • The abortion pill cannot end an ectopic pregnancy.

 

Surgical abortion:


Surgical abortion advantages:

  • Completed in a few minutes.
  • The post operative bleeding is minimal.
  • There is less time spent cramping than with the other method.
  • Medical staff is present to monitor your recovery and progress.

 

Surgical abortion disadvantages:

  • Procedure anesthetics and pain management drugs may cause allergies or side effects.

  • Cannot end an ectopic pregnancy.

  • There are possible complications, although in less than 1% of cases (infections and bleeding are the most common).

  • Only one visit is necessary to complete the process. Follow up is optional if all is going well, though we still recommend it.

  • If you continue to bleed heavily and have severe cramps beyond 24 hours, there is a chance of retained blood clots inside the uterus. You may be asked to return to the office to be checked. A second suctioning to remove the clots may be required.

Conditions which may disqualify you from either method:


You CANNOT take the abortion pill if:

  • Your pregnancy is more than 7 weeks.
  • You have an abnormally shaped uterus.

You CANNOT have an in-office surgical abortion if:

  • You have severe heart disease, or blood clotting problems..
  • If you have any such condition you would need to have the procedure in a hospital.

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