Hi, and welcome to Telefem! It’s so nice to meet you! If this is your first time here, we want to tell you that you’re in a safe space, full of trust. We are here to answer all your questions and provide you with trustworthy information regarding safe abortion in Mexico. Let me introduce you to one of our articles, and if you still have questions, feel free to contact us through WhatsApp!
Today, we’re here to talk to you about safe medication abortion and the pills needed to end a pregnancy safely.
What is a medication abortion?
A medication abortion, as its name suggests, is a non-surgical procedure that uses medications to induce an abortion. The most effective and safest medical abortion regimen involves the use of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone works by blocking the action of progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy. This helps increase uterine contractility and causes the implanted embryo to detach. Misoprostol, on the other hand, stimulates strong uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy. This process is very similar to a miscarriage. Both medications also help to relax and dilate the cervix.¹
If you are seeking a medical abortion, we want you to know that at Telefem, we are an organization that connects you with medical professionals who can support you through a safe abortion at home. Our counselors and healthcare providers will be with you remotely throughout the process, and we will provide you with a medical kit containing the combination of medications needed for a successful abortion.
What are the characteristics of the combined regimen?
This method involves the use of pills to cause the uterus to expel its contents. The medications used mifepristone and misoprostol are combined and have an effectiveness rate of 95% to 98%.²
- It can be safely done at home up to 10.6 weeks of pregnancy.³
- The first dose is mifepristone, taken orally. Then, 24 to 48 hours later, you take misoprostol, which can be administered sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (between the cheek and gum).²
What to expect during a medication abortion?²
- After taking mifepristone and misoprostol, you can expect bleeding, cramping, and the possible passage of blood clots. The bleeding might be heavier than a normal menstrual period. Every woman or pregnant person will experience a different intensity of bleeding and cramping.
- Some common and temporary side effects may occur, but they should go away within a few hours and not last more than a day. These can include: vomiting, headache, fever, chills, diarrhea.
What is not normal during the procedure²
If you experience any of the following, it’s essential to seek medical care:
- Heavy bleeding that soaks through more than two sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours, especially if accompanied by dizziness, weakness, or fatigue.
- Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, especially when accompanied by severe cramping or abdominal pain.
- Any of the following symptoms the day after taking misoprostol:
- Fever or severe abdominal pain
- Intense discomfort, with or without a fever
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Fever or severe abdominal pain
In any of these situations, seeing a healthcare professional for further evaluation and care is essential.
It’s also important to mention that this method is entirely safe and does not affect fertility. If you have unprotected sex after the abortion, it’s possible to become pregnant again as soon as 8 days after the procedure. That’s why it’s highly recommended to choose a contraceptive method if you’re not planning to become pregnant again.
Now that you know more about how to have a safe medication abortion, we invite you to explore more of our blog posts, we share new information every week!
And remember, Telefem is here for you. Whether it’s for yourself or someone you care about, we are an organization that can guide and support you through the safe abortion process.
You’re Not Alone
A safe abortion should never be done in uncertainty or isolation. Staying in communication with trained professionals makes all the difference. That’s why Telefem is here — to guide and support you from start to finish.
Send us a WhatsApp today — we’re ready to help.
* This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice and applies only to Mexico’s law and context.
References:
- Coalición por los insumos de salud reproductiva. Mifepristona y misoprostol para aborto médico. Resumen técnico del producto. Página web. (Internet). 2014. Visit September 2024. Available at: rhsc-brief-miso-mife_A4_SPANISH.pdf (rhsupplies.org)
- Ipas Latinoamérica y el Caribe (Ipas LAC). Material de apoyo para el acompañamiento del aborto. 1. Antes de un aborto. 1era ed. (Internet). 2022. Visit September 2024. Available at: IpasLAC2022-AcompanamientoAborto1.pdf
- IPAS. Cómo tener un aborto con pastillas. (Internet). 2021. Visit September 2024. Available at: Cómo tener un aborto con pastillas (ipas.org)