How to Take Abortion Pills | Planned Parenthood Video

Summary

This video provides a clear and supportive guide to the medication abortion process, explaining each step involved. It covers how to take the medication, including Mistone and Misoprostol, and offers three different methods for administering the Misoprostol. Viewers are informed about how to manage side effects like cramping and nausea, and what to expect during the process. The video reassures individuals that Planned Parenthood is available to assist with any concerns or questions, ensuring that their health and well-being are prioritized.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medication abortion involves three main steps: taking mistone, followed by misoprostol in one of three methods.
• 😀 Mistone is the first pill, which stops the pregnancy from continuing. You likely won't notice side effects from it.
• 😀 Before taking misoprostol, it's recommended to take pain relievers like ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen for cramping and medication for nausea.
• 😀 Misoprostol can be taken in three ways: buccal (cheek), sublingual (under the tongue), or vaginal insertion.
• 😀 Buccal method: Place four misoprostol pills in your cheek for 30 minutes, then swallow any remaining pills with water. This method is effective up to 11 weeks from your last period.
• 😀 Sublingual method: Place the misoprostol pills under your tongue for 30 minutes, then swallow any remaining pills with water. This method is effective up to 9 weeks from your last period.
• 😀 Vaginal method: Insert all four misoprostol pills into your vagina. Remain lying down for 30 minutes after insertion. This method is effective up to 10 weeks from your last period.
• 😀 If a second dose of misoprostol is needed, it should be taken 4 hours after the first dose using the same method.
• 😀 After taking misoprostol, you should expect cramping and bleeding to start within 4 hours, with bleeding slowing over the next few days.
• 😀 If cramping and bleeding do not occur within 24 hours of taking misoprostol, contact your doctor or nurse for guidance.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video from Planned Parenthood?

The video aims to provide clear instructions and guidance for people planning to have a medication abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol, ensuring they understand each step and what to expect.

What are the three main steps in a medication abortion according to the video?

Step 1 is taking mifepristone, Step 2 is taking medication for nausea and pain as instructed, and Step 3 is taking four misoprostol pills to complete the process.

What does mifepristone do in the medication abortion process?

Mifepristone stops the pregnancy from continuing to develop. It is the first pill taken in the process, and most people do not notice side effects after taking it.

When should someone take the misoprostol after taking mifepristone?

Misoprostol should be taken 24 to 48 hours after taking mifepristone, depending on the method used and the provider’s instructions.

What are the three methods of taking misoprostol described in the video?

The three methods are: buccal (in the cheek), sublingual (under the tongue), and vaginal (inserted into the vagina).

How is the buccal method of taking misoprostol performed?

Four misoprostol pills are placed between the cheek and gum—two on each side—for 30 minutes, then any remaining pill fragments are swallowed with water. This method can be used up to 11 weeks from the first day of the last period.

What should someone expect after taking misoprostol?

They should expect cramping and bleeding within about 4 hours, which means the uterus is emptying. Bleeding typically slows down and cramps subside over the next few days.

What should be done if cramping or bleeding does not occur after taking misoprostol?

If no cramping or bleeding occurs within 24 hours after taking misoprostol, the person should call their doctor or nurse for guidance.

Can a second dose of misoprostol be required?

Yes. If prescribed by a healthcare provider, a second dose of four misoprostol pills may be taken 4 hours after the first dose, using the same method as before.

What support does Planned Parenthood offer during the medication abortion process?

Planned Parenthood provides medical guidance, answers to questions, and emotional support throughout the process, emphasizing that the individual’s health and well-being are their top priority.

What additional medicines are recommended to manage side effects during the process?

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are suggested for cramps, and medications like promethazine or diphenhydramine may be used to reduce nausea.