Yes, the abortion pill can fail. This complication is known as an incomplete abortion. Though many women take the abortion pill regimen and successfully end their pregnancies, this is a life-threatening risk that every woman should be aware of.
If you are considering a medication abortion, it’s crucial to understand how it works and what to expect. When you know what warning signs to look for, you can protect your health and get the help you need quickly.
Can the abortion pill fail?
Yes, the abortion pill can and does sometimes fail to end a pregnancy. A recent study found that more than 5% of women who take this medication will experience a failed abortion. For some, a failed abortion may mean that the pregnancy survives and continues progressing. An incomplete abortion means that the pregnancy ended, but the woman didn’t pass all the pregnancy tissue. If the placenta or embryo remains in her body, she will need another abortion procedure.
Abortion pill failure can also happen if you have an ectopic pregnancy. This means that the embryo didn’t implant in your uterus. Instead, the pregnancy is located in another area of your abdomen, usually in the fallopian tube. The first medication in the abortion pill regimen, mifepristone, will end the pregnancy. The second pill, misoprostol, begins labor to push the pregnancy tissue out of your uterus. Since the embryo is outside of your uterus, however, it will remain in your body.
For this reason, it is extremely important to have an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill. This scan will check to see that the pregnancy is located in your uterus. Medication abortions are more likely to fail if you are farther along, so the sonographer will check your pregnancy’s gestational age too.
Incomplete abortions, ectopic or not, can lead to a serious infection known as sepsis. If you have any of the following symptoms, you must call 911 or go to the emergency room right away.
What are the signs of a failed abortion?
1. Abnormal bleeding
Heavy bleeding is a normal side effect of the abortion pill. If you soak through more than two sanitary pads per hour for more than two hours, however, you need to get medical care. Passing blood clots bigger than a lemon is also a sign that you need immediate treatment. Additionally, if you have heavy bleeding for more than 12 hours, you should contact the prescribing doctor.
After taking the abortion pill, women typically bleed or spot for 9 to 16 days on average. The FDA reports that up to 8% of women bleed for more than 30 days after taking mifepristone. The heaviest bleeding usually begins two to six hours after taking misoprostol, though you may bleed after taking mifepristone as well.
2. Severe, persistent pain
Some compare normal medication abortion pain to period cramps, but many others find the pain to be more severe. One study showed that 90% of women said the pain was at least a 4 out of 10. About 40% ranked their pain between an 8 and a 10.
A failed abortion often causes intense pain that gets worse over time. If your pain continues or gets worse after 24 hours, you may need medical care. Pain on one side of your abdomen or pelvis, or higher in your abdomen, may mean you have an ectopic pregnancy. You should seek help right away.
3. Signs of an infection
Retained tissue, or pregnancy tissue that stays in your body, can cause a serious infection. If the abortion pill failed and you develop an infection, you should see symptoms within 24 to 48 hours.
Signs of a septic abortion may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal discharge and/or a foul odor
- Severe abdominal pain
An infection caused by an incomplete abortion is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the hospital immediately.
4. Diarrhea and/or vomiting
An upset stomach is a common side effect of the abortion pill regimen, particularly after taking misoprostol. You may feel nauseous and experience diarrhea and vomiting during the abortion. If these symptoms continue for more than a day or two, or you have other signs of an incomplete abortion, you should contact your doctor. This may mean you are developing an infection.
5. Continued signs of pregnancy
Sometimes, the pregnancy will continue even after you take the abortion pill. After taking the medication, you may have little to no side effects. You may notice continued signs of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, tender breasts, and unexplained tiredness. If you take a pregnancy test, it may still produce a strong positive result. In this case, you will need to decide if you want a second abortion procedure or if you want to make a different choice.
Get the facts about the abortion pill
Before taking the abortion pill, you should know how it will affect you. During your free appointment at Thrive Orlando, you will learn about this medication, what to expect, and how to get help for complications.
Put your health first. Get the information you need about your pregnancy and all your options today.