For women wanting to terminate a pregnancy in Sydney, there are a number of options available to them including a medical abortion, often referred to as the abortion pill or RU486.
This differs to the surgical abortion method and instead the abortion generally occurs with a planned series of pills that are taken orally called Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
In most cases, the medical abortion process is available to those in gestation up to nine weeks. So before you decide on a medical abortion, you’ll need to visit a clinic and in some cases you may need an ultrasound and blood tests to see how far along the pregnancy is.
It’s best to consult with an abortion consultant to thoroughly go over your options and to ensure you’re well informed to make the best decision on your preferred treatment.
How Does The Abortion Pill Work?
There are a few steps in the medical abortion process and once you’ve decided it is the right method for you, you’ll need to make an appointment with a nearby, certified clinic.
Remember, abortion laws differ from state to state in Australia, so make sure you consult with an certified abortion clinic within the Sydney region.
A medical abortion constitutes the oral application of two tablets, 36 to 48 hours apart. When used together, they create a miscarriage of the embryo or fetus.
What is Mifepristone or RU486?
Mifepristone, which is commonly referred to as RU486, was originally developed in 1980 and is on the World Health Organisation’s List of Essential Medicines; a list of the most effective and safe medicines needed in a modern health system.
It is the first abortion pill that is taken in the two-step sequence to terminate a pregnancy and is an antiprogestogen. Basically it works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is needed by the body to maintain a pregnancy.
When this hormone is blocked, the uterine lining starts to shed, the cervix begins to soften and bleeding can start to occur.
What is Misoprostol?
Misoprostol was first developed for stomach ulcers in 1973 and is also on the World Health Organisation’s List of Essential Medicines. Misoprostol is used in conjunction with Mifepristone to terminate a pregnancy and is the second tablet, which is generally taken 36-48 hours after the Mifepristone.
Misoprostol brings on miscarriage quickly in most cases, and works by causing the uterus to contract and expel its contents.
What are the Side Effects of Mifepristone and Misoprostol?
Some people can feel a bit nauseous after taking Mifepristone and in some cases bleeding can occur although it is not very common. In some cases, you may be given some antibiotics to take, just as a precaution to prevent any infections.
Painful cramping and bleeding will generally occur within 1-3 hours of taking the Misoprostol tablet. Some might even experience vomiting, headaches, nausea, diarrhea and constipation as a result.
What to Expect From the Abortion Pill
Once the combination of the RU486 and Misoprostol tablets have been taken orally, the miscarriage begins to take effect.
It’s common to pass large blood clots or clumps of tissue during the medical abortion process. Most of the pregnancy tissue is passed within a 5-6 hour timeframe, but keep in mind, the cramping and bleeding can continue for a few days after.
Where Can I Get The Abortion Pill in Sydney?
Gyanecology Centres Australia specialise in pregnancy termination in Sydney and in five locations across Australia. They provide services across women’s health and male vasectomy. For a confidential appointment with one of our specialists to discuss terminations, medical treatment, counselling or to further discuss your pregnancy options, click here.