Is the Missed Period Pill a Good Option For Me?
The name makes it sound pretty simple: Take a pill. Get your period. Move on.
But the Missed Period Pill isn't actually a medication designed to restart a late period.
It's a term sometimes used to describe the abortion pill.
If you're looking into the Missed Period Pill because you want a quick solution, there's something worth knowing first:
A few simple steps can help you understand what's actually happening in your body before you move forward.
A Choice to Make offers a free, confidential appointment, designed for those exploring abortion in Florence, SC with free pregnancy testing, an ultrasound and abortion information.
What Is the Missed Period Pill?
The Missed Period Pill is a term often used for medication abortion in early pregnancy, which typically involves mifepristone and misoprostol.
Despite the name, it isn't a medication designed simply to restart a late period.
That means confirming pregnancy and learning a little more about what's happening in your body first can be an important step.
Before taking the missed period pill, it can help to know:
- Whether you're actually pregnant
- How far along you are
- Where the pregnancy is developing
Do I Need a Pregnancy Test?
Yes. A missed period doesn't always mean you're pregnant.
Stress, illness, hormonal changes, travel, or changes in exercise and weight can all affect your cycle.
If you're considering the missed period pill, confirming pregnancy is a simple first step.
A Choice to Make provides free lab-quality pregnancy testing in Florence, SC as part of its Pregnancy Evaluation Appointment, so you can start with answers instead of relying on symptoms alone.
Is a Positive Test Enough?
A positive pregnancy test tells you that pregnancy hormones were detected. It doesn't tell you everything about the pregnancy itself.
That's where an ultrasound can provide information a pregnancy test can't.
If you're eligible, A Choice to Make offers a free limited obstetric ultrasound performed by an RDMS sonographer for pregnancy dating and confirmation.
Does the Missed Period Pill Work?
Medication abortion is effective during early pregnancy, but it isn't 100% effective.
In some cases, the pregnancy may continue, pregnancy tissue may remain, or additional medical care may be needed.
The abortion pill also does not treat an ectopic pregnancy, which develops outside the uterus and can become a medical emergency.
Knowing what's happening in your body beforehand matters. An ultrasound can help estimate how far along you are and determine where the pregnancy is developing.
Is the Missed Period Pill Safe?
Like any medication, the abortion pill can come with side effects and risks.
Cramping and bleeding are expected parts of the process. Other side effects can include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever or chills
- Weakness
- Dizziness
Complications can include heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion requiring additional medical care.
Timing matters too. The abortion pill is used during early pregnancy, so knowing how far along you are can help you understand what may apply to your specific situation.
What If I'm Not Pregnant?
If you're not pregnant, taking abortion medication won't explain why your period is late.
You'll still be left with the original question: What's actually going on with my body?
That's one reason confirming pregnancy first makes sense before taking medication based on a missed period alone.
What If I Am Pregnant?
It's okay. You have options & we're here to help.
You don't need to know exactly what you want before making an appointment. And if you're already considering abortion, you can still come to A Choice to Make first.
We provide free services to help you better understand:
- Your pregnancy & how far along you may be
- Abortion & what may apply to your pregnancy
- What to expect if you're considering the abortion pill
- Free community resources or support tailored to your needs
You don't have to figure everything out today. You can start by getting answers.
Before Taking the Missed Period Pill
Take time to get personalized answers first.
If you're considering the Missed Period Pill or planning an abortion, A Choice to Make's free Abortion Info Appointment is designed to help you understand what's happening in your body before you move forward.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ectopic Pregnancy.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Mifepristone Information.