QuestionI've recently taken the abortion pill to terminate a pregnancy. I did see huge clots a few hours after taking the pills but there was little bleeding during the days that followed. I actually saw a doctor to get this done when i was visiting a relative and was unable to follow up after I left. Its only been two weeks and I am still testing positive. However, I do feel a slight cramping or pressure (nothing major) in my lower stomach. I want to know whether it may have failed and if it did, is there a chance that i could get an infection because of it? I tried to see a private ob/gyn in Florida where i live but both that I called said that they are unable to see me because they did not administer it and advised that I go to the local hospital instead. I'm wondering if I should wait to see if the pregnancy hormone will eventually wear off in the coming weeks or just go to the hospital to ensure everything is ok... Also, will they even be able to detect an infection so soon? And are there any signs that I should look out for that may indicate that I have an infection?
AnswerDear Lian,
Thank you for your question about bleeding and cramping and possibility of continuing pregnancy after the abortion pill.
You should definitely see a doctor, to make sure that the pregnancy didn't continue. The failure rate for the abortion pill is 2-5%. You should not wait until the pregnancy hormones decline - it can take up to 1-2 months to have a negative pregnancy test after the abortion pill. I am disappointed to hear that the doctor would not see you because they did not administer the abortion pills. If you were in NYC, we would see you right away. You do not really need to go to a hospital. At a minimum, all you need is a blood test, and depending on the outcome, you may need an ultrasound. I would try to look at other doctors on www.gynpages.com, and see if they will see you. Planned Parenthood should see you. If you can't find a doctor, you can certainly go to the ER. You may not get the best care there, as the doctors are typically not very educated about the Abortion Pill.
If the pregnancy did not continue, it sounds like you have "retained products" since you did not bleed as much as expected. Retained products is simply that some of the tissue lining the uterus did not pass. Retained products does not cause infection. Slight cramping and pressure would indicate that your uterus is trying to expel tissue, and does not indicate an infection.
There is more information on continuing pregnancy and retained products after the abortion pill on my website: http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com
Send me a follow up and let me know what happens,
Doctor Joan
