My Abortion Story: A Personal and Painful Journey
add_circle Pros
- The medical abortion process was relatively quick and straightforward, with minimal discomfort.
- The tablets, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, were easy to take and didn't cause any severe side effects.
- The clinic, 'Para', in Petrozavodsk, provided excellent customer support and care throughout the process.
- The price of 4500 rubles was reasonable, considering the services included, such as ultrasound scans and a gynecologist's examination.
- The tablets came in a clear instruction leaflet, making it easy to follow the process.
remove_circle Cons
- The bleeding after the abortion was heavier than I expected, and it took some time to subside.
- I experienced some cramping and discomfort during the process, but it was manageable with pain medication.
- The individual reaction to the tablets can vary, and I was lucky to have a relatively smooth experience.
- The whole process was emotionally challenging, and I had to deal with feelings of guilt and anxiety.
- The abortion itself was a complex process, and I had to undergo two ultrasound scans and a gynecologist's examination.
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Editor's Summary
I'm sharing my abortion story to raise awareness about this personal choice. It's not something I take lightly, but I had to make a tough decision when I found out I was pregnant. The protection failed, and carrying a child would've been super challenging for me. I opted for a medical abortion, which was a complex process, but it was the best choice for my health and well-being. I want to be honest about the experience, so I'm sharing the good and the bad.", "pros": [ "The medical abortion process was pretty quick and straightforward, with minimal discomfort. I was expecting worse, but it was over before I knew it.", "The tablets, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, were easy to take and didn't cause any severe side effects. I was lucky, I guess.", "The clinic, 'Para', in Petrozavodsk, provided amazing customer support and care throughout the process. They were super helpful and made me feel at ease.", "The price of 4500 rubles was reasonable, considering the services included, like ultrasound scans and a gynecologist's examination. It was worth it for the peace of mind.", "The tablets came with clear instructions, making it easy to follow the process. I was a bit nervous, but it was actually pretty simple." ], "cons": [ "The bleeding after the abortion was heavier than I expected, and it took some time to subside. I was prepared for it, but it was still a bit of a shock.", "I experienced some cramping and discomfort during the process, but it was manageable with pain medication. I was glad I had it on hand.", "The individual reaction to the tablets can vary, and I was lucky to have a relatively smooth experience. I've heard horror stories, so I feel pretty lucky.", "The whole process was emotionally challenging, and I had to deal with feelings of guilt and anxiety. It's not something I'd wish on anyone.", "The abortion itself was a complex process, and I had to undergo two ultrasound scans and a gynecologist's examination. It was a lot to take in, but I knew it was necessary." ], "faq": [ { "question": "What are the risks associated with a medical abortion?", "answer": "While rare, complications can arise, such as heavy bleeding, infection, or incomplete abortion. It's essential to follow the instructions carefully and seek medical attention if you experience any severe symptoms." }, { "question": "How long does the medical abortion process take?", "answer": "The process typically takes around 1-2 weeks, depending on your individual reaction to the tablets and the effectiveness of the abortion. It's not a quick fix, but it's worth it in the end." }, { "question": "Can I get a medical abortion at any clinic?", "answer": "No, medical abortions are typically only available at licensed clinics, such as 'Para' in Petrozavodsk. Make sure you do your research and find a reputable clinic." }, { "question": "What are the costs associated with a medical abortion?", "answer": "The cost can vary depending on the clinic and services included, but 4500 rubles is a reasonable estimate for the services I received. It's worth it for the peace of mind." }, { "question": "How do I know if I'm eligible for a medical abortion?", "answer": "You'll need to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if a medical abortion is suitable for you, considering your individual circumstances and health status. Don't try to figure it out on your own." }, { "question": "What are the side effects of the tablets?", "answer": "Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. However, these symptoms are usually mild and temporary. Just be prepared and take it easy." }, { "question": "Can I get a medical abortion if I'm not sure about my pregnancy?", "answer": "It's essential to confirm your pregnancy with a healthcare provider before undergoing a medical abortion. Don't risk it – get a clear diagnosis first." }, { "question": "How do I care for myself after a medical abortion?", "answer": "You'll need to rest, avoid heavy lifting, and follow a healthy diet to aid in your recovery. Take it easy and prioritize your health – you'll be back to normal in no time." ], "meta_title": "My Abortion Story: A Personal and Painful Journey", "meta_description": "I'm sharing my honest review of the medical abortion process, including the pros and cons, to raise awareness about this personal choice.", "og_title": "My Abortion Story: A Personal and Painful Journey", "og_description": "I'm sharing my honest review of the medical abortion process, including the pros and cons, to raise awareness about this personal choice.
Specifications
Hello! Please keep in mind that this review is purely informative. I'd like to ask you not to judge my decision, as it's mine and can't be changed. Abortion is a personal choice for every woman: some do it for health reasons, while others don't want kids. Unfortunately, in my case, the protection failed, and carrying a child would be extremely difficult (if not impossible) for me. So when I found out I was pregnant, I had no doubts about what I needed to do. I wasn't about to risk my health, life, and the child's life, so I didn't have a choice.
General info:
City: Petrozavodsk;
Clinic: "Para";
Price: 4500 rubles (includes 2 ultrasound scans, a gynecologist's examination, swabs, Mifepristone tablets, and Misoprostol tablets).
Description of tablets:
The tablets come in a small cardboard box with an instruction leaflet and a blister pack containing 4 tablets.
The tablets are round, white, and odorless. The dosage is 0.2 mg of mifepristone.
Mifepristone needs to be dissolved under the tongue (you can also swallow it).
Composition:
Mifepristone GPMCP powder contains 0.2 mg of mifepristone and 19.8 mg of hypromellose;
Excipients: carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt 10 mg, castor oil 2 mg, microcrystalline cellulose 160 mg, colloidal silicon dioxide 8 mg.
Second stage of medical abortion.
After taking the first tablet (Mifepristone), you need to wait for 36 to 48 hours before taking Misoprostol. I did this twice, and each time was different, with its own side effects. So I'll describe them separately.
Each time at the clinic, I was given a brochure that described the symptoms and actions to take when taking Misoprostol. Honestly, I think the brochure is very informative and helps deal with the various fears and doubts that may arise during an abortion.
Abortion #1. 5 weeks of pregnancy according to ultrasound.
I'll be honest, my first abortion was the scariest, especially since the baby was wanted. But physically, I just couldn't carry it any further, so when the spotting started, my doctor and I decided to go ahead with the procedure. Plus, I was already having trouble eating due to my health issues.
What's interesting is that I was given a strict regimen of pills to follow. I had to take the first two tablets of Mifepristone exactly 48 hours before taking the first two tablets of Misoprostol. Then, 30 minutes after taking the Mifepristone, I had to take a Spasmolgon tablet if the pain became too intense.
So, I placed the first two tablets under my tongue after 48 hours and started dissolving them. I didn't feel any pain, just a nasty chemical aftertaste in my mouth. I dissolved them for 15 minutes, then swallowed the tiny remains with water.
15 minutes later, the contractions started as mild spasms, but they quickly became intense and unbearable. The bleeding was heavy, and I was already pushing. The pain was excruciating! I couldn't move, so I just lay on the floor, curled up in a ball. My head was pounding, and tears streamed down my eyes – it was just too painful.
In total, I suffered for about an hour before my body finally started to expel everything through a painful trip to the bathroom (sorry, it's a necessary detail, but it's what happens during a miscarriage). Eventually, I was able to stand up, and the cramping stopped. I had a brief respite before taking the remaining two tablets.
The second set of tablets had to be taken exactly three hours after the first. I dissolved them again and swallowed the remains. Then, the pain came back, and it was just like the first time – I couldn't even begin to describe how bad it was! I thought I was going to die from the pain, especially knowing I was losing a wanted child.
After the cramping subsided a bit, I was swept back to the bathroom again. This time, it was quick and painless. That's when I realized my body had finally cleared out the fetal tissue, and all I had to do was wait for the remaining bits to come out.
Even after the cramping stopped, I was left with a dull, aching pain in my lower abdomen, like really bad period cramps. This pain, along with the heavy bleeding, lasted for days 2-3 before slowly subsiding.
In total, the bleeding lasted for 10 days, getting lighter and less frequent each day. Once it stopped, I went back for a second ultrasound, and the doctor confirmed that my uterus was clean. Only then could I finally breathe a sigh of relief and start grieving the loss of my wanted child.
My second abortion – 4 weeks pregnant according to the ultrasound.
Unfortunately, the condom failed again, and after my previous pregnancy, I wasn't willing to risk my health and life. We decided to go ahead with the procedure right away, rather than waiting until I was on the brink of collapse and couldn't eat.
I went back to the same private clinic for the procedure. The only thing that threw me off was my disagreement with the ultrasound results. It showed the fetus was 4 weeks old, but my period and the date of conception suggested it was no more than 3-3.5 weeks. They explained it as the fertilized egg being large and the results being rounded.
Then, I saw another gynecologist who prescribed me a different course of pills. After taking Mifepristone at the clinic (around 2-3 pm), I had to take the first 2 tablets of Misoprostol at 9 am (not waiting 48 hours), and then take the first contraceptive pill at 9 pm.
This time, they gave me painkillers to choose from: Spazgan, Spasmalgon, or Baralgin. I had to take them 30 minutes after Misoprostol.
I was surprised when the doctor said I didn't have to dissolve Misoprostol under my tongue; I could just swallow it. But I decided to do it the same way as last time. That was my mistake!
After putting the first 2 tablets under my tongue and starting to dissolve them, I felt a strong urge to throw up. I was terrified that if I swallowed them, I'd be sick before they took effect. I had to wait only 1-1.5 hours until they were fully absorbed into my bloodstream and started being eliminated from my body. So, I just lay there and breathed. The unpleasant chemical taste was still in my mouth (and this is despite the pills being advertised as tasteless!).
To my surprise, the pain was minimal. There were only mild contractions that caused some light bleeding. And I just lay there, waiting for the worst to happen... But it didn't! The contractions lasted for 30 minutes, and then my body started actively cleaning itself, sitting on the toilet. If it wasn't for the nausea, I wouldn't have even realized I was having an abortion! It was all so quick and painless!
Three hours later, I took the second 2 tablets of Misoprostol (again under my tongue, so they'd dissolve slowly) and struggled with impending vomiting (it's better to dissolve and wait than to swallow and throw up). Fifteen minutes later, the contractions started again, but they were very mild and didn't bother me physically (especially compared to my period!). This time, everything went even faster, and my body started cleaning itself within 20 minutes after the dissolving stopped. That was it. Quick and painless.
As for the bleeding, it was extremely light on the first day – I didn't even fill one pad. In fact, it scared me, as I remembered the heavy bleeding from the first time. But the brochure they gave me said that the bleeding could be very light. I had some discomfort in my lower abdomen for 2-3 days after the procedure, and then it was gone. The nausea lingered for a second day, but it wasn't as strong.
Unfortunately, the light bleeding persisted for 18 days, and I only went for a follow-up ultrasound after that, which confirmed that everything was clean and there were no remnants.
I have to admit, I was really freaking out about the super light bleeding that just wouldn't stop. It was like my body was still trying to get rid of the remains. Plus, it was scary because it could have been a situation where I'd have to go to the hospital for a D&C, and I'm a single mom, so the thought of it was just too much. But everything turned out okay in the end! All my fears were for nothing, and my doctor explained to me that it was a light abortion because the pregnancy was so early.
About abortion timelines and side effects:
What's interesting is that the manufacturer says you can take Misoprostol up to 42 days after a missed period. But when I first chose my abortion method, my gynecologist told me that a medical abortion can be done up to 70 days after a missed period.
Just imagine: I had a light abortion at 3.5 weeks, but at 5 weeks, I was barely holding it together. It was so painful! And what happens a few weeks later? I don't even want to think about how hard it could be! But I've heard horror stories about how women can end up in the hospital if they wait too long. So, I wouldn't risk my health like that.
As for side effects from a medical abortion, there aren't many:
On early terms, you might experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and lower abdominal pain. There have been rare cases of facial flushing, fever, itching, and allergic reactions.
After that, it's all about how the abortion went and whether your cervix is fully cleared.
My Thoughts:
What I want to say is that abortion is scary and painful. For me, it was also a psychological trauma that made me anxious about sex. I'll be ashamed and heartbroken about it for the rest of my life. But if you're in a situation where you can't carry a pregnancy to term, I'd choose the lesser of two evils. I think a medical abortion is a gentle way to end a pregnancy without surgery. Yes, it's way more painful than a D&C, has its risks and contraindications. But any abortion is a risk. Whether or not to take that step is up to the woman in question.
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The first part of a medical abortion. Taking Mifepristone.
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