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 often used to describe the abortion pill.
If you're considering the Missed Period Pill because it feels like 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.
Choices offers a free appointment in Teller County, specifically designed for those considering or planning for abortion. Get free testing, ultrasounds, and personalized information on your pregnancy options.
What Is the Missed Period Pill?
The Missed Period Pill is a term sometimes used for medication abortion, which typically involves mifepristone and misoprostol.
Despite the name, it isn't a medication designed simply to start a late period. It's intended to end an existing pregnancy.
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
Those answers can give you a clearer picture of what's happening in your body and what may apply to your pregnancy.
Is It the Abortion Pill?
Yes. The Missed Period Pill is a term sometimes used to refer to the abortion pill or medication abortion.
While you may see different terms used online, they generally refer to the same medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
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.
Choices offers free, confidential pregnancy testing in Woodland Park & Cripple Creek, so you can start with answers instead of relying on symptoms alone.
Is a Positive Test Enough?
A positive pregnancy test tells you pregnancy hormone was detected. It doesn't tell you everything about the pregnancy itself.
For example, it can't tell you:
- How far along you are
- Where the pregnancy is developing
- Whether additional medical evaluation may be needed
That's where an ultrasound can provide information a pregnancy test can't.
At the Woodland Park location, CHOICES offers free limited OB ultrasounds when appropriate to help determine gestational age and pregnancy location.
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 FDA-approved abortion-pill regimen is used through 10 weeks of pregnancy, so knowing how far along you are can help you understand what may apply to your situation. Understanding the gestational age and pregnancy location as important information before abortion.
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 & support.
You don't need to know exactly what you want before making an appointment. Your appointment can 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
- Your options & resources for what comes next
You don't have to figure everything out today. You can start by getting answers.
Before Taking the Missed Period Pill
You have time to get personalized answers first.
If you're considering the Missed Period Pill or planning an abortion, Choices can help you understand what's happening in your body before you move forward.
Your free appointment can include:
- Free pregnancy testing
- A free limited ultrasound when appropriate at Woodland Park
- Information about how far along you are
- Evidence-based abortion information
- Private time to ask questions
- Connections to local resources & support
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.