At a glance
- Price
- $449, the lowest in Arizona
- Who prescribes it
- A licensed OB/GYN, Dr. Yunis
- How far along
- 5 to 15 weeks of pregnancy
- Where you take it
- At your visit or at home, as the doctor directs
- Follow-up
- About 2 weeks later, included in the price
- Hours
- Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM
What the abortion pill is
A medical abortion ends an early pregnancy with medicine instead of a procedure. It uses two medicines. Mifepristone (Mifeprex, also called RU-486) blocks progesterone, the hormone a pregnancy needs to keep growing. Misoprostol, taken afterward, makes the uterus cramp and empty. Together they work the way a miscarriage does, and Dr. Yunis tells you exactly when and how to take each one.
Who it is for
The pill is an option from 5 to 15 weeks of pregnancy. It suits many women who want to avoid a procedure, want to be at home, or want a more private experience. It is not right for everyone. Dr. Yunis reviews your health history and your ultrasound first, and if the pill is not the safest choice for you, surgical abortion is available through 15 weeks.
Tell us before your visit if any of these apply, because they can rule the pill out or change the plan:
- You have an IUD in place, or you may have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus)
- You take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- You have long-term adrenal problems or take steroid medicine every day
- You are allergic to mifepristone, misoprostol or similar medicines
- You do not have a way to reach us or get to an emergency room if you need to
Step by step
- Call and book. Tell us how far along you think you are. We will tell you what is open today.
- Your visit. Dr. Yunis confirms the pregnancy and how far along you are, reviews your health history, explains the process and answers your questions. You decide whether to go ahead.
- The medicine. You take the first medicine, mifepristone. The second medicine, misoprostol, is taken later, on the schedule Dr. Yunis gives you. You can take medication at your visit or at home.
- At home. Cramping and bleeding begin, usually within a few hours of the second medicine. Plan for a quiet day with a comfortable place to be, a heating pad, pads (not tampons) and someone nearby if you can.
- The follow-up. About two weeks later you come back so the doctor can confirm the abortion is complete. This visit is included in the $449.
What it feels like
Expect cramping that is stronger than a normal period, and bleeding that is heavier than a period for several hours. You will pass clots, and some women pass tissue. The heaviest part usually lasts three to five hours, then eases. The later in pregnancy you are, the stronger the cramping and bleeding tend to be, and Dr. Yunis will tell you what to expect for your stage.
Common effects for about a day include nausea, diarrhea, chills, tiredness, headache and a low fever. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), a heating pad and rest help most women. Ask Dr. Yunis at your visit what pain medicine he recommends for you.
The days and weeks afterward
- Light bleeding or spotting can continue for a week or two, and sometimes up to a month.
- Most women return to work or school within a day or two, depending on how they feel.
- A home pregnancy test can stay positive for about four weeks even after a complete abortion, so do not test early. Come to your follow-up instead.
- Your fertility returns fast. You can get pregnant again within about two weeks, so ask about birth control at your visit.
- Your next period usually comes in four to six weeks.
Call us right away if you have
- Soaking through two thick pads an hour for two hours in a row
- Severe pain that does not ease with ibuprofen or rest
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling discharge, or feeling very weak, faint or sick days afterward
Call (602) 462-5559. If you cannot reach us, go to the nearest emergency room and tell them you recently took the abortion pill.
Is the pill safe?
Medical abortion has been used for decades, and serious problems are uncommon. The main risks are heavy bleeding, infection and an incomplete abortion that needs more treatment. Seeing a licensed OB/GYN who gives you clear instructions, a follow-up visit and a number to call is what keeps those risks low.
Pill or procedure?
Many women choose the pill for privacy and the comfort of home. Others choose surgical abortion because it is over in minutes, under sedation, and has a shorter recovery. Dr. Yunis will talk through both so you can choose what fits your life. The pill is $449, the lowest price in Arizona.
Common questions
How much is the abortion pill?
$449. It is the lowest price in Arizona, and your 2-week follow-up visit is included.
Can I take the abortion pill at home?
Yes. You can take the medication at your visit or at home, as Dr. Yunis directs, and you come back for a follow-up about two weeks later.
How far along can I be?
We provide the abortion pill from 5 to 15 weeks of pregnancy. Dr. Yunis confirms how far along you are with an ultrasound.
Will it hurt?
Cramping is expected and is stronger than a normal period. Pain medicine, a heating pad and rest help. Call us if the pain is severe and does not ease.
Will it affect my ability to get pregnant later?
No. A medical abortion does not harm future fertility. You can get pregnant again within about two weeks, so start birth control if you do not want to.
Do I need someone with me?
It helps to have someone nearby, but it is not required. You do need a phone and a way to reach us or get to an emergency room if something is wrong.
Related
See all prices, what a visit looks like, pregnancy testing and ultrasound or more answers.