Self-Managed Abortion: Recovery After a Medical Abortion with Pills | Episode 8

In Episode 8 of our series on safe abortion, learn about how your body will recover after an abortion with pills, such as bleeding or fertility questions, and where you can get additional support. This video is part of an eight-chapter instructional series co-produced by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and HowToUseAbortionPill.org. The intention behind these videos is to help ensure that abortion with pills is conducted in a safe, accessible, secure, and respectful manner. In these videos, we'll be taking you through a helpful guide on what to expect before, during and after an abortion with pills.
To get free access to safe abortion information, click here - www.howtouseab...
HowToUseAbortionPill.org also offers this video series in 26 additional languages at bit.ly/3EkMTkz
To find resources specific to your country, click here - www.howtouseab...
Read more about how to ensure a safe abortion with pills from MSF at bit.ly/30XJVnC
The information and materials provided by MSF in these videos are intended for general information, general discussion, and education only. Nothing contained in these MSF materials is intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. By providing this information, MSF is not engaged in the practice of medicine, nursing, or the provision of any health care service.
MSF hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the materials shared, which is provided as is, and without warranties.
Video transcript & Timestamps:
Lesson 8: What happens after I have an abortion with pills? 0:01
After you’ve used the abortion pills, you may still have a number of questions. In this video, we discuss some of the most common questions we hear from women who have recently completed the abortion process.
Question 1: How do I know if the pills worked? 0:15
If you had bleeding and cramping like a heavy menstrual period after taking the pills, and you no longer feel pregnant, then the abortion pills have most likely worked. Most women are able to know if the abortion was successful because their pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and breast tenderness, start to go away.
If you want more reassurance that you are no longer pregnant, you can also take a urine pregnancy test 3-4 weeks after taking the pills. Taking a pregnancy test earlier than 3 weeks is not advised, as the test can stay positive during this time even after a successful abortion.
Question 2: Do I need to see a doctor after having an abortion with pills? 0:52
Routine follow-up is not necessary. So long as you no longer feel pregnant, you feel in good health, and your bleeding isn’t heavy, everything is most likely fine.
Of course, you can talk to a health care provider or a support person at any time if you have any questions or concerns. You can also reach out to trusted online resources such as Safe2choose.org, womenhelp.org, and womenonweb.org for support and information.
Question 3: When will I stop bleeding? 1:22
Most bleeding stops within a couple days. Some women continue to have light bleeding or spotting off and on for 1 month. This is normal, and you do not need to worry or do anything to make the bleeding stop. The bleeding should get lighter over time until it gradually disappears on its own.
Question 4: Can I get pregnant again after having an abortion with pills? 1:42
Yes, you can get pregnant again very soon after having an abortion with pills. For some women, fertility returns as quickly as 8 days after the abortion. If you’d like to know more about your contraceptive options, talk to your healthcare provider.
Question 5: When will my regular period return? 2:01
Most women will have their next menstrual period 4-6 weeks after the abortion, but for some women, it can take longer.
Question 6: How soon after an abortion can I have sex? 2:12
So long as there are no signs of complication, you can have sex after an abortion whenever you’d like. Just listen to your body and decide what feels right for you.
If you have additional questions, or if you’d like to learn more about abortion with pills, visit www.howtouseabortionpill.org or safeabortioncare.msf.org.
Remember: abortion is common; abortion is safe; abortion is healthcare- and we’re here to support you.
Make sure you don’t miss weekly video updates and ongoing series about our work in crisis zones across the world. Subscribe to our channel here: goo.gl/BtzdsR
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières helps people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care. Learn more at www.doctorswit...

[@gowrig2862]

After taking pills I feel continious spot bleeding up to 15 days after 15 days i got periods. after 5 days again spot bleeding. What can i do. Is it normal or critical..?

[@tamannakharun4531]

After talking the pill i feeling havey pain after 5 days of taking the pill is it normal??

[@anishakhanbhati949]

After taking pills how much does it take to get periods back please reply

[@euniceazego2177]

After taking an abortion pill, there was lumps of blood that came out and after that, there was no more bleeding. Hope its okay

[@babiryerehemahteruma3725]

Hi dear I also got the same Issue yesterday I took medication and I passed out clots 4 times and small blood, now in the morning I waken up when blood stops

[@babiryerehemahteruma3725]

Hope after some days your blood continued or up to now your not seeing anything. And how do u feel

[@ambercolin4347]

My understanding is that youll bleed til the baby/fetus is fully out. I thinknidk

[@Shesclingy]

Hey what happened after? Did you get pregnant or you consulted?

[@emmankhan5061]

​@@babiryerehemahteruma3725was your abortion successful?

[@jamie-leearendse8016]

Hi should I take the abortion tablet again if I vomited straight after taking it

[@JuneilyM]

Answered all my questions thank u

[@doctorswithoutborders]

Please talk to your doctor if you have any medical questions. This series is intended to address only the specific questions raised in the video. The information and materials provided by MSF in these videos are intended for general information, general discussion, and education only. Nothing contained in these MSF materials is intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. By providing this information, MSF is not engaged in the practice of medicine, nursing, or the provision of any health care service.

[@enelachisenga4537]

I'm 4months pregnant used mistoprostol but only a spot of light blood and still having pains what should I do please reply

[@kielvinordono4219]

I success abortion for 1 week and I just wanna ask if i can take contraceptive now ? After abortion or i need to wait my Menstruation ? Thankyou

[@asiyamodibbo4028]

Am 3 weeks pregnant, I went to the pharmacy and bought the mifepak without a doctor's prescription, and I took the misoprostol 4 tablets without mifepristone I put under my tongue After 40 minutes, I drink water my body started irritating and I bleeding heavily with blood clothes. My cervical womb neck is not normal. I need your help, please?

[@mridulabiswas6932]

How are you now? I hope everything went according to your will . I hope you are ok.

[@rosey5915]

3 week preg I take the the pills after 24 hour I saw clot that is red mix with white then bleeding continue to 3 days but after 2 weeks I bleed again but after 2 weeks my breast hurt so much but after bleeding again my breast doesn't hurt much only little . Does my abortion complete or not

[@summerhaze81]

Hi, how are you now? Did it complete?

[@jmvlog858]

what is the name of the tablet?

[@hassanalijavadi]

if a woman has a baby and the baby is in breast feeding is it save at that time?

[@solomonbonty]

Can take tramadol tablet instead of ibuprofen during abortion

[@joytotheworld7463]

You may be high

[@julietfelix4809]

Can I have a pregnancy test few days after an abortion and why do I still feel neasous few days after taking the pills

[@loriaayo]

Same here, still feeling nauseous, it's been 2 days. How was your turn out?

[@vidyas2535]

After taking a pills continuesly bleeding up to one month is it normal pls answer me

[@indian5424]

I guess no ..how are you now

[@shaikthahaseen8669]

After taking pills got abortion after that doctor scan is important or not

[@mochabee1863]

Is it normal to bleed a full week after taking the pill and it doesn’t seem like it gonna 🛑 stop I look them on a Friday and it’s wensday a week later and I’m still bleeding 🩸 heavily help?!

[@indian5424]

Hey u ok now

[@shaansayyad2189]

What happened can u tell ur experience?

[@specialbunny2481]

Mine is same this is the fifth day and am still bleeding and having cramp I Don't know what to do

[@katedessaramos1620]

Thanks for this!

[@cuztelllood-gh9vp]

Were to buy

[@Tinalua1986]

I took the pills. 8 days now i am still bleeding.. i think I need to go to the doctor.😢

[@TwistedPhabio]

After taking abortion pills I only bleeding and cramps but it has not come out since yesterday please is it normal

[@RashidatuFofanah-lc1qr]

I have taken the pills for 2 days now but up till now no bleeding, what should I do please help me out....

[@edwinyeboah29]

@@RashidatuFofanah-lc1qr which country are you?

[@adadebernice9183]

Please i have taken the second dose but the bleeding has not started it almost 3 days now pls reply

[@nabiryemercy3016]

Maybe it didn't work

[@edwinyeboah29]

If you are in Dubai or Ghana and you need this pills, let me know

[@dadasandine522]

Me too mum pls tell me I have taken pills two days up now no bleeding no pain what should I do

[@edwinyeboah29]

@@dadasandine522 which country are you if i can help you?

[@mzamosibanda6827]

​@dadasandine522 Hie i saw something like that happen, what did you end up doing

[@henryokafor6036]

It's 3 weeks now since I did an abortion with pills. I bled 3 weeks ago. My period started yesterday and this morning, I've used 4pads with clustered blood in them. What does this mean please

[@henryokafor6036]

I do not know. I'm not an expert

[@tanyahorta9187]

It's still working

[@putridivapitaloka9905]

hey did it work on you?

[@monowaraparvin1872]

Hlw i have took the pill 15 days ago and in the 16 th day my period has started again what should i do know or should i take any tablets to off my period?

[@itsberryberry]

( Pills available in UAE for 9 to 10weeks preg.. contact for delivery)

[@indian5424]

How is your period.. normal or heavier than usual

[@NinaBucchi]

After talking an abortion pill,there was lumps of that came out and after that I had heavy flow

[@KisakyeSandra-xv5cq]

Please name of the tablet and how to use it

[@beblack6018]

Misoprostol… But make sure to consult an expert or do your research before attempting to do anything because there is alot of risk if not taken properly! 💕🌺

[@ivangallego9965]

Medicine available International or local shipment available Unwanted preg Positive Delayed Direct mes Jhen dmeds legit 101 She is the one who help me in my problem

[@ivangallego9965]

Sa mga need ng help kay maam JHEN D meds sya po naka help samin ❤ 0:59 1:15

[@michellearciaga-bo2dj]

Ma'am ​@@ivangallego9965

[@chocoxyz]

Hello. Please help. How do we know if there no leftovers in the uterus. Misoprotol was taken. But want to confirm regarding leftover. Medical abortion was done 2 years ago.

[@edwinyeboah29]

If you are in Dubai or Ghana and you need this pills, let me know

[@SimonMuyoyu]

I only bleeding for 3 day but when I went for testing it's shows that am not not pregnant,is it's normal please help me

[@ChikosoroChiamaka]

How did you take the pills

[@SophiaShitarara]

7 hours now after taking the pill iam still not bleeding just light pains , did it work ?

[@edwinyeboah29]

If you are in Dubai or Ghana and you need this pills, let me know

[@khajaqureshi5659]

After 6 weeks pregnancy I had aborted now it's my 16 day of abortion .there is no bleeding but still I have lower back pain and some crampings is it normal plz reply???

[@banban2177]

hi maam did you use PT again ? whats the result

[@dhinachavit89646]

test it first

[@lindaowusu8934]

Me too oo

[@RobertMakini]

Is there any organ comes out after abortion of one and half months

[@enelachisenga4537]

I used mistoprostol but only a spot of light blood and stops what can be the problem

[@maryamsaeed6315]

Ectopic pregnancy probabl

[@happynyeho9356]

Any information

[@wambuijoseph5989]

@@maryamsaeed6315 What can be done in such a case? .. Please reply

[@dhinachavit89646]

maybe not enough dosage intake or improper procedure..

[@aakhan1566]

What happened to you

[@JaybeeKukton]

Is it advisable to terminate a 3weeks pregnancy?

[@AprilMeds]

Yes

[@AggAgg-cr8zb]

Am 1month can I take the pills,plz reply

[@ChanteAmber_7]

Yes!

[@salmaasina7537]

Is sex with protection is safe after abortion? Please tell me

[@tanyasrivastava5492]

Is this medicine affect ovary as i get cyst in both ovary firstly there was in one after pills only now in both

[@funmilayoadeyemo8741]

Do u still feel it. Or then did u see anything in ur poo

[@tanyasrivastava5492]

After pills n another 2 times misopristol there is lot of clot what to do

[@jennezaatilano8531]

my friend only bleed on the day she took the pills and stop right after a couple of hrs... is it normal too?

[@pholileshazdlamini5893]

did the termination happen ?

[@mandaphinas4949]

Me too on sutarday I took dosage number 3 and those tissues comes out it was 2 of them around past 4 with bleeding the whole night, morning I went to bath after that I didn't see anything bleeding again only small if I went to toilet But I don't have any feeling of being pregnant So I don't know plz help me : is it normal to bleed like that? Or I still have things in my stomach because I bleed only I day??????

[@cess22cess60]

@@mandaphinas4949 how are you, are you still pregnant, or the abortion completely removed the baby???

[@babiryerehemahteruma3725]

@@mandaphinas4949 hi dear how do you feel now because it’s a same issue I got but am wondering if the medication worked or no.

[@babiryerehemahteruma3725]

Hi how’s your friend did she got her periods after or the pregnancy never ends. Because it’s the same Issue I got now thank you dear

[@zarminaghanizada9185]

Since I did abortion it is one month but I am not period. My period was very on time. Is it normal please answer me thank you.

[@julietanyango]

Don't worry if it's negative the period will eventually come back mine came today

[@chanduchandrika6088]

Hai ! Can i use this tablets.? Now i'm feeding a baby. Anyone reply please.

[@SimonMuyoyu]

I only bleeding for 3 day is it normal

[@KellySandra-sz3fx]

Can abortion in 6 months pregnancy be possible

[@nithyanavyasri3868]

Yes i know a friend she got her abortion done at home today. She took 1 mifepristone tablets on consecutive days (day 1 and day 2) and on day 3 she took misoprostol 2 tablets (400mcg) vaginally in 3 hours at 9 pm and 12 am window and waited for 12 hours until she started to bleed . After 12 hours she took 4 misoprostol tablets vaginally. She was in unbearable pain because its still a birth. Contractions happened so bad. She did it herself everything came out that was terrifying incident. But abortion was successful and bleeding stopped after 1 hr pain reduced it seems. Better take pain killers and have a friend who can support u. By gods grace she was out of pain after that.

[@suryakantadas7573]

Is it normal after abortion of 10days the bleeding stopped but to have with lower back pain and vagina pain sometimes.?

[@blacktv8035]

I am experiencing this too. Its been 10 days and i have a stomach full of gas, i pee a lot, and have lower stomach cramps. Even though the day i aborted, i saw blood on my pad and blood clots

[@indian5424]

@@blacktv8035 ishhh... How is it going now .. how many weeks pregnant were you

[@blacktv8035]

@@indian5424 hey, I realized my abortion wad incomplete because of the symptoms. I decided to repeat the process using 5 more misoprostol pills, and it removed the extra baby tissues etc. I no longer have the symptoms. Am waiting for the right time to go and carry out an ultrasound, since a home pregnancy test won't be accurate.

[@rukhsanaraheel2713]

@@blacktv8035 then now what's your position successful abortion or not ?

[@blacktv8035]

@@rukhsanaraheel2713 hey sorry for late reply. Abortion was a success, my first normal periods after abortion came in yesterday.

[@blackiekookie6323]

Can i do an abortion after discovering im 2months of pregnant?? With a pill ?

[@edwinyeboah29]

@@blackiekookie6323 which country are you?

[@MelodyPretty-qg3wv]

Yes dear you can

[@tikumercyb5567]

What should be done if cramping continues after an abortion with pills but having light bleeding

[@1riagold]

It’s normal. It’s your uterus shrinking back to size. Stay hydrated. Maybe take supplements like iron pills if you feel you’re losing a lot of blood. And sleep well ❤️

[@itsberryberry]

( Pills available in UAE for 9 to 10weeks preg.. contact for delivery)

[@dogojoekejoevibeske341]

For how long should a woman bleed after abortion please make me aware kindly

[@rinkijaiswani2076]

I took an abortion pill without a docotors prescription it has been above 30 hrs before i took the first pill mifepristone and was asked to take Misoprostol 48hrs later the first pill so gonna take it tomorrow morning i have had mild cramping today and bit of end days periods kinda dark stuff out on the pad. I m really scared if everything is fine.

[@americamejia]

How did it go? I'm Really scared to do it but I have to be fast before I'm over the weeks limit

[@nwaideniyi2371]

Where did you buy it

[@BoseMuhammed-h9l]

I take the pills i didn't see my period more and 3 weeks now please reply

[@onthetopicunofficial]

Check your pregnancy test again

[@edwinyeboah29]

If you are in Dubai or Ghana and you need this pills, let me know

[@meerabsa3996]

At 3 weeks of pregnancy taking misoprostol pills A light spots or bleeding occur one time only .... How can realise abortion done or not

[@toobasohail8367]

Same question....

[@toobasohail8367]

Plz tell me what happened with you then

[@bitolakushwaha934]

This there any life risk while taking these pills.... Or after 12 weeks or more than that these pills are working or not

[@awaitingheart]

It works upto 13 weeks or 91 days

[@ranganathann1237]

After bleeding now white discharge happenings, and little pain while urine passing is it normal???

[@blakeayoub4796]

Yeah the white discharge is the babies parts

[@mskingp4067]

@@blakeayoub4796 Omg thats so sad "Babies parts

[@eagleeyessolution5706]

Same thing happened to my partner also. After taking the pills she saw a white round discharge, so she complained to me and we're worried.

[@agnessjeremiah9853]

That's normal, unless you bled alot inthe first 1 week

[@comfortahiable3619]

My is yellowsh discharge which smell bad after bleeding

[@emeldahmusole5088]

Hello doctor

[@elizabethareghan1437]

I took mesoprostol since 3weeks now I still feel mild abdominal pains every evening and spotting plz is it normal?

[@catfamily0206]

Yes

[@anitarandon6303]

it is

[@putridivapitaloka9905]

is the pills works on you?

[@njukemmary1821]

Can i do an abortion after discovering im 2weeks pregnant

[@AnnaSy-hy4rr]

Yes you can

[@raziakhan5274]

Yess

[@BazomnabLeticia]

I have the same problem and did the abortion pill and bleed little,am l safe that aborted the pregnancy

[@shekherdas]

Hello can you tell me ? Which pill to take after 4 days ?

[@akwinderkaur4775]

I aborted my first baby in august last year... Nd now i wanna conceive but unable to pls suggest

[@elizabethwuseh8023]

I really wish I can get the pills

[@Ved-Vayu16]

Will get easily

[@pemachomusherpa4681]

@@Ved-Vayu16 from where

[@Ved-Vayu16]

In India you will get. I dono about other country

[@anitarandon6303]

where you from my dear?

[@dhinachavit89646]

we do shipping international for those who needs the pills

[@marionjoy8284]

How much does it cost to get abortion pills

[@doctorswithoutborders]

Hi Marion, you can have more information here www.howtouseabortionpill.org/abortion-laws-by-country/

[@mukwayajoyce2283]

If u are in Uganda that is 150,000/=

[@albertkirsch9825]

Is it normal to bleed once after you have it and vomit... ??

[@babiryerehemahteruma3725]

That’s my question too, how do u feel now dear. Did the pregnancy ends or

[@m-di1jg]

@@life_with_Estherany update same situation 😔

[@m-di1jg]

@@life_with_Esther did u vomit? When u taking the pills?

[@m-di1jg]

Any update?

[@m-di1jg]

@@life_with_Esther when you bleed they have clut?

[@stellachikopa]

After abortion it takes how long to having sex?

[@MayGils]

I did abortion 3rd June with pills I bleed for 1week and had sex 3weeks after tho my test came out negative but it 5weeks now no period am I pregnant again? Having sore breast for some days and eat a lot too pls I need your reply thanks

[@peablaze]

Do a pt test

[@musfiramudasir4393]

How many week of pragnancy expal with pills

[@ahmedfatima798]

Am 3weeks pregnant so I took Mistoprostol but only a spot of light blood and stop do I have any problem???

[@siszenlaqio9176]

how are you right now?

[@ahmedfatima798]

I went to take the pills again so this time around it came out really well but it just for the day any problem about that???

[@siszenlaqio9176]

@@ahmedfatima798 how much pill that u took? for the total?

[@dhinachavit89646]

much better if mifepristone and misoprostol..that is very effective than misoprostol alone..prolong bleeding if only misoprostol tablet..it has a process anf proper way of taking those medical abortions..

[@dhinachavit89646]

@@ahmedfatima798 how are you now?

[@nazleesharafat]

Im 8 weeks pregnant can i take pills?

[@nancycuellar8900]

No it's too late

[@limpasanrogiemarc.2196]

Yess

[@emeldahmusole5088]

Hello please

[@zywiacieslak4719]

Planned parenthood do gazu😂😂😂😂

[@RikeiyaRubeiya]

After abortion sex

[@omolaraayomide461]

please me

[@edwinyeboah29]

If you are in Dubai or Ghana and you need this pills, let me know

[@Cytotecsupplyer]

Dubai Riyadh

[@zywiacieslak4719]

Ta postac wyglada jak facet😂😂😂😂😂w usa chlopy sie skrobia?😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@anitarandon6303]

I do sell Termapil brand of mifepristone with misoprostol medicine. Let me know if you need it.

[@ayanfejesudorcas8965]

Hi I need it

[@anitarandon6303]

@@ayanfejesudorcas8965 where are you

[@GodofredoDEmano]

are you from Philippines?

[@zywiacieslak4719]

Aborcja to morderstwo😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@audreymanlan407]

It’s getting to 1 month and I still test positive

[@dammydollars3114]

Me too

[@dammydollars3114]

@@checheaboabo7836 I’m fine

[@dammydollars3114]

@@checheaboabo7836 I just want to know why I did mine and it didn’t work

[@itsberryberry]

( Pills available in UAE for 9 to 10weeks preg.. contact for delivery)

[@teodorapalacios9059]

@@dammydollars3114 so, your pregnancy contiued eventhough u took the pills?

[@SimonMuyoyu]

I only bleeding for 3 day but when I went for testing it's shows that am not not pregnant,is it's normal please help me

[@emeldahmusole5088]

Hello please

[@RobertMakini]

Is there any organ comes out after abortion of one and half months

[@SimonMuyoyu]

I only bleeding for 3 day but when I went for testing it's shows that am not not pregnant,is it's normal please help me