Buzz
A Mankind Unwanted Kit comprises one mifepristone pill and four misoprostol pills provided by your OB/GYN. These medications are utilized to terminate an undesired pregnancy, provided it is within 11 weeks of conception. If you're feeling anxious or apprehensive about the process, rest assured—you can space out the pill intake over a day or two in the comfort of your home. It's advisable to have a trusted individual for support during this time, if feasible, to alleviate any feelings of isolation.
Procedure
Administration of Mifepristone and Misoprostol
Commence pill intake within the initial 11 weeks of pregnancy. Mifepristone and misoprostol are intended for consumption only if the pregnancy is within 11 weeks (77 days). If the duration of pregnancy exceeds 11 weeks, contact your OB/GYN to explore alternative options that are both optimal and safe for you.
- Determine the duration of pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual cycle.
- Avoid consuming alcohol before taking the pills as it may lead to dehydration later on.
Ingest the mifepristone pill with water. Take this pill 24-48 hours before the misoprostol pills. You may not experience any symptoms after taking mifepristone, allowing you to carry on with your usual activities.
- If you vomit within the first 30 minutes of taking the pill, it may not be effective, and you may need to take it again. Consult your doctor to determine if another dose is necessary.
Place 4 misoprostol pills beneath your tongue after 24-48 hours. Wait a full day or two after taking the mifepristone pill—it doesn’t matter when during this period you take them, as their effectiveness remains unchanged. Carefully position each pill under your tongue to ensure they dissolve rather than being swallowed. These pills are designed to dissolve in your mouth.
- Arrange the timing so that you're comfortably resting at home once you've taken the misoprostol pills.
- Don't be concerned if your mouth feels dry or has a chalky taste after placing the pills under your tongue; this is normal.
- If your kit includes the buccal form of misoprostol, place the pills against your cheek or in the side of your mouth instead of under your tongue.
Allow 30 minutes for the pills to dissolve. Use a timer to track the time and refrain from swallowing them. The majority of each pill will dissolve within 30 minutes, allowing your body to absorb them.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything during the 30-minute wait for the pills to dissolve.
- The buccal form of the pill dissolves in approximately 3 minutes.
Hydrate after 30 minutes to ingest any remaining pill residue. If the pills haven't fully dissolved after 30 minutes, it's acceptable. Take a few sips of water to rinse your mouth and swallow, ensuring any leftover pill particles enter your system.
- If vomiting occurs before the 30 minutes are up, the pills may not be effective. However, if vomiting happens after the pills have dissolved and entered your system, you're likely fine.
Wait 3 hours and take 4 more pills if you're 9-11 weeks pregnant or haven't started bleeding. Additional pills may be necessary for some individuals. If several hours pass without any bleeding, or if you're at least 9 weeks pregnant, another dose is warranted.
- To administer another dose, repeat the same process and place 4 misoprostol pills under your tongue to dissolve for 30 minutes.
- If you don't end up taking the additional pills despite having them, consult your OB/GYN about what to do.
Managing Symptoms
Alleviate cramps with ibuprofen. Follow the dosage instructions on the ibuprofen bottle carefully. While not mandatory, taking ibuprofen before or after using misoprostol can help reduce the pain and cramping you may experience later.
- Avoid aspirin as it can worsen bleeding.
Maintain hygiene with regular pad changes. Expect heavier bleeding than usual, which is normal. Check your pad every 30 minutes to an hour and contact your OB/GYN if you have concerns about the duration of bleeding.
- Bleeding typically starts 1-3 hours after misoprostol intake.
- Heaviest bleeding occurs during pregnancy expulsion. Seeing the embryo or large clots is normal.
- Avoid tampons for better bleeding visibility and reduced discomfort.
Relieve cramps with heat pads or hot water bottles. Post-pill intake, expect cramping lasting a day or two. Ease discomfort by applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to your abdomen.
- A warm shower can also provide relief.
Rest and hydrate to manage nausea. Misoprostol may induce nausea or stomach discomfort, along with possible diarrhea. Rest, drink fluids, and anticipate symptoms to subside within a day or two. Aim for 8 glasses of water daily to maintain hydration.
- If prescribed, take anti-nausea medication for relief.
- Avoid alcohol post-procedure to prevent dehydration.
Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 3-4 days post-pill intake. Fatigue and sluggishness are common during recovery. Refrain from vigorous activities like biking, jogging, or swimming until you regain strength. Prioritize rest, which will promote faster recovery within a few days.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent additional discomfort.
Contact your OB/GYN if symptoms persist or if you're concerned. If you're using 2 or more pads per hour after 2 hours, notify your doctor. If symptoms persist after 2-3 days, seek advice from an OB/GYN to discuss your concerns and receive guidance.
- If you have a persistent fever or experience severe vomiting and difficulty eating or drinking, contact your OB/GYN for assistance.
- Don't hesitate to reach out to your OB/GYN—they're there to support you and provide the best advice for your well-being.
Insights
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Wait a week after pill intake to engage in sexual activity and ensure contraceptive use.
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Consider stocking up on pads and pain relievers before taking the pills.
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Have a trusted individual accompany you throughout the process for assistance if needed.
Cautions
- If you're still experiencing pregnancy symptoms after 2 weeks, contact your doctor promptly.
- Avoid consuming pills obtained from uncertain online sources.
- Expect common side effects such as fatigue, tender breasts, mild fever or chills, headaches, nausea, or diarrhea for 1-2 days.
- Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care if you have a fever of 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) or higher persisting longer than 1 day or if you're experiencing heavy bleeding for more than 12 consecutive hours.
- Avoid engaging in strenuous physical activity until you've fully recovered.
