Frequently Asked Questions After Taking the Abortion Pill

At Oyrafem, we understand that every person experiences abortion differently. It’s completely normal to have a range of physical symptoms and emotional responses during and after the process. That’s why our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way with clear, evidence-based information and high-quality care.

Below, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions people ask after using abortion pills, including what to expect, how your body recovers, and when you can resume everyday activities like school, work, and sex.

How Much Do Abortion Pills Cost?

The cost of abortion pills can vary depending on your location, the provider, and whether you’re accessing them through a clinic or telemedicine. For those seeking affordable and discreet options, Oyrafem offers confidential services tailored to your needs. Visit oyrafem.com for the most accurate pricing information based on your situation.

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

After taking mifepristone and misoprostol—the two medications typically used in a medication abortion—you can expect cramping and bleeding, similar to a heavy period. Additional side effects may include:

Nausea
Chills
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Headaches

These effects are generally temporary and manageable with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. Learn more about abortion pill side effects from trusted sources like Planned Parenthood.

When Will Pregnancy Symptoms Go Away?

Pregnancy symptoms often start to fade quickly after taking abortion pills. Nausea usually subsides within 24–48 hours, followed by increased energy and reduced sensitivity to smells or foods. Breast tenderness is often the last symptom to disappear and may linger for up to 10 days.

Wearing a snug bra or using cold packs can help relieve discomfort. If symptoms persist or become severe, contact the Oyrafem care team for personalized follow-up support.

When Will My Period Return?

Most people will begin to bleed heavily within a few hours of taking misoprostol. Some experience light spotting afterward for up to a few weeks. While everyone’s cycle is different, your regular period typically returns within 4 to 6 weeks after completing a medication abortion.

We recommend starting with maxi pads immediately after your abortion to monitor bleeding. Once the heaviest bleeding subsides, feel free to switch to tampons, menstrual cups, or period underwear—whichever you’re most comfortable using.

How Soon Can I Return to Normal Activities?

You can resume normal daily activities, such as school or work, as soon as you feel ready. That said, it’s a good idea to rest on the day you take misoprostol, as cramping, bleeding, and nausea are common.

Some people bounce back within 24 hours, while others prefer to take a few days to rest and recover. Listen to your body—there’s no right or wrong timeline.

How Soon Can I Have Sex After Taking the Abortion Pill?

You can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel physically and emotionally ready. There’s no medical requirement to wait, but do note that your fertility can return quickly—even before your first post-abortion period.

Orgasms can trigger mild uterine contractions and may temporarily increase bleeding. If that happens, take it as a sign to slow down and monitor how your body responds.

Fun fact: Dopamine released during orgasms can help ease cramping! If you’re curious, Glamour has recommendations on safe and fun sex toys for self-care post-abortion.

Can I Get Pregnant Right After My Abortion?

Yes, fertility often returns within days after a medication abortion. That means you can get pregnant again as soon as one week after taking the pills—even before your next period.

Importantly, using abortion pills does not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future or safely carry a pregnancy to term. If you’re not planning to conceive, consider starting a form of contraception right away.

When Should I Start Birth Control After My Abortion?

You can begin birth control immediately after a medication abortion. In fact, starting hormonal contraception (like the pill or patch) within a week of taking the abortion pill offers immediate protection against pregnancy.

For long-term methods like IUDs, you’ll typically need to wait until your abortion is confirmed complete—usually within a week. Your provider can guide you through the safest and most convenient time to begin.

Curious about your options? The nonprofit Bedsider provides an excellent breakdown of birth control types, how they work, and how to choose the best fit for your lifestyle.

Do I Need a Follow-Up After an Abortion?

While many people do not need an in-person follow-up, it’s a good idea to check in with your provider if you experience:

Bleeding that soaks through more than two maxi pads per hour for two hours
Severe abdominal pain unrelieved by medication
High fever (over 100.4°F/38°C) lasting more than 24 hours
Foul-smelling discharge

Oyrafem offers secure and supportive post-abortion care—online or by phone—to help monitor your recovery and answer any lingering concerns.

How Do At-Home Abortion Pills Work?

Medication abortion typically involves two pills:

Mifepristone: Blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy.
Misoprostol: Causes the uterus to contract and expel pregnancy tissue.

Together, they safely end an early pregnancy up to around 10–11 weeks. Learn more about the process from resources like M+A Hotline, a confidential support line for self-managed abortion care.

Breaking Down Abortion Myths

There’s a lot of misinformation online. Let’s debunk a few persistent myths:

Myth: Abortion causes infertility
Truth: Medication abortion does not impact future fertility.
Myth: You have to wait weeks to have sex after abortion
Truth: There’s no medical need to wait unless you want to.
Myth: You must go to a clinic
Truth: At-home abortion with pills is a safe, evidence-backed option for many.

For more facts, check out Reproaction’s guide to abortion myths.

Self-Care After the Abortion Pill

Take time to rest, hydrate, eat nourishing food, and surround yourself with supportive people (or enjoy solitude if that’s what you need). Oyrafem offers a full abortion aftercare guide with tips for managing recovery both physically and emotionally.

If you’re in need of support, birth control guidance, or STI testing, you can schedule an appointment online at oyrafem.com or call us.