How painful is a medication abortion?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how painful a medication abortion is. Some people experience very little pain, like mild period cramps, and some people experience very intense pain, which feels more like the pain of the contractions you’d have when giving birth.

If you’re having a medication abortion, you can take over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen, or you can ask your provider to prescribe pain medication for you to take at home. In addition to pain medicine, you may find that using a heating pad, taking a hot shower, or other techniques like breathing exercises and meditation can also help with pain.

While the pain with a medication abortion can last longer than with an abortion procedure, many people find that the pain improves after they pass the pregnancy. If your pain isn’t getting better or is getting worse after you pass the pregnancy, contact the clinic where you had your abortion.