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What should I do if my abortion medication didn't work?
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Gynecology & Pregnancy Care
Question #28687
29 days ago
97

What should I do if my abortion medication didn't work? - #28687

AishaA

Took prescription abortion medicine and nothing happened. Just slight discharge and slight pain. I am 4-5 weeks pregnant. The discharge was orangish color.

How long ago did you take the abortion medication?:

- Less than 1 day

Have you experienced any other symptoms since taking the medication?:

- No other symptoms

Have you had any previous pregnancies or abortions?:

- No, this is my first
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors' responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
29 days ago
5

Hello dear See ocd medication do carry risk of Excess haemorrhage Vomiting Discomfort Nausea So to avoid any kind of post operative discomfort kindly get in person consultation with gynaecologist fir better clarity You may be instructed to carry out below test Esr CBC Transpendoidal USG Urine analysis Serum TSH Mri Please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Regards

2404 answered questions
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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
29 days ago
5

At 4–5 weeks of pregnancy, taking abortion medication usually leads to cramping and noticeable bleeding within a few hours to 24 hours, so the presence of only slight pain and minimal orangish discharge within less than a day does not necessarily mean the medication has failed yet, as it may still take some time to act—especially depending on the exact medicines and timing used—but it is important to monitor closely over the next 24–48 hours for proper bleeding and cramping; if there is still no significant bleeding, or if you develop severe pain, fever, or very heavy bleeding, you should seek medical care promptly, and a follow-up (such as a pregnancy test or ultrasound after 1–2 weeks) is essential to confirm whether the abortion was complete or if further treatment is needed.

1886 answered questions
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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
28 days ago
5

IHello

If you took the abortion medication less than 24 hours ago, it can be normal that nothing significant has happened yet.

At 4–5 weeks of pregnancy, bleeding and cramping often start several hours to up to 24–48 hours after the second medicine, usually Misoprostol, following the first medicine Mifepristone.

A small amount of orange discharge and mild pain early on does not mean the medication failed.

If there is still no bleeding after 48 hours from the second medicine, or if severe pain or heavy bleeding occurs, you should contact a doctor or clinic for evaluation.

Thank you Take care

1489 answered questions
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If you took abortion medication and it hasn’t worked as expected, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider promptly. This can include your prescribing doctor or a local clinic that can assess your condition. Early pregnancy failure after a medical abortion can result from a range of factors, so additional evaluation is crucial. At 4-5 weeks, the medication should have induced cramping and bleeding, similar to a heavy period, shortly after ingestion. The symptoms you’ve mentioned, like slight discharge and pain, might suggest that the medication was not effective or incomplete. Typically, follow-up appointments, often a week or two after taking the medication, involve an ultrasound or a blood test to confirm whether the pregnancy has continued or stopped. The reddish or orangish discharge could indicate that some, but not complete, expulsion of pregnancy tissue occurred. Persistent pregnancy, especially if unrecognized or untreated, can lead to complications, thus it’s essential to determine your next steps. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, a repeat dosage of medication or a surgical procedure like a dilation and curettage (D&C) might be necessary to complete the abortion process safely. Until your appointment, avoid taking any additional medication without medical guidance, and prepare to discuss all symptoms with your practitioner for the most accurate advice. Your healthcare provider can also assist with alternative choices if needed or discuss another form of abortion if medical one was incomplete.

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
26 days ago
5

Hello I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through this. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible, especially since you mentioned taking abortion medication and not experiencing the expected results.

### Here’s what you should consider: 1. Follow-Up Appointment: It’s crucial to have a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider to ensure that everything is progressing as it should. They can perform an ultrasound or other tests to check the status of the pregnancy.

2. Symptoms to Watch For: If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or any other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

3. Discharge Color: The orangish discharge could be related to the medication, but it’s best to have it evaluated by a doctor to rule out any complications.

Please prioritize your health and reach out to a gynecologist

Thank you

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