That you will never be able to have children again, that you will bleed to death, that you can only have an abortion by a doctor in a clinic. These are all abortion myths that have no scientific support and are not backed up by the facts.
Abortion myths spread because there is censorship and taboo. Also because there are anti-choice groups that promote false information to justify their agenda of control over the bodies of others.
Here we compile some common myths and questions so that you have it clear and no longer continue to consume false information about abortion.
Abortion causes infertility
False. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 83% of people ovulate within a month after having an abortion. So if you don't want to get pregnant again, you should use some form of birth control.
Abortion is very dangerous
False. It is estimated that only 2% of safe abortions have any type of complication, and of that figure the vast majority are minor complications such as pain or fever. Abortions considered unsafe are those that are performed without following the World Health Organization protocol, either by people who lack the necessary knowledge, or in an environment that lacks the minimum sanitary standards. Forty-five percent of all abortions worldwide are considered unsafe.
In contrast, it is possible to safely abort at home up to 12 weeks gestation with the WHO pill protocol. At Aya Contigo we are available to explain you step by step about the procedure and accompany you throughout the process.
Few people have abortions
False. Doctors Without Borders states that abortion is a common occurrence worldwide: 1 in 6 unwanted pregnancies ends in abortion, and 1 in 3 pregnancies, including planned pregnancies, ends in abortion.
Only a doctor can perform an abortion
False. You can have an abortion at home with the pill protocol, using mifepristone and misoprostol, or misoprostol alone. These pills interrupt the pregnancy and cause emptying of the uterus.
Surgical or instrumental abortion, which is performed by a specialist in a clinic or hospital, is not available in all countries.
I cannot have an abortion using pills
False. Yes, you can have an abortion with a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol or misoprostol alone. Pfizer's misoprostol (Cytotec) comes in a hexagonal shape, although other brands can be found in an oval or round shape. Mifepristone, on the other hand, is a generic yellow pill, similar in size to an acetaminophen tablet.
I don't have to use contraceptives after abortion
False. Ovulation can come the month after the abortion, so you can use.the contraceptive pills, the implant or the injection on the same day you take the misoprostol. The intrauterine device can be inserted directly after the surgical abortion if the provider is able to do so or 7 to 10 days after the abortion is completed.
Up to what week can I have an abortion?
The safe abortion protocol with pills is up to 12 weeks. After that, there are other options to make it a safe procedure. Depending on the country you are in and your specific condition, instrumental abortions are usually performed up to 24 weeks.
The doctor may know that I had an abortion
False. This is one of the most common abortion myths. The only way for health care providers to know that you have had an abortion is if you used the pills vaginally and they look at the remains when they do a physical exam. Otherwise, the symptoms of a miscarriage are the same as a spontaneous miscarriage.
Therefore, it is recommended to use misoprostol pills under the tongue and between the cheeks. Here is how to use them.Â
The pills only work if they are inserted into the vagina
False. The pills - mifepristone and misoprostol - are takenorally  . People prone to vomiting can insert them vaginally, but that is an option, not the only valid means.
The only abortion pills are Cytotec
False. Cytotec is the trade name Pfizer gave to its misoprostol. Misoprostol is the active ingredient that causes abortion. It is also available as Misive, Oxaprost, Myspess, Misodel and Mysodelle.
Abortion lasts one day
False. The abortion process varies from person to person. Bleeding starts in the next 24 to 48 hours after taking the pills and it is not possible to say exactly when it ends: you may be bleeding for a week or up to three weeks.
It is only okay to have an abortion in case of rape or disease
False. You have the right to control your own fertility, to decide when and how you get pregnant. You do not need a reason to have an abortion, it is enough that you wish to do so.
People do not have abortions if it is banned
False. The studies have shown that people do not stop having abortions because it is prohibited in the country or region where they live. What changes is that they are more likely to have unsafe abortions, which increases the number of people who die from completely preventable causes if abortion were accessible.
Women have been having safe abortions at home for decades thanks to the discovery of misoprostol and all the information and accompaniment is available at Aya Contigo.
Banish abortion myths at Aya Contigo
Download the Aya Contigo app, where we answer all your questions about abortion and contraception. Our doulas are available to give you personalized attention throughout the process.
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