Misoprostol can be used in one of these three ways: under the tongue, vaginally or buccally (in the space between gum and cheek). All methods are equally effective in causing an abortion. However, all doses of misoprostol must be used in the same way. Do not take misoprostol under the tongue and vaginally during the same abortion.
We recommend using misoprostol under your tongue, as it is just as safe and effective as vaginal use. In many countries, people may face legal risks or stigma for having an abortion at home. Taking the pills under your tongue leaves no traces, so if you need medical care, there will be no physical evidence of their use.
If you prefer to use the pills vaginally, you can follow these steps:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Wet the pills with some clean water.
3. Push the pills one at the time up as far as you can in your vagina using your finger. This is easier when squatting or lying on your back or side.
4. Lie down, if possible, for 30 minutes while the tablets dissolve.
5. If a tablet falls out before the bleeding starts, you can insert it again.
The brands Arthrotec, Oxaprost, and Rotec (which is a combination of misoprostol and diclofenac) should never be used in the vagina.
Pill remains may be found in the vagina up to 4 days after inserting them, so if you need or decide to see a health worker afterwards, we recommend trying to take the remains out with your finger after first washing your hands.
If you need to visit a health worker for any reason, it is not necessary to tell them that you used abortion pills. You can say that you think you had a miscarriage. The health worker cannot see the difference, and the treatment is the same. There are no tests that can show you have used abortion pills.
