Are you freaking out after having unprotected sex or missing a period? Wherever you are in your journey, you are not alone. The abortion pill and Plan B are two entirely different drugs used for different reasons.
The difference between the abortion pill and Plan B is that Plan B is emergency contraception taken after unprotected sex that can hinder conception or implantation. The abortion pill, on the other hand, works to terminate an existing pregnancy.
The Abortion Pill (Medical Abortion)
Known as medical abortion, the abortion pill terminates an existing pregnancy through two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
Mifepristone blocks the womb from absorbing a pregnancy hormone called progesterone and thins the lining of the uterus, preventing the embryo from implanting or growing. Misoprostol then causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the abortion pill should not be taken after 9 weeks of pregnancy and has serious risks and side effects. Risks of the abortion pill include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
What is Plan B?
Also called the “morning-after” pill, Plan B is an emergency contraceptive and should not be used as a regular form of contraception.
Plan B delays or prevents the ovulation, fertilization, and implantation process. If you are overweight, allergic to the ingredients, or taking certain medications, Plan B may not work for you.
Side effects of Plan B include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Determine If You’re Pregnant
Before taking the abortion pill or Plan B, timing is essential. It’s important to understand how far along you are in your pregnancy if considering the abortion pill or if your situation warrants using Plan B.
Get answers with no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy testing at our center and determine what options you are eligible for.
Schedule a no-cost and confidential appointment to decide what’s next for you.