The abortion pill (also referred to as a “medical abortion”) and Plan B often get mistaken for each other—but in reality, they are two very different drugs.
The abortion pill terminates an existing pregnancy, while Plan B (also referred to as the “morning-after pill”) prevents a pregnancy from occurring.
Read on to learn more about how the abortion pill and Plan B work, the risks, and the steps you can take if you think you might be pregnant. (Looking for a safe space to talk or learn more about free resources that can help? We’re here—and all appointments and resources are free and private.)
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is actually a combination of two different powerful drugs.
Mifepristone is the first drug. It blocks the essential hormone progesterone, which causes your uterine lining to loosen and shed. Your pregnancy will then detach and end.
Misoprostol, the second drug, causes uterine contractions, which expel the pregnancy from your uterus and out through your vagina.
After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping—and some women have reported that the pain is unexpectedly severe.
You might also experience a risk, which can include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks gestation, and if you take them further into pregnancy, you’re more likely to experience a risk.
How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive—which means it is meant to be used after your routine method of birth control has failed (and should never be used as your routine contraception).
Plan B works by preventing or delaying ovulation, and side effects can include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Take Control of Your Reproductive Health
Worried you might be pregnant? Want to learn more about the abortion pill and Plan B? We’re here.
Contact us today to schedule your free, private appointment and explore the pregnancy services we offer.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.