The abortion pill and Plan B are different drugs used for various purposes: The abortion pill terminates a pregnancy and causes it to be expelled through the vagina. In contrast, Plan B is an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
Read on to learn more about the differences between these two drugs. Do you think you might be pregnant and looking for someone to talk to? Contact LifeLine Pregnancy Center today to speak with one of our caring team members. All appointments are free and confidential.
How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill,” is a drug (either levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate) that prevents ovulation and pregnancy. Levonorgestrel is available without a prescription, while ulipristal acetate needs a prescription.
Plan B should not be used as a form of routine birth control. Instead, it should only be used if your regular birth control method fails. This is because Plan B isn’t as effective at preventing pregnancy as other birth control methods, and it also comes with side effects, which include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
For Plan B to be most effective at preventing pregnancy, it must be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, uses two different drugs to terminate and expel an existing pregnancy. These drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks old. It comes with side effects that range from mild to severe. You will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, but you might also experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Since these drugs are taken at home, without the supervision of a medical professional, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks, which include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Next Steps
Worried you might be pregnant? Want to talk to someone in person or receive a free pregnancy test? Contact LifeLine Pregnancy Center today to be connected with one of our caring team members. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you. All appointments and resources are free and confidential.
