Reproductive health decisions can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy. Many people have questions about the options available to them, including the difference between Plan B and medication abortion (which is often referred to as the abortion pill).
Both of these involve medications – but they’re very different – and both come with possible risks. We’ll try to explain the differences and the involved risks here, but it’s important to remember that a blog cannot provide medical advice. Your situation is unique, and there are a lot of things that should be considered when making a medical decision that are best discussed with a medical professional.
You can schedule a free appointment to come in and talk about your specific situation and the options you’re considering. Our goal is to help you feel informed and empowered to make the best decision for your situation.
What is Plan B/The Morning-After Pill?
Plan B is a brand name for what is often referred to as the morning-after pill or emergency contraception. There are actually several brands of these pills, and – according to Mayo Clinic [1] – most contain either levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate. These medications aim to delay or prevent ovulation.
Does Plan B/The Morning-After Pill Work?
The morning-after pill sometimes works, but it’s not as effective as other (preventative) types of birth control, and it cannot protect you from sexually transmitted infections. It is definitely not intended to be used as routine contraception. Furthermore, it isn’t right for everyone – some medications and health conditions can affect how well it works. [2]
What are the Risks of Plan B/The Morning-After Pill?
As with most medications, there are some possible side effects to the morning-after pill. These could include (but are not limited to) [3]:
- Changes to your period
- Spotting
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Breast Tenderness
- Abdominal Pain/Cramping
What is The Abortion Pill (medication abortion)?
The abortion pill is actually 2 pills (Mifepristone and Misoprostol), and they’re used to perform a medical abortion [4]. They work to block progesterone and then cause cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. [5]
Similar to the morning-after pill, the abortion pill can only be used in a specific timeframe (and the timeframes are different!) [6]. The abortion pill can cause serious side effects if it is used too far along into a pregnancy. For that reason, it’s important to be examined in person by a healthcare professional to figure out exactly how far along you are before taking the abortion pill(s).
What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
There are risks associated with the abortion pills, and not everyone is a good candidate for these medication(s). Cleveland Clinic states that the abortion pill is not a good option for women who [7]:
- Are too far along in the pregnancy (more than 10 weeks since your last period)
- Have a pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
- Have a blood clotting disorder or significant anemia
- Have chronic adrenal failure
- Use long-term corticosteroids
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Have an allergy to the medications used
- Do not have access to emergency care
- Can’t return for a follow-up visit
Other Risks and Considerations
It’s important to note that none of these medications is helpful if you’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. (Diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy requires being seen in-person for testing and an ultrasound. [8])
Beyond the physical risks associated with each of these medication options, it’s important to consider your mental health and emotional well-being. You’re a whole person, after all – not just a list of medical stats. You have thoughts and feelings, and they matter!
You may find it beneficial to sit down and talk to someone in a safe, judgment-free space where you can process how you’re feeling about all of this. At PLL, we can do exactly that. Our services are always free and confidential. You don’t have to go through something so big all alone! Schedule an appointment for a free consultation today.
Sources:
- Morning-After Pill. Mayo Clinic. (2024, July 2). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730#:~:text=The%20morning%2Dafter%20pill%20isn%27t%20meant%20to%20be%20a%20couple%27s%20main%20method%20of%20birth%20control.%20It%27s%20a%20backup%20option.%20Most%20morning%2Dafter%20pills%20contain%20one%20of%20two%20types%20of%20medicine%3A%20levonorgestrel%20(Plan%20B%20One%2DStep%2C%20Fallback%20Solo%2C%20others)%20or%20ulipristal%20acetate%20(ella%2C%20Logilia).
- Morning-After Pill. Mayo Cinic. (2024, July 2). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730#:~:text=The%20morning%2Dafter%20pill%20isn%27t%20right,would%20for%20people%20who%20aren%27t%20overweight.
- Morning-After Pill. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, Nov. 21). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23386-morning-after-pill#:~:text=There%20are%20side,in%20your%20abdomen
- Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, Jan 16). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion#:~:text=Mifepristone%20blocks%20progesterone%2C%20the%20hormone%20needed%20to%20support%20a%20pregnancy.%20Misoprostol%20causes%20cramping%20and%20bleeding%20to%20empty%20your%20uterus.
- Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, Sept 1). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Medical Abortion. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, Jan 16). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion#:~:text=Who%20should%20not,to%20emergency%20care.
- Ectopic Pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. (2022, Mar 12). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093#:~:text=for%20your%20appointment-,Diagnosis,-A%20pelvic%20exam