If you recently had unprotected sex, or if you suspect you may be pregnant and you don’t want to be, you may wonder if you should take Plan B or the abortion pill.
The two drugs are different and serve different purposes. Plan B is designed to prevent pregnancy while the abortion pill is designed to end an existing pregnancy. Keep reading to learn about the difference between the two.
What is Plan B?
Also called the morning-after pill, Plan B is a form of emergency contraception. According to the Mayo Clinic, it “can prevent ovulation, block fertilization or keep a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.”
It was created to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It does not protect you against STDs, and will not end an existing pregnancy.
What is the Abortion Pill?
Also called medication or medical abortion, the abortion pill is actually a series of two drugs taken to end an early pregnancy.
The first drug is called mifepristone and it ends the pregnancy. The second drug is called misoprostol and it causes uterine cramping to expel the pregnancy.
The abortion pill is only approved for use during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. After that time, a surgical abortion is the only abortion method women would be eligible for.
What If I’m Pregnant?
A pregnancy scare is never fun or easy. Stress about a broken condom, a missed period, or a positive pregnancy test can all add up. Don’t forget to breathe.
First, you’ll want to confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound.
It’s possible for a pregnancy test to come back positive and still have an early miscarriage take place.
An ultrasound will also let you know exactly how far along you are and if you are eligible for the abortion pill or not.
Finally, an ultrasound will alert you to an ectopic pregnancy so you can seek immediate medical treatment for this nonviable and life-threatening pregnancy.
At Women’s Help Center, our staff is available to answer questions about your sexual health and we also provide ultrasounds free of charge.
Contact us to schedule your free and confidential appointment today.