The names may sound related, but the abortion pill and the morning-after pill are used at different points and for different reasons.
The morning-after pill is an emergency contraception. It is taken after unprotected sex to lower the chance of becoming pregnant. The abortion pill, however, is taken after a pregnancy has already begun and is intended to end that pregnancy.
If you’re navigating an unplanned pregnancy and are unsure of your options, we can answer your questions. Contact truehealth today to schedule a free appointment with our medical team.
The Morning-After Pill is Used Before Pregnancy
Plan B One-Step and similar products contain levonorgestrel.
The FDA explains that levonorgestrel emergency contraception works mainly by stopping or delaying ovulation. If an egg is not released, pregnancy cannot begin. It does not end an existing pregnancy and will not work if you are already pregnant.
Plan B is meant to be taken as soon as possible and within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Possible side effects include nausea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes to your next period.
The Abortion Pill Is Used During an Existing Pregnancy
The abortion pill usually involves two drugs.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol is taken afterward and causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy.
The FDA has approved this regimen for an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks of gestation, or 70 days from the first day of the last menstrual period.
Vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping occur during the process. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and chills. Risks can include heavy bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion requiring further treatment, or an ongoing pregnancy.
If You Don’t Know Whether You’re Pregnant
The first question may simply be whether pregnancy has already occurred.
Truehealth offers lab-quality pregnancy testing. If your test at the center is positive, you may also be offered a limited ultrasound performed by our trained sonographer.
An ultrasound can provide additional information about how far along the pregnancy is, whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus, and if the pregnancy is progressing. Those details are relevant when you’re researching your options or deciding what your next steps are after an unexpected positive test result.
Contact truehealth today to schedule an appointment and speak with our medical team about your pregnancy and any questions you have.
Truehealth does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.