What's the Difference Between Plan B and the Abortion Pill?
- Her Health Women's Center
- 35 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Plan B and the Abortion Pill are not the same. If you are concerned about being pregnant or preventing pregnancy, it is important to have clear information about the difference between Plan B and the abortion pill. This article answers some common questions.
Her Health offers education about your pregnancy options and medical services at no cost to you, including a pregnancy test, ultrasound and limited STI testing.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
How does it work?
Emergency contraception is designed to stop a pregnancy before it starts. Plan B One-Step (often called the “morning after pill”) is one of the brands available. The medication is levonorgestrel and the manufacturer recommends it be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. It works by temporarily delaying ovulation (the release of the egg from the ovary).
Are there restrictions?
Plan B and other brands of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg are legal in all 50 states. No prescription or ID is needed.
What are the side effects?
Changes in period: lighter, heavier, early or late
Nausea and/or vomiting
Lower abdominal cramps
Headache
Feeling tired or dizzy
Breast tenderness
Is it a type of Birth Control?
Primary contraception is birth control that is used before sex to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception is intended to be used when the primary birth control fails, not as a form of primary contraception.
Does it affect an existing pregnancy?
It does not end an implanted pregnancy, and there are no known risks to an existing pregnancy.
Is there a weight limit for Plan B?
Neither the Food and Drug Administration nor the brand literature specifies a weight limit. Research done has not been definitive.
What about Ella?
Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) is also an emergency contraceptive which can be used up to 5 days after intercourse. It is not intended for routine use and a prescription is required. It should not be taken if a pregnancy has already occurred. It is thought to work by stopping or delaying ovulation and may also prevent implantation of the pregnancy to the uterus.
THE ABORTION PILL
How does it work?
Abortion Pills are designed to end a pregnancy that has already implanted in the uterus. It is made up of 2 types of medication, Mifepristone and Misoprostol. The pills work by stopping the supply of progesterone to the embryo and causing the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This is also referred to as a medical abortion or a chemical abortion.
Are there restrictions?
The Food and Drug Administration has placed limitations on the use of the abortion pill for pregnancies up to 70 days (10 weeks) after the first day of the last menstrual period. In 2022, abortion regulations and allowances were decided by each individual state. In Iowa, abortion is not legal after a fetal heartbeat is heard by ultrasound.
What are the side effects?
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Cramping
Pain
More serious warning signs requiring medical care include:
Heavy bleeding that soaks through 2 full-size pads per hour for 2 hours
Persistent stomach pain or discomfort
Weakness
Continued nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
Fever of 100.4 or higher for 4 hours or more
What should I do before taking the abortion pill?
Verify your pregnancy
Know how far along you are
Have an ultrasound to see if the pregnancy is in the uterus
Be tested and treated for potential sexually transmitted infection
If you think you might be pregnant, Her Health Women’s Center will come alongside you for these first steps, go over your options and answer your questions. Contact us today to learn more or to book an appointment with us.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is meant to be used for informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical care. The sources cited for this blog are found to be reliable, however, Her Health Women’s Center cannot endorse or oppose the entire content of the websites listed.
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