What is the Difference Between Plan B vs. The Abortion Pill?

December 13, 2021

There are many misconceptions about the differences between Plan B and the abortion pill. Perhaps you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and are confused about what each medication is for. They each have a distinct (and different) purpose and come with risks and side effects you’ll want to consider.

To talk more about your pregnancy options when considering abortion, contact us at our Women’s Care Center today. Get the clarity you need to decide for your future.

What Is Plan B?

Plan B is used to prevent pregnancy and is an over-the-counter drug you can buy at your local drug store. It’s important to note it does not end a pregnancy that already exists. Plan B may work to prevent a pregnancy for those who take it within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

Here are some of the ways Plan B may prevent a pregnancy from developing:

Stopping ovulation so an egg isn’t released
If an egg is released, it blocks an egg from being fertilized
If an egg is somehow fertilized still, it prevents the fertilized egg from implanting within the uterus

What Are the Risks/Side Effects of Plan B?

The Mayo Clinic notes the risks for certain women who take Plan B. Plan B is not for women allergic to any component of Plan B, those who are obese, pregnant women, or women who are taking medication that could decrease the effectiveness of the drug.

The Mayo Clinic also lists the following side effects of Plan B:

Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Breast tenderness
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache

Knowing the purpose, risks, and side effects of any drug can help you make an informed and educated choice about whether that drug is right for you.

What Is the Abortion Pill?

Medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill (RU-486) works to terminate a pregnancy.

The abortion pill does not prevent pregnancy, which is the major difference between Plan B and the abortion pill.

The abortion pill is actually two pills made of two drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. The first drug, Mifepristone, prevents an embryo from growing or implanting.

Misoprostol, the second drug, causes the uterus to contract and remove the pregnancy through the vagina. Medication abortion is a serious process typically only available for women up to 10 weeks pregnant.

What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill comes with its own different set of risks and women experience them differently based on their unique bodies. Here are some common possible risks of the abortion pill:

Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
Digestive system discomfort
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever

What’s Next?

Now that you know the difference between Plan B and the abortion pill, you can move forward with clarity. If you are considering a medication abortion, pregnancy confirmation is your next step.

At our Women’s Care Center, we offer free and confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasound. If you need more information about the abortion pill and your other pregnancy options, talk to us today.

Schedule a free & confidential pre-termination consultation to find out more.