What’s the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and Plan B?

Are you looking at a positive pregnancy test and seeking an immediate solution? In your search for answers, you'll come across two types of medications: the abortion pill and Plan B.

An abortion medication acts as an antiprogestin to end an existing pregnancy. Plan B is taken within a short time window after sex to prevent pregnancy from occurring.

Read the rest of the article to learn more about your options for an unplanned pregnancy.

The medical abortion is a regiment of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. This abortion method is allowed up to 10 weeks (70 days) of gestational age by the FDA.

The first medication is taken to block the hormone progesterone from reaching the pregnancy. Without this hormone, the pregnancy will stop developing and be terminated.

After the pregnancy has been stopped, the second drug, misoprostol, is taken to induce cramping. The cramping will empty the uterus of pregnancy remnants.

During this process, you can expect symptoms like heavy cramping and vaginal bleeding.

Plan B can be taken up to 72 hours of having intercourse. The abortion pill only has to stop an existing pregnancy, but Plan B has a much smaller time window to prevent the pregnancy from developing.

Its sole purpose is to prevent or delay ovulation so fertilization cannot occur.

Plan B is used as a back-up emergency contraception and should not be used regularly. It also does not guarantee a pregnancy from developing and will not protect you from an STI.

What Are My Options?

The first step is to confirm your suspicions with a pregnancy test. If you have not yet taken the test, we offer free, lab-quality pregnancy tests at Choices Options for Women's Health. We can also help you determine the best time to take the pregnancy test based on your last missed period for the most accurate results.

After a positive pregnancy test, you can also come in for a complimentary ultrasound to learn more about the pregnancy's age, location, and viability. These details can inform you of your eligibility for the abortion pill and alert you to health complications like an ectopic pregnancy.

You do not need to do this alone. We are here to equip and support you as you make the best decision for you. Contact us today to schedule a free appointment.