If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy or worried about preventing one, you may have heard about both Plan B and the abortion pill.
While they are sometimes confused for one another, they are very different in how they work and when they are used—and understanding the difference is important so you can make an informed decision about your health.
Read on to learn about the difference between these drugs and the next steps if you think you might be pregnant.
Plan B: Emergency Contraception
Plan B (also called the morning-after pill) is a form of emergency contraception designed to prevent pregnancy before it happens. It works by delaying ovulation, meaning it helps prevent the egg from being released, reducing the chance of fertilization.
Key facts about Plan B:
- Must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex for the best effectiveness
- Does not end an existing pregnancy
- Available over the counter without a prescription
- May cause temporary side effects like nausea, fatigue, or changes in your menstrual cycle
The Abortion Pill: Ending an Existing Pregnancy
The abortion pill (medical abortion) is used to terminate an early pregnancy (up to about 10 weeks gestation). It consists of two drugs:
- Mifepristone, which blocks the hormone progesterone needed to sustain pregnancy (without this essential hormone, your uterine lining will loosen, and your pregnancy will detach and eventually end)
- Misoprostol, which causes contractions and expels the pregnancy from the uterus and out through the vagina
Key facts about the abortion pill:
- Used after pregnancy has been confirmed, not as a preventive measure
- Can result in heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea, and other side effects.
- Can lead to complications, including parts of the terminated pregnancy remaining in the uterus (which can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection)
Think You Might Be Pregnant? Confirm with Testing & Ultrasound
If you think you might be pregnant, the first step is to take a pregnancy test. However, a positive test alone isn’t enough to give you all the information you need. A follow-up ultrasound is the next critical step because it confirms:
- Whether the pregnancy is viable (developing normally with a heartbeat)
- The gestational age (how far along you are)
- If the pregnancy is located in the uterus (ruling out ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening)
Vie Medical Clinic Is Here for You
At Vie Medical Clinic, we offer free, confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to help you get the clarity you need. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions in a safe, judgment-free environment so you can make an informed decision about your next steps.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. You don’t have to navigate this alone—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
