Is Plan B the same thing as the abortion pill? That’s a question that we get asked a lot, actually. The simple answer is that, no, Plan B and the Abortion Pill are very different. Of course, there is a more complicated answer as to why and if you keep reading, we’ll explain it to you in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
what is plan b?
According to Mayo Clinic, Plan B is:
“The morning-after pill is a type of emergency birth control, also called emergency contraception. It can help prevent pregnancy after sex if your regular birth control method didn’t work or wasn’t used.”
How does Plan B work?
Plan B delays or stops the release of the egg from the ovary during ovulation, making it less likely to be fertilized correctly or at all. Unlike the abortion pill, Plan B will not end a pregnancy that has already begun.
can i use plan b as my primary birth control?
No, it is not recommended by either the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic to use Plan B as your only birth control. Because it delays or prohibits your ovaries from releasing an egg, it can cause abnormal periods and affect your hormones.
when should i take plan b?
Plan B is to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is most effective up until 72 hours (3 days) of the encounter. Waiting longer than that greatly decreases the efficacy.
what are the abortion pills?
The abortion pill is actually a two-pill regimen of medication. The medications are Mifepristone and Misoprostol. These medications are used after a pregnancy is confirmed to end a pregnancy before 11 weeks gestation.
how do the abortion pills work?
Mifepristone is taken orally and then 48 hours later, several pills of Misoprostol is taken. Mifepristone works by cutting off the hormone progesterone that maintains the lining of the uterus that allows the pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol opens the cervix and induces uterine contractions and after time, expels the pregnancy.
Can I use abortion pills as my primary birth control?
No, it is not recommended to use abortion pills as birth control as abortion pills stop a pregnancy that has already started, but it won’t prevent it from happening in the first place.
when can i take the abortion pills?
You can take the abortion pills anytime before the FDA recommended limit of 11 weeks. If you are further along than 11 weeks, you’ll need a surgical abortion for your safety and efficacy. Because of South Dakota current abortion laws, you will need to travel if you’re past 11 weeks.
Thinking about the abortion pill? Come see us.
If you’re thinking about ordering the abortion pill, contact us for a zero-cost confidential pre-abortion screening. Our registered nurse will give you an ultrasound to confirm you’re in that 11 week window, that your pregnancy isn’t ectopic, and that it doesn’t look like you’re gonna naturally miscarry. The choice is yours, but we’re here to make sure you don’t have to make it alone.
To schedule your appointment online anytime, tap HERE.