Understanding the facts about the abortion pill and Plan B is critical when you’re making a pregnancy decision. You deserve to be informed about each medication and its effects.
Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center provides medically accurate, fact-based information about your pregnancy so you can make an informed decision.
Does the Abortion Pill Prevent Pregnancy?
The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, uses mifepristone and misoprostol to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, while misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue.
These medications aren’t birth control; instead, they terminate an existing pregnancy. When you take mifepristone and misoprostol, you’ll experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. These side effects’ severity depends on your unique situation and health.
You may also experience side effects like headache, diarrhea, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
Medical abortion does pose certain risks to your health, though your chances of developing them are not severe:
- Fever
- Infection
- Digestive discomfort
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the medications don’t work)
- Incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)
Is Plan B an Abortion Procedure?
Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill,” can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation, but it’s important to note that it’s not 100% effective.
Levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate delays or stops the release of an egg from an ovary, thus preventing it from joining with the sperm.
If fertilization has occurred, Plan B can prevent implantation. However, it doesn’t interfere with an already implanted pregnancy.
Like any medication, Plan B has side effects, including:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heavier menstrual cramps
- Dizziness
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
- Bleeding between periods
You should seek a provider after taking Plan B to determine whether the medication has worked. Educate yourself on the possible risks so you know what to watch for.
Unexpected Pregnancy?
Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center is here to provide women facing unexpected pregnancies with the services they need. Here, you’ll learn valuable information about your pregnancy so you can move forward.
We will never pressure you to make a specific pregnancy decision.
Contact us today to make a no-cost, confidential appointment.