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Being pregnant was NOT the plan but an at-home pregnancy test read positive. Now you’re wondering what pills can be used to end the pregnancy.
Plan B and the Abortion Pill are NOT the same. The circumstances of your pregnancy as well as your safety and health are important considerations when trying to decide which medication may be your best choice.
These 2 different medications are designed for different purposes and before taking either drug, understanding their intended use, timeframe, and potential risks are important.
Plan B?
Plan B is a type of emergency contraception or “morning after” pills in a class of drugs designed to prevent ovulation and therefore prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It does NOT work During ovulation.
What Should I Know About Plan B?
As the name implies, Plan B or Emergency Contraception (EC), is a drug intended for ‘emergency use’ and not daily use like hormonal birth control. Click here to learn more about the most common forms of EC and recommended frequency for use.
Plan B Timeframe for Use
To be most effective, the morning-after pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, following the medication instructions.
Plan B Potential Risks
Emergency contraception may have side effects that you should be aware of, and some women have special health circumstances that mean they should not take Plan B.
The morning-after pill do not protect against STDs. If you have questions about your sexual health and think you might be pregnant, give us a call.
The Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is also called medication abortion or chemical abortion. The process of medication abortion, often referred to as “the pills”, is a two-step process, taking combination of two separate oral medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Be aware that some providers may recommend non-FDA approved methods of usage, such as taking misoprostol without mifepristone. This is an off-label use of this medication and for your health and safety, is not recommended for your health and safety.
What Should I Know About the Abortion Pill?
The purpose of abortion pills is to end an existing pregnancy that is up to ten weeks.
Medical FDA approved process for medication abortion involves taking medication orally or through the vagina. It works by using a combination of two drugs that, when used together, induce an abortion.
Mifepristone, the first medication, works by blocking progesterone. Without progesterone, the uterine lining will thin, and the embryo will not stay attached. Misoprostol, the second medication causes the uterus to contract, bleed, and expel the embryo.
Timeframe
Because the FDA has approved the abortion pill for women who are ten weeks pregnant or less, it’s important to be sure you are in the correct timeframe before proceeding. This information is determined by an early ultrasound. Click here to schedule your ultrasound.
Managing Risks
The abortion pills, like all medications, have associated risks and side effects. For example, If your pregnancy is ectopic (developing outside the uterus), you should not take the abortion pills. Other considerations before taking the pills can be found here.
For your safety, an ultrasound will determine exactly how far along your pregnancy is and determine if your pregnancy is in the proper location. For more information on ultrasounds at no cost to you click here.
What Should I Do Now?
Whether you’ve had unprotected sex, had a condom break or if you just missed your period, information on navigating a potential unwanted pregnancy does not have to be scary. Get the information you need at no cost to you by scheduling an appointment today.
