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Medication abortion vs. Plan B pill: What's the difference?

Reproductive decisions aren’t always simple, but when you have important life decisions to make, you need to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. You’ve likely heard of both the abortion pill and Plan B, but you may not understand the real differences between the two. Alcove Health is here to help.

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The Abortion Pill

The abortion pill, also known as a medication abortion, involves mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol induces contractions to expel the pregnancy from the uterus.

The abortion pill is typically used within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, and you need to schedule a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider to ensure the process is complete. Common side effects include cramping, bleeding, nausea, and diarrhea.

Pros
  • It’s a non-invasive home treatment.
  • Very effective if used within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Cons
  • You’ll need a doctor’s follow-up care.
  • Can be emotionally and physically intense.

Plan B

Plan B, or the morning-after pill, relies on a synthetic hormone, levonorgestrel, to prevent pregnancy from taking place, primarily by blocking ovulation. In order to be effective, Plan B must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The longer you wait, the less likely Plan B will be effective. Plan B is available without a prescription. Reported side effects include nausea, fatigue, headache, and dizziness.

Pros
  • No prescription required.
  • Can be taken shortly after intercourse.
Cons
  • The longer you wait, the less likely the treatment will be effective.
  • It won’t work if ovulation has already occurred.

Let Alcove Health Help You Decide

Making the right choices for your reproductive health can be challenging. Here are some of the ways Alcove Health can help:

  • Free, confidential consultations to discuss your options
  • Compassionate support from experienced advocates
  • Pregnancy tests and discussion of next steps
  • Resources and referrals for additional care if needed

Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation with our compassionate advocates.

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