Both medication abortions and emergency contraception can involve taking pills. However, the similarity between medication abortions and emergency contraception ends there.
Hormonal emergency contraception is a pill or a few pills that is taken up to five days of unprotected sex. It prevents pregnancy. Emergency contraception stops pregnancy by preventing ovulation and fertilization. IUDs (Intrauterine devices) can also be used to prevent pregnancy, but are not the focus of this article.
Medication abortion is taken to end a pregnancy. It is taken during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. It ends a pregnancy by preventing the body’s release of progesterone, which thins the uterine lining. It also forces the uterus to contract and expel its contents.
Emergency contraception pills include Plan B, a specially formulated pill. You can also take varying dosages of combined hormone (not progestin-only) pills. Ask your medical professional for the exact doses of what to take. Plan B only includes hormones, and will not terminate an existing pregnancy. If you are pregnant, however, do not attempt to use emergency contraception.
Medication abortion is caused by one of two drugs: mifepristone or methotrexate. You will also take a second drug, misoprostal. These drugs terminate pregnancy.
The side effects of emergency contraception are much less serious than those of a medication abortion. The side effects of emergency contraception can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and breast tenderness. The side effects of a medication abortion include heavy bleeding that lasts typically about two weeks. There is often cramping, varying from mild to heavy cramps. You can get pain medication to ease the cramping.
Anyone can get emergency contraception, even if you are under the age of 18. In some states, if you want to have an abortion, even a medication abortion, you need to have parental consent. Emergency contraception can cost between $30-$50, whereas a medication abortion can cost upwards of $250.
Both procedures are most effective when they are performed early on. If you have had unprotected sex, take emergency contraception within 24 hours if possible, though it will still work for up to five days after the act. If you are getting a medication abortion, make your appointment as soon as you have made your decision. This can lessen the cramping and side effects.
The best way to prevent pregnancy is to practice preventative birth control (and we all know that the best preventative birth control is abstinence). Research your birth control options to fit the one that best suits your lifestyle. Remember: emergency contraception is for emergencies, and abortions are for dire emergencies. Plan ahead to save yourself the physical and emotional troubles caused by unsafe sex.