Morning-After Vs. Abortion Pill
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Not many people know that there is a significant difference between the morning-after pill and abortion pill. People generally tend to confuse between these two. You might be misinformed when it comes to emergency contraception. We find ourselves wondering which one should we take, and how is one different from the other. With this article, we hope to clear all your doubts when it comes to the morning-after pill and abortion pill, and how it works.
In This Article
All You Need To Know About Morning-After Pill
It gives a hint of what it is in the name itself- “morning-after.” It comes to the rescue if you missed your birth control pill or you had unprotected intercourse or if you have been sexually assaulted. It is not a primary means of birth control. It is used as an emergency contraceptive method if any of the birth control methods have failed. The morning-after pill delays or prevents ovulation. However, know that it does not work if implantation has already taken place. It does not terminate a pregnancy where the fertilized egg has attached to the uterine wall (1).
Taking a morning-after pill can be effective in preventing pregnancy up to 3 days after sexual intercourse. It does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Always keep in mind that it should be used only in emergency situations. You cannot rely on the morning-after pill as an everyday form of birth control or condom (2). Also, know that the pill has better chances of working if you take it as soon as possible after engaging in unprotected intercourse.
Possible Side Effects
You may experience some side effects after taking the pill like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, tender breasts, cramps, and bleeding between periods. Consult a doctor if any of the symptoms last more than a few days (3).
All You Need To Know About Abortion Pill
Unlike the morning-after pill, the abortion pill is taken by those who are already pregnant and are considering terminating the pregnancy. It is FDA approved to be taken within 10 weeks of your last menstrual cycle. An abortion pill may not work if you are 10 weeks pregnant. In that case, you might have to look at surgical options for abortion. Medications such as mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate are referred to as abortion pills. The abortion pill is effective 92-98% of the time. It is advised to take abortion pills early in your pregnancy to get effective results. In case of a failed abortion, you might have to abort your pregnancy surgically (4).
Your doctor will be able to tell you if you need to take an abortion pill by conducting a medical exam. He/she will also explain in detail how the medication works and what to expect.
Your doctor may ask you to watch out for passage of blood and embryo tissue while going to the loo (5).
Possible Side Effects
You may experience some side effects after taking the pill. These include intense cramping, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, mild fever, slight lactation, and stomach pain (6).
Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms (7):
- Heavy bleeding that soaks more than 2 pads in 1 hour
- The occurrence of blood clots for more than 2 hours
- A high fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Nausea or vomiting that lasts more than a day
- Diarrhea that lasts more than a day
- Odd smelling discharge
- Having any pregnancy symptoms, depression or suicidal thoughts
Talk to your health care provider about the aftercare after having an abortion. Also, inform your family or friends if you are constantly feeling low or depressed.
Opting for an abortion or emergency contraception is a personal choice. However, it’s recommended to never use the morning-after pill as a routine contraception measure. Be wise and always use protection while you are engaging in sexual intercourse if you are not ready for a baby yet. And it’s better to be well informed about the possible side effects that may come with taking a pill so you are aware of all the unusual signs and symptoms. Did you find this article helpful? Do let us know in the comment section below.
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