Is Plan B an abortion pill?

No, Plan B is not an abortion pill. It is a type of emergency contraception that can prevent pregnancy from occurring. Plan B works best to lower the chance of becoming pregnant when it is taken as soon as possible, within 72 hours, after unprotected sex. The use of Plan B does not prevent 100% of pregnancies.

What is the difference between Plan B and abortion pills?

Plan B (levonorgestrel) and abortion pills are used in two different scenarios. Plan B is used to stop a pregnancy from happening, while abortion pills are used to end a pregnancy that has already occurred.

• Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation) or by preventing fertilization. It does not work if pregnancy has already occurred.
• Abortion pills, such as mifepristone and misoprostol, cause an abortion. They work by ending a pregnancy that has already been established in the uterus. Mifepristone blocks hormones required for a pregnancy to continue, while misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty.

While both Plan B and the abortion pill contain hormones, they have different mechanisms of action and serve distinct purposes.

What does Plan B do?

Plan B contains the hormone levonorgestrel, which is a progestin. It comes as a tablet that is taken by mouth within 72 hours after unprotected sex to help lower the risk of becoming pregnant. Plan B works by blocking the surge of luteinizing hormone, which usually happens before ovulation occurs (when your ovary releases an egg). This delays or stops ovulation. Additionally, Plan B thickens cervical mucus, which interferes with how well sperm can move and reach the released eggs. These actions help prevent fertilization of an egg so that pregnancy cannot occur.

Related questions

• Can Plan B make your period late or cause bleeding?
• What are the signs that Plan B didn't work?
• Can you have sex after taking Plan B?

Does Plan B work if the egg is already fertilized?

No. Plan B will not work if you are already pregnant (when a fertilized egg has attached to the lining of your uterus). Plan B temporarily stops ovulation, so that sperm cannot fertilize the egg. If you have already ovulated, Plan B will not work to prevent pregnancy. It also does not increase the risk of having a miscarriage, nor does it affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.

This is not all the information you need to know about Plan B (levonorgestrel) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.