RU-Informed? Myths about Plan B and the “abortion pill,” RU-486
Methods of birth control and abortion were being implemented not long after people first began bumping uglies. The oldest illustration of a man using a condom was painted on the wall of a cave 12,000-15,000 years ago. You would think that by now we would have this protection thing figured out. Today, women are given the option of taking emergency contraception in the form of a pill. Over the last few years, controversy has spurred and rumors have circulated, claiming that the postcoital medication Plan B, also referred to as “the morning after pill,” has the same effects of a Mifepristone-induced abortion, commonly referred to as taking an “abortion pill.” This is simply not the case.
“It’s confusing because they are both pills [but] they are completely different medications,” said Beth Morrow Lonn, director of patient services for Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio. “One prevents pregnancy and one ends pregnancy.”
Prevention
Plan B is a form of emergency contraception that prevents unwanted pregnancy when a primary form of birth control fails. It is also frequently used in cases of sexual assault. Individuals take the medication after they’ve had unprotected sex to prevent ovulation or fertilization. For this reason, the pill has become a best friend during “oops” moments. However, it is important to note that emergency contraception will not affect someone who is already pregnant, and it does not prevent an individual from contracting sexually transmitted infections.
Plan B is available over the counter if you are over 18 and is safe for most women to take. With this pill, timing is everything. If taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse, Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by 95 percent. After 72 hours, the
effectiveness is lowered to 89 percent. Plan B can reduce the chance of pregnancy up to 120 hours after intercourse, but the risk of pregnancy increases the longer you wait. Although Plan B isn’t recommended as a primary form of birth control (see the chart below for some more efficient options) it’s a great idea to keep a dose around for unexpected accidents.
“We always say back up your birth control with emergency contraceptive. You never know when something will happen,” Lonn said. “Even if something happens you want to be able to deal with it.”
You can get Plan B at your local Planned Parenthood clinic or pharmacies such as CVS. It will put you out about $25-$60.
Termination
RU-486, or Mifepristone, is a method of abortion used after a woman has decided to terminate a pregnancy by taking a pill. According to Lonn, pregnancy usually occurs five to six days following intercourse. By this time, emergency contraceptives fail to affect a developing embryo.
Medication abortion happens through two steps. First, Mifepristone terminates the pregnancy by blocking the hormone, progesterone, which is needed to maintain pregnancy. Next, Misoprostol is taken, causing the uterus to contract and empty. Medication abortion is highly effective when used to terminate early pregnancies with a 96 to 97 percent success rate. It can be taken until 49 days after the pregnancy begins.
Many women choose medication abortion over other forms of abortion because it doesn’t require surgery or anesthesia. Side effects are similar to those associated with a spontaneous miscarriage and include dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, and bleeding.
Mifepristone is not available over the counter. The cost of medication abortion ranges from $350 to $575 including doctor’s visits, tests, and exams.
Direct link: http://backdropmag.com/sex-and-health/ru-informed-myths-about-plan-b-and-the-abortion-pill-ru-486/