Is the Morning After Pill an Abortion?

The answer is no. The Morning After Pill, often referred to as ‘Plan B’ is an emergency contraception that delays ovulation in the case of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. The Morning After Pill is more effective if taken sooner after sex, but there are a few different types available. The Plan B pill should not be treated as a regular contraceptive, as it is not as effective as other methods and doesn’t protect from STIs.

An abortion is a medical procedure that takes place once someone is pregnant. You cannot access the medications needed for an abortion at a pharmacy; you must have a consultation with an abortion provider. NUPAS can help with this. Read more about abortion pills here.

What Is the Morning After Pill?

The Morning After Pill comes in a couple of options. One contains a hormone called ‘levonorgestrel’, which is a similar hormone found in contraceptive pills to prevent ovulation. This hormone thickens the mucus around your cervix to stop sperm from reaching an egg, and it also changes the lining of the womb so eggs can’t implant. This pill should be taken within 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex or failed contraception use but can be taken as soon as you’ve had sex.

Ulipristal Acetate is the second option and works up to 120 hours (5 days after sex). This works to delay ovulation too.

The Difference Between the Morning After Pill and Abortion Pills

This is a common question! The real difference between the pills is that Plan B contains hormones that prevent ovulation, whereas the 2 medicines involved in terminating a pregnancy firstly block the pregnancy hormone and then expel the foetus from the uterus.

You can access the Morning After Pill at pharmacies, at your GP or at sexual health clinics. Pricing across the UK varies, but in England, there have been recent amendments to make it free of charge to minimise economic inequalities.

Abortion pills, on the other hand, cannot be accessed in pharmacies or bought online; you must have 2 doctors sign off on the medicines as appropriate for you, as it depends on your gestation and medical history.

Where Do I Get the Morning After Pill?

You can buy Plan B pills from most pharmacies or drug stores like Boots or Superdrug. Prices vary, but in England, in some areas, the Morning After Pill is now available to purchase without charge.

If more than five days (120 hours) have passed since you had unprotected intercourse, a pregnancy test is the most reliable way to determine if you are pregnant. Affordable and easy-to-use home pregnancy tests are widely available for purchase at most supermarkets and pharmacies.

Other Types of Emergency Contraception

Intrauterine Device (IUD) / The Copper Coil

The most effective emergency contraception is an IUD/ Copper Coil. The IUD is more effective than the emergency contraception pill. It has a success rate of 99%. It will also give you ongoing contraceptive protection for many years after it has been fitted.

For the copper coil to be an effective emergency contraception, it needs to be fitted:

• Up to 5 days after unprotected sex
• Within 5 days of the earliest time you could have released an egg.

The Copper Coil can only be fitted by specialists. You can talk to your GP or sexual health clinic to arrange an emergency fitting.

The copper coil works by preventing a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb as the lining becomes thinner and sperm cannot reach an egg as easily. Therefore, chances of pregnancy are very low, and this contraceptive method is one of the most effective. If this is an option you are interested in, contact your local health service.

Does body weight influence how well emergency contraception works?

Studies indicate a possible link between a person’s body weight, specifically their Body Mass Index (BMI), and the efficacy of emergency contraceptive pills containing levonorgestrel. For individuals with a higher BMI, this type of pill may be less effective at preventing pregnancy. However, emergency contraception that contains ulipristal acetate appears to maintain its effectiveness across different body weights.

Is it normal to bleed after using the Morning After Pill?

Some people may notice light, irregular bleeding or spotting in the days after taking the Morning After Pill. While this is a possible side effect, it is not usually a reason for concern. However, you should consult a healthcare professional if the bleeding is heavy or if it occurs after you have already missed your expected period.

Can emergency contraception change my menstrual cycle or delay my period?

Yes, taking the Morning After Pill can affect your menstrual cycle. It may cause your next period to arrive earlier or later than usual. If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended that you take a pregnancy test and get in touch with your healthcare provider. They can offer guidance if your cycle does not regulate.

Is the Morning After Pill 100% effective?

No method of contraception is 100% effective, and taking the Morning After Pill is most effective when used soon after sex. Some women can still get pregnant after using emergency contraception, as it depends on the timing but generally the pills are 97-99% effective.

What happens if you take the Morning After Pill if you are already pregnant?

The Morning After Pill won’t work to end a pregnancy, and it won’t interrupt or harm it either. If you do not want to be pregnant, you should take contraceptive measures to avoid this before or straight after sex, as the only option to terminate a pregnancy is with abortion medication.

You Can Contact NUPAS Here for An Abortion Consultation