Are Birth Control Pills the Same as Abortion Pills?

Duly Care
Jun 22
6 min read

When it comes to reproductive health, there's a lot of confusion surrounding birth control pills and abortion pills. Many people wonder if they are the same thing, and how they work, and their respective roles in reproductive health

This blog post aims to clear up the confusion by explaining the differences between birth control pills and abortion pills. By the end of this blog post, you'll have a clear understanding of these two types of medication and be better equipped to make informed decisions about your health.

Key Takeaways:

Birth control pills are used to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, among other ways, while abortion pills are used to terminate an existing pregnancy.
Birth control pills do not cause abortion or miscarriage; they are designed to prevent pregnancy from occurring.
Abortion pills, such as mifepristone and misoprostol, are used in combination to end a pregnancy, typically within the first 10 weeks.
Both types of pills typically require a prescription and should be used under medical supervision.

What are Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are medications taken daily to prevent pregnancy. They contain hormones - usually a combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. Besides their contraceptive benefits, they are also commonly used to regulate heavy and irregular periods.

When taken correctly, birth control pills are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, their effectiveness can be reduced if pills are missed or taken at irregular times.

How Do Birth Control Pills Work?

The following mechanism details how birth control pills prevent pregnancy

Preventing Ovulation: The primary function of birth control pills is to inhibit the release of an egg from the ovaries. Without ovulation, there is no egg to be fertilised by sperm, thus preventing pregnancy.
Thickening the Cervical Mucus: Birth control pills also cause the cervical mucus to thicken, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Thinning the Uterine Lining: The hormones in birth control pills thin the lining of the uterus, reducing the likelihood of a fertilised egg getting implanted in the uterus.

Common Types of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are available in two types:

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills: These contain both estrogen and progestin and are the most commonly prescribed type of birth control pill.
Progestin-Only Pills: Also known as the "mini-pill," these only contain progestin and are often recommended for women who cannot take estrogen due to medical reasons.

How to Get Birth Control Pills

Access to birth control pills depends on the healthcare regulations in each country. In general, they can be obtained through:

Pharmacies and Drugstores: In countries like India, Mexico, and parts of Southeast Asia, pills are often available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. In other countries, like the UK, Canada, and most of Europe, a doctor’s prescription is required.
Online Pharmacies and Telemedicine Platforms: Many licensed services now offer virtual consultations and home delivery of contraceptives. Some also provide subscription plans for ease of access.
Healthcare Clinics and Family Planning Centres: Public clinics, NGOs, and university health centres often provide affordable or free birth control pills, especially for young adults and low-income populations.

It’s important to speak to a doctor before starting birth control pills to choose the right type and understand how to use them correctly.

What are Abortion Pills?

Abortion pills, also known as medication abortion or medical abortion, are used to terminate an existing pregnancy. The most common regimen involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. These pills are typically used within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

When used correctly, the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol is about 95-98% effective in terminating a pregnancy. The process is similar to a miscarriage and usually occurs within a few hours to a few days after taking these medications.

While abortion pills are safe and commonly used worldwide, medical supervision is crucial for several reasons:

Eligibility and Timing: A doctor can confirm how far along the pregnancy is and determine whether a medical abortion is appropriate. Beyond 10 weeks, surgical options may be safer and more effective.
Ruling Out Complications: Before using abortion pills, it is essential to rule out conditions like ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus. Medication abortion does not work for ectopic pregnancies and could lead to serious complications.
Managing Side Effects: Though most people recover without issues, some may experience heavy bleeding, incomplete abortion, infection, or severe abdominal pain. Access to medical care helps ensure timely treatment if complications arise.
Emotional Support and Follow-up: Doctors can offer psychological support, pain relief, and follow-up care to ensure the abortion is complete and the individual is physically and emotionally well.

In some countries, self-managed abortion with pills is legal and safe when supported by telemedicine services or hotlines. However, it is always recommended to consult a licensed healthcare professional for guidance and follow-up.

How Do Abortion Pills Work?

Different abortion medications work in different ways:

Mifepristone: This medication blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and the pregnancy cannot continue.
Misoprostol: Taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

How to Get Abortion Pills

Access to abortion pills varies more widely across countries due to differing legal and cultural norms. In general:

Clinics and Hospitals: In many countries where abortion is legal, licensed clinics or hospitals provide abortion pills under medical supervision.
Telemedicine Services: In some countries, abortion pills can be prescribed through online consultations with doctors and delivered to your home. Organisations like Women on Web and national health platforms offer these services in regions where it's legal.
Pharmacies (Limited): In countries with fewer legal restrictions, abortion pills may be available at pharmacies, but self-managing an abortion without medical support can pose health risks.
Support Hotlines and NGOs: In places where abortion is legally restricted, some organisations offer safe abortion guidance through helplines or online platforms. However, access to pills may still be limited and risky.

Always consult a doctor or a credible reproductive health organisation to ensure safety, legality, and proper follow-up care.

What is the Difference Between Birth Control Pills and Abortion Pills?

Birth control pills and abortion pills serve entirely different purposes and work in different ways. Birth control pills are used as a preventive measure before pregnancy occurs. On the other hand, abortion pills are used after pregnancy is confirmed and are a one-time regimen.

The following table highlights the key differences between them:

Aspect	Birth Control Pills	Abortion Pills
Purpose	Designed to prevent pregnancy.	Used to terminate an existing pregnancy.
When to Use	Used before pregnancy occurs as a preventive measure.	Taken after pregnancy in a specific sequence (mifepristone first, followed by misoprostol 24-48 hours later) to terminate a pregnancy.
Duration of Use	Can be used long-term (years) to prevent pregnancy.	Used as a one-time regimen to terminate a pregnancy.
Mechanism of Action	- Prevent ovulation (release of an egg). - Thicken cervical mucus to block sperm. - Thin the uterine lining to prevent implantation.	- Mifepristone: Blocks progesterone, stopping the pregnancy from progressing. - Misoprostol: Induces uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.
Effectiveness	Over 99% effective when taken correctly.	About 95-98% effective in terminating a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks.

Conclusion

Birth control pills are a preventive tool for avoiding pregnancy, while abortion pills are a reactive solution for terminating an existing pregnancy. Both require medical supervision but differ significantly in their mechanisms, timing, and usage. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for making informed decisions about your reproductive health.

Both types of medication, birth control pills and abortion pills, should be used under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness. If you have any questions or concerns about birth control or abortion, it is important to consult with a doctor who can offer personalised advice and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can birth control pills cause abortion or miscarriage?
No, birth control pills do not cause abortion or miscarriage. They are not effective in terminating an existing pregnancy. If you are already pregnant and take birth control pills, they will not harm the pregnancy or cause a miscarriage.
What happens if you take birth control while pregnant?
If you accidentally take birth control pills while pregnant, there is no need to worry. Birth control pills do not harm the fetus or increase the risk of miscarriage. However, you should stop taking them and consult your doctor for further guidance.
Are abortion pills safe?
Yes, when used under medical supervision, abortion pills are safe and effective for terminating an early pregnancy.
Can birth control pills stop pregnancy after unprotected sex?
No, birth control pills can not prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. You should consider options like the emergency contraceptive pill, which can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sexual activity.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized advice, always consult a doctor.