• Most forms of birth control do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which can potentially cause health complications and possibly infertility
• Birth control pills are not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy; pregnancy can still happen especially if pills are missed or other medications interfere with them
• Some pre-existing conditions may make you more at risk for side effects and complications and so we recommend seeing a doctor before taking birth control pills.
• According to the CDC, a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship is the most effective way to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies. 
• Scientific evidence suggests using birth control pills for longer periods of time increases your risk of some cancers and can affect your  blood pressure and cholesterol levels. How much of an effect depends on the type of pill you’re taking and what concentration of estrogen or progestin it contains.

The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, typically uses a combination of two drugs to end a pregnancy. The first pill is mifepristone, which blocks the hormone progesterone that the body needs for a pregnancy to continue. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later. This medication causes cramping and bleeding and empties the uterus. The FDA has approved the two-drug regimen for pregnancies up to 10 weeks.

Though rare, there are cases where evacuation drugs are unsuccessful and the fetus is only partially expelled. In these instances, surgical removal is often necessary to prevent infection or other complications.

Abortion impacts women physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually and every individual is affected differently. While some women experience relief after having an abortion, many others suffer from depression, anxiety, poor body image, or a numbness and inability to bond with others. Research shows that many women view termination as a loss similar to natural miscarriage. Just as it is important to have a follow up appointment with your doctor to make sure that your abortion has not resulted in infection or other health complications, it is also important to reach out to a professional or someone you trust to talk about your emotional and mental state regarding your abortion. Mend offers confidential post-abortion support and recovery. Call or text today to learn more about this free service.

Plan B uses a large amount of the hormone progesterone to prevent ovulation. This is a similar protocol to most birth control pills, but it should not be used as a routine birth control method, as it is not nearly as effective. Plan B should be taken within 72 hours  of sex.

Unlike Plan B, Ella blocks progesterone which can disrupt the embryo’s attachment to the uterus in a similar way to the abortion drug, Mifeprex. Ella is intended to be used within five days of unprotected sex.  Women experiencing abdominal pain after taking Ella should see a medical professional right away, as this could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Not necessarily. There are many reasons why a woman might miss a period. It is important not to take any medication that might induce a period without first confirming your pregnancy.