Morning After Pills

Emergency contraception, or emergency birth control, works by inhibiting or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation) to prevent fertilization and pregnancy. Additional mechanisms for preventing pregnancy may vary depending on the type of active ingredient in each type of emergency contraceptive.

You should swallow the emergency contraceptive pill whole with a glass of water as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

Both types of emergency contraceptive pills only work if taken before ovulation occurs. That is why the sooner you take the pill, the more effective it will be.

What if I vomit after taking the emergency pill?

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the emergency contraceptive, you need to take a new pill as soon as possible, because the original dose may not have been absorbed and therefore may not be effective.

How often can I take emergency contraception?

There is no strict limit to how many times you can take emergency contraception, but it should not be used as your regular contraceptive method. You can take more than one emergency pill in the same menstrual cycle; however, if you need to take it twice within one week, you should use the same type both times. Multiple uses in one cycle may cause changes to your period.

Can I continue my daily hormonal contraceptive together with emergency contraception?

Yes. If you are taking a daily hormonal contraceptive pill, continue it as usual. However, if you used ellaOne, the effectiveness of your daily hormonal pill may be reduced until your next period. In that case, you should use condoms for every sexual act until your next period arrives.

Should I take a pregnancy test?

You should take a pregnancy test about 3 weeks after taking emergency contraception to confirm whether it worked, or sooner if your next period is late. It is normal for your period to come slightly earlier or later than usual after taking emergency contraception.

Side Effects of Emergency Contraception

Side effects of emergency contraception may vary slightly depending on the type of medication.

Common side effects of levonorgestrel include:

• Nausea
• Spotting or irregular bleeding until the next period
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Early or delayed menstruation
• Breast tenderness
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness

Managing Side Effects

Most side effects of emergency contraception are mild and resolve on their own within a few days. You can manage them at home with the following methods:

• Get enough rest
• Drink plenty of water and clear fluids to prevent dehydration
• Use heat, such as a heating pad or hot water bottle, to relieve abdominal pain or cramps
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary to ease pain

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking emergency contraception, take another pill immediately, as the first dose may not have been absorbed and may not be effective.

If you experience severe or concerning symptoms, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice on emergency contraception use or alternative contraceptive options.

Can I still get pregnant after taking emergency contraception?

Yes, it is still possible to get pregnant after taking emergency contraception. The medication is most effective when taken within 24 hours after unprotected sex.

Can I take emergency contraception while breastfeeding?

Yes, but caution is required as the medication can pass into breast milk:

• If using ellaOne: You should stop breastfeeding for one week after taking the pill. You should use a breast pump to maintain your milk supply but discard the expressed milk during this period.
• If using levonorgestrel: It is recommended to take the pill immediately after a feeding and avoid breastfeeding for at least 8 hours, while pumping and discarding milk during this time to reduce the amount of medication passed to the baby.

Do I need emergency contraception if I have just given birth?

It is not necessary if you have sex within 3 weeks after giving birth. However, if you have unprotected sex after the first 21 days, you could get pregnant, so you should consider using emergency contraception or a regular contraceptive method.

Does emergency contraception make your period late?

Yes, the medication may cause your period to be slightly earlier or later than usual. If your period is more than 3 weeks late after using the medication, you should take a pregnancy test.

Does emergency contraception work during ovulation?

No. The medication works by delaying ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, the medication will not be effective.

Can I drink alcohol after taking emergency contraception?

Yes, alcohol does not reduce the effectiveness of the medication. However, you should drink in moderation because if you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill, the medication will not be fully absorbed, and you will need to take an additional dose.

Can I use emergency contraception after a miscarriage or abortion?

Yes, it can be used starting from 5 days after a miscarriage or abortion treatment, as long as there are no complications.

Should I get tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

Yes, you should. Emergency contraception does not protect against STIs. Generally, you should wait at least 2 weeks after sex before getting tested for accurate results.

Does emergency contraception affect future fertility?

No, the medication has no impact on your future fertility.