Emergency
Contraception
If you’ve used emergency contraception and are wondering what comes next, you’re not alone.
If your period is late or you’re concerned you may be pregnant, getting accurate information is an important next step. Understanding your options and learning more about your pregnancy can help you make an informed decision that’s right for you and your unique situation.
NOTE: Pregnancy Care Center is dedicated to supporting women through unexpected pregnancies with life-affirming care. We provide free services, including urine pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, and evidence-based education. Pregnancy Care Center does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice. Education is provided to assist with informed decision making and does not constitute endorsement.
How Does Emergency Contraception Work?
Emergency contraception, sometimes called the “morning-after pill,” is used to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The way it works depends on where a woman is in her menstrual cycle when it is taken.
The two most common forms of emergency contraception are levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step® and similar products) and ulipristal acetate (ella®). These medications are primarily intended to prevent or delay ovulation, which may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy occurring but may also interfere with implantation resulting in the death of the embryo.[1][2]
If you have taken emergency contraception and are concerned about pregnancy, a pregnancy test and follow-up care can help provide answers. Understanding how your body works, recognizing the signs of pregnancy, and learning about your options can help you make informed decisions about your health and next steps.
How Effective is Emergency Contraception?
Plan B® is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex and is generally intended for use within 72 hours (3 days). Ella® may be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.
While emergency contraception can reduce the chance of pregnancy, no method is 100% effective, and effectiveness may vary based on factors such as timing and body weight.[5]
Emergency contraception is designed for occasional use and is not intended to replace a regular method of birth control.
Emergency Contraception and the Abortion Pill: What’s the Difference?
Although they seem similar, emergency contraception and the abortion pill are not the same things.
Emergency contraception is taken before a pregnancy is confirmed. Depending on the medication and where a woman is in her cycle, it may work primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation. Additionally, some medical research has raised concerns about the potential for these medications to affect the uterine environment in ways that could reduce the likelihood of implantation if fertilization has already occurred.
The abortion pill, by contrast, is used after a pregnancy has been established and is intended to end an existing pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant or have questions about how these medications work, obtaining accurate medical information can help you make informed decisions about your health and next steps.
Possible Risks and Side Effective of Emergency Contraception
Some may experience side effects, including [3]:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Cramping or abdominal discomfort
- Changes in the timing or flow of the next menstrual period, including a delayed period, heavier bleeding, or spotting between periods
These side effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days. If your period is more than a week late, or if you have concerns about a possible pregnancy, consider taking a pregnancy test or scheduling an appointment with
Pregnancy Care Center.
Seek medical attention promptly if you experience severe lower abdominal pain after taking emergency contraception, as this could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, a condition that requires immediate medical evaluation.
What to Do if Your Emergency Contraception Fails
If your period is delayed for more than three to four weeks, you may be pregnant[3]. Consider scheduling a free pregnancy test and free ultrasound at Pregnancy Care Center!
If your results come back positive, don’t panic. Our compassionate team is here to help you explore all of your pregnancy options so that you can make an informed and empowered decision. We will do everything we can to equip you to take your next steps with confidence.
Call us at 615-773-4673, text us at 615-773-4673 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Sources
- Embryocidal Potential of Modern Contraceptives. AAPLOG. (2020, January 15). Retrieved from https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FINAL-CO-7-Embryocidal-Potential-of-Modern-Contraception-1.20.20.pdf
- Physician’s Desk Reference. (2023, April 13). Ella Drug summary: Mechanism of action. Retrieved from https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=1278
- Saritha F, Aiswarya N, Aswath Kumar R, Dileep KV. Structural analysis and ensemble docking revealed the binding modes of selected progesterone receptor modulators. J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2023;41(21):12401-12410. doi: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2166999. Epub 2023 Feb 8. PMID: 36752314.
- Physician’s Desk Reference. (2023, April 13). Ella Drug summary: Description. Retrieved from https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=1278
- Morning-After Pill: Emergency Contraception & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 1). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23386-morning-after-pill
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, June 3). Morning-after pill. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730#