Morning-After Pill Procedure
Overview
People use emergency contraceptives to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when a regular birth control method fails. The morning-after pill is a common form of emergency contraception. There are two main types: one contains levonorgestrel, and the other contains ulipristal acetate.
- Levonorgestrel: A non-prescription hormone available over the counter
- Ulipristal Acetate: A prescription-only selective progesterone receptor modulator
These pills work best when taken as soon as possible and within five days. They are intended for emergency use only and are not meant to replace regular methods of birth control.
Reasons for Use
Emergency contraception is often used when no birth control was used or when a method fails, such as a condom breaking or slipping off. Missing several doses of daily contraceptive pills is another common reason.
Some also turn to emergency contraception after sexual assault if no reliable birth control was used. Unlike abortion methods, the morning-after pill works by delaying or preventing ovulation, so fertilization does not occur.
| Situation | Reason for Use |
|---|---|
| Unprotected sex | Prevent pregnancy |
| Missed birth control pills | Backup to avoid pregnancy |
| Birth control failure | Reduce risk after failure |
| Sexual assault | Emergency prevention |
Possible Issues and Safety Considerations
Emergency contraception, including options like levonorgestrel, ulipristal acetate, and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), may come with potential risks. Most people experience only mild, temporary effects. Effectiveness may be reduced for those who are overweight or obese.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Unusual bleeding (either spotting or heavier menstrual flow)
- Lower stomach pain or cramps
| Method | Possible Reduced Effectiveness (Overweight/Obese) | Offers STI Protection? |
|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel (progestin-based pill) | Yes | No |
| Ulipristal acetate (selective progesterone receptor modulator) | Yes | No |
| Copper intrauterine device (IUD) | Less affected | No |
Certain medicines—such as some anti-seizure drugs or supplements like St. John’s wort—can lower how well these emergency pills work. People with allergies to any of the ingredients should avoid using them.
Ulipristal acetate should not be used by individuals who are already pregnant, and its safety during breastfeeding remains unclear. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Although rare, a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy can occur and requires immediate medical attention. Overdosing is uncommon, but taking more than the recommended dose does not improve effectiveness and may increase the risk of side effects.
How You Prepare
Take the morning-after pill as quickly as possible after unprotected sex to help prevent ovulation and lower the chance of fertilization. For best results, use it within five days. It works at any point in the menstrual cycle. Be sure to check the ingredients for any possible allergies.
What You Can Expect
After you use the morning-after pill, you may have some mild side effects. Some people also feel tired or have mild stomach pain. These effects are usually short-term and go away on their own.
Possible Side Effects
| Symptom | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Usually a few hours |
| Headache | May last a day |
| Dizziness | Temporary |
| Breast pain | A few days |
| Stomach pain | Brief |
If you vomit within three hours after taking the pill, contact a healthcare provider. They might recommend taking another dose. For the best results, take the morning-after pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Levonorgestrel-based pills work best when taken quickly but may still be effective within three to five days. Ulipristal acetate should also be taken as soon as possible but always within five days.
The morning-after pill does not provide ongoing protection from pregnancy. For continued birth control, start or resume another method. Until then, you remain at risk of becoming pregnant if you have unprotected sex.
Your period might arrive up to a week later than usual. If your period does not begin within three weeks, take a pregnancy test at home or visit a healthcare provider. Persistent pain or heavy bleeding could signal something more serious, such as an ectopic pregnancy, which requires medical attention.
Most people do not need a prescription for progestin-based emergency contraception, as it is available over the counter. However, some types or situations may require a prescription.
