Emergency Contraception: Your Options and What Happens Next
Even with protection, unintended pregnancies can occur. If you’re considering emergency contraception like Plan B or other morning-after pills, it’s important to understand how these options work, their effectiveness, and what to do if they fail.
How Does Emergency Contraception Work?
Emergency contraception (also known as the Morning-After Pill) lowers the risk of pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation.
However, not all emergency contraception only prevents ovulation, but may also work by disrupting the hormonal environment and interfering with the embryo’s attachment to the uterus, resulting in its death.
Types of Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Plan B One-Step® (Levonorgestrel). Plan B is the most widely available over-the-counter emergency contraceptive. This progestin-only pill is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, though it can be used up to 120 hours later (with reduced effectiveness).
ella® (Ulipristal Acetate). ella® is a prescription emergency contraceptive. It is a chemical cousin to mifepristone (part of the abortion pill protocol).[5][6] ella® is effective up to five days after unprotected sex.
Emergency Contraception Effectiveness and Limitations
How Effective is Plan B and Other Emergency Contraceptives?
- Plan B is most effective when taken immediately after unprotected sex, with reported pregnancy risk reduction for up to 72 hours.
- Ella can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex. Research also suggests that emergency contraception tends to be less effective in women who are overweight.
However, emergency contraception is not 100% effective and should not be used as a primary method of birth control.
Emergency Contraception vs. Abortion Pill: Key Differences
While often confused, Plan B and the abortion pill serve different purposes:
- Emergency contraception aims to prevent pregnancy from occurring, but may disrupt a newly formed embryo’s development. Some consider this an early form of abortion.
- The abortion pill is specifically designed to end a pregnancy that has already started.
If you’ve been sexually active in previous weeks, consider taking a pregnancy test before using emergency contraception to ensure you’re not already pregnant from an earlier encounter.
Can Emergency Contraception Cause Miscarriage?
If fertilization has already occurred when emergency contraception is taken, the medication may interfere with the embryo’s ability to implant in the uterus, potentially resulting in its loss.
If that is not your intent, then emergency contraception is not for you.
Side Effects and Risks of Emergency Contraception
Common side effects of emergency contraception include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Cramps or abdominal pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Delayed period (up to a week), heavier bleeding during your next period, or bleeding between periods
These side effects are typically mild and temporary. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe lower abdominal pain, which could indicate an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.)
What to Do When Emergency Contraception Fails
If your period is delayed for more than three to four weeks after taking emergency contraception, you may be pregnant. Start by taking a pregnancy test and learning about your options. Support is available.
Your Next Steps
If you discover you’re pregnant after emergency contraception failure, our compassionate team is here to help you make a decision feeling informed, empowered and supported.
At Pathways Pregnancy Resource Center we offer:
- Free pregnancy testing
- Referral to a free ultrasound
- Pregnancy options education
- Confidential, compassionate care without judgement or pressure
- Resources to help you move forward feeling informed, empowered and supported
Give us a call at 970-247-5559 or make an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Contraception
How long after unprotected sex can I take emergency contraception?
Plan B is most effective within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.[13] ella is effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.[14]
Emergency contraception is not 100% effective and should not be used as a primary method of birth control.
Does emergency contraception affect your period?
Yes, emergency contraception can affect your period. It may cause[15]:
- Delayed period (up to a week)
- Heavier bleeding during your next period
- Bleeding between periods
What if I'm already pregnant and take emergency contraception?
In some cases, emergency contraception can disrupt the hormonal environment and interfere with the embryo’s attachment to the uterus, which aborts the embryo.
If you do not want to end a pregnancy that has already started, emergency contraception is not be right for you.
Pathways Pregnancy Resource Center provides generally accepted medical information and pregnancy services but does not perform or refer for abortion procedures or emergency contraception. All information on this site is subject to change and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult your own professional in the event of specific medical or legal needs.