Powered by Women First Digital

Morning-after Pill Side Effects

Morning-after Pill Side Effects
Morning-after Pill Side Effects

Using emergency contraceptive pills may be accompanied by some common side effects, but for many women, they are not a problem and will probably go away after 24 hours [8].
They include:
– changes in your bleeding pattern (monthly periods starting earlier or later than expected, or irregular bleeding for one to two days after taking the emergency contraceptive pill);
– breast tenderness;
– upset stomach;
– nausea and vomiting (women tend to have more side effects – particularly nausea – with Yuzpe than with other EC pills);
– dizziness;
– headaches; and
– fatigue.
There are no known health risks associated with emergency contraceptive pills.
Remember that emergency contraceptive pills do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

Are there any long-term side effects of using Emergency Contraceptive Pills(ECPs)?

The common side effects experienced after taking ECPs are not serious or long-term. They are similar to what people taking oral contraceptive pills experience, but mild and will often go away quickly. This also varies from woman to woman with some not experiencing any side effects, at all.

How long after taking the Morning-after Pill will I get my period?

Using the morning-after pill will usually delay your periods by up to seven days. It is completely normal if your periods arrive slightly earlier or later than expected. It is also normal to experience bleeding between your periods(one or two days after taking the pills). If you do not get your periods 3-4 weeks after using the morning-after pill, you should take a pregnancy test. The only way to know whether the pills worked is by having your periods.

Contraception Quiz

Need more help choosing your ideal method? Take our contraceptive quiz.

Answer a few simple questions, and based on the responses, we will recommend contraceptive options that could work for you.

Take the quiz
External Condom

Compare with similar Contraceptive Methods

Are you wondering if condoms are better than daily pills? Or if you should opt for a birth control implant? We're here to assist you in making this decision. You can select up to 5 contraceptive methods and compare them side by side to weigh the pros and cons of each.

Give a try to our Contraceptive Tool

In the example below, you'll find similar methods to the one you're currently reading about. Feel free to click on any that catch your interest or revisit our Contraceptive Methods page

Our Monthly Top Articles

Breast Cancer Warning Symptoms- Don’t Overlook These Sings

Breast Cancer Warning Symptoms- Don’t Overlook These Sings

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, and early detection is key to ensuring the best possible outcomes. Knowing the symptoms of breast cancer empowers individuals ...

Safe Sex on BookTok: How TikTok Influencers are Shaping the Conversation

Safe Sex on BookTok: How TikTok Influencers are Shaping the Conversation

Have you ever wondered why certain books suddenly become bestsellers out of nowhere? Chances are, BookTok is behind it. BookTok is a lively community on TikTok where readers and authors unite to ce...

Breast Cancer Warning Symptoms- Don’t Overlook These Sings

Breast Cancer Warning Symptoms- Don’t Overlook These Sings

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, and early detection is key to ensuring the best possible outcomes. Knowing the symptoms of breast cancer empowers individuals ...

Safe Sex on BookTok: How TikTok Influencers are Shaping the Conversation

Safe Sex on BookTok: How TikTok Influencers are Shaping the Conversation

Have you ever wondered why certain books suddenly become bestsellers out of nowhere? Chances are, BookTok is behind it. BookTok is a lively community on TikTok where readers and authors unite to ce...

What to Expect: Your Guide to Common Gynecological Procedures

What to Expect: Your Guide to Common Gynecological Procedures

For anyone with a uterus, understanding common gynecological procedures is essential for maintaining reproductive health. Whether it’s your first visit or a routine check-up, being informed a...