Emergency Contraception || Understanding What It Is

What is it?

Emergency contraception, often referred to as the morning-after pill or day-after pill, contains a high dosage of synthetic hormones. The way it works varies depending on the timing of your menstrual cycle. It's important to note that emergency contraception can potentially prevent pregnancy either before or shortly after implantation. However, its effectiveness is not guaranteed in all cases.

It's essential to understand that the morning-after pill is not a substitute for regular birth control methods. Manufacturers explicitly state that it should not be used as a routine form of contraception. Additionally, it does not provide ongoing protection for future sexual encounters.

You may have heard it called Aftera, Fallback Solo, Econtra EZ, Opcicon, My Way, Next Choice One Dose, Plan B One-Step, Ella, Preventeza, React, and Take Action.

What its purpose?

Women most commonly seek emergency contraceptives when they fear pregnancy in situations like:

  • A contraceptive method was desired but not used.

  • A contraceptive failure—a condom broke, diaphragm or cervical cap breakage, or a barrier contraceptive slippage.

  • Birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections are started late or dislodged.

  • Failed withdrawal.

  • Expulsion of an IUD or implant.

  • Sexual assault; forced sexual intercourse.

How does it work?

Hormonal emergency contraception works to thin the lining of the uterus and sometimes prevent ovulation. During the time of your cycle when you can conceive, it often fails to act as a contraceptive & acts instead as an abortifacient.

High doses of synthetic hormones may carry health risks. If you have any existing health conditions, be sure to discuss these with your doctor before you buy or take emergency contraception. Side effects of hormonal emergency contraception, which typically last a few days, can include headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, changes in menstrual bleeding, and abdominal pain.

If you have noticed any unexpected side effects, such as heavy bleeding, seek medical attention right away.

If you weigh more than 155 lbs, certain types of emergency contraception may not lower your chances of getting pregnant. 

Common Questions

  • The Copper IUD, also known as ParaGard T 380A, is an intrauterine device shaped like a T that can also serve as emergency contraception. When inserted post-ovulation, it prevents the implantation of the developing embryo.

  • We are here for you! Contact us to meet with someone in our center, free of judgment, cost, and shame!

  • No. Emergency contraception does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

    Barrier methods of contraception offer the best protection against infection or disease if you choose to be sexually active.

    Are you worried about a possible infection? Click here!

  • No. Emergency contraceptives are not the same as RU-486, which is the abortion pill.

  • If you've recently taken emergency contraception, it's normal to experience changes in your menstrual cycle, so don’t be alarmed If your period Is late or not normal for you.

    These changes can occur due to the temporary thinning of the uterine lining caused by the medication. Additionally, some women may notice spotting or bleeding before their next expected period.

    If you have any concerns or would like to confirm your pregnancy status, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for a complimentary pregnancy test.

  • Even after using emergency contraception, it's essential to understand that a pregnancy could still happen. If three weeks have passed without your period, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We're here to support you, no matter the circumstances.

    Remember, the decisions ahead are entirely yours to make. We're grateful you reached out to us for guidance. Whether you prefer to call or chat, we're here to lend an empathetic ear whenever you need us.

  • American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Embryocidal potential of modern contraceptives. Professional Ethics Committee of AAPLOG, 7, 1-29. https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FINAL-CO-7-Embryocidal-Potential-of-Modern-Contraception-1.20.20.pdf

    American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). How pregnancy occurs. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/how-pregnancy-occurs/

    Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 1). Morning-after pill. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23386-morning-after-pill

    Drugs.com. (2023, April 10). Emergency contraception: What you need to know. https://www.drugs.com/article/emergency-contraceptive-pill.html

    Drugs.com. (2022, November 14). Morning after side effects. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/morning-after-side-effects.html

    Drugs.com. (2022, August 22). Paraguard prescribing information. https://www.drugs.com/pro/paragard.html

    Extend Web Services. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.extendwebservices.com/

    Mayo Clinic. (2022, June 3). Morning-after pill. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730

    Option Line. (n.d.). Emergency contraception. https://optionline.org/emergency-contraception

    U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022, December 23). Plan b one-step (1.5 mg levonorgestrel) information. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/plan-b-one-step-15-mg-levonorgestrel-information

    Watts, E. (2023, April 14). Birth control with up to 92% lower hormone doses could still be effective. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/birth-control-with-up-to-92-lower-hormone-doses-could-still-be-effective

    Whalen, K. & Rose, R. (2012). Ulipristal (ella) for emergency contraception. American Family Physician, 86(4), 365-369. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0815/p365.html

    Workowski, K. A., Bachmann, L. H., Chan, P. A., Johnston, C. M., Muzny, C. A., Park, I., Reno, H., Zenilman, J. M., & Bolan, G. A. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1-187. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1