Emergency Contraception

Even if you’re using protection, there’s always a chance that you could get pregnant. Perhaps you’ve turned to emergency contraception to avoid an unexpected pregnancy.
But what happens if it fails? It’s important to understand your pregnancy options, so you can plan your next steps!

How Does Emergency Contraception Work?

Emergency contraception (also known as the morning-after pill) is used to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. How it works depends on the type of emergency contraception and where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Two common forms of emergency contraception are levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step®) and ulipristal acetate (ella®). Plan B One-Step® works by stopping or delaying ovulation.1 Ella® also works primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation; however, changes to the lining of the uterus that may affect implantation may also contribute to its effectiveness.2

Woman talking with doctor about "How Emergency Contraception Works"
Woman wondering "How Effective is Emergency Contraception?"

How Effective is Emergency Contraception?

Plan B One-Step® should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex or birth control failure. Ella® can be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. Effectiveness can vary based on the type of emergency contraception, how soon it is taken, and body weight.3

Research suggests that oral emergency contraception may be less effective in women who are overweight or obese.3 Emergency contraception pills also should not be relied on as a regular, long-term method of birth control.

What’s the Difference Between Emergency Contraception and the Abortion Pill?

Emergency contraception and the abortion pill are not the same. Emergency contraception is used to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. Plan B One-Step® works by stopping or delaying ovulation and will not end an existing pregnancy.1 Ella® also works primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation; changes to the lining of the uterus that may affect implantation may also contribute to its effectiveness.2

The abortion pill is used to end an existing intrauterine pregnancy. The FDA-approved regimen uses mifepristone followed by misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue, and the medications work together to terminate the pregnancy.5

Woman writing down the differences between emergency contraception and the abortion pill
Woman searching on her phone "Can Emergency Contraception Cause Abortion?"

Can Emergency Contraception Cause Abortion?

Emergency contraception and medication abortion work differently. Plan B One-Step® works before pregnancy by stopping or delaying ovulation. According to the FDA, evidence does not support that Plan B affects implantation or an existing pregnancy.1

Ella® also works primarily by stopping or delaying ovulation. FDA information states that it may also cause changes to the lining of the uterus that may affect implantation.2

Emergency contraception does not end an established pregnancy. If you think you may already be pregnant from prior sexual activity, consider taking a pregnancy test before using emergency contraception.

Risks and Side Effects of Emergency Contraception

Common side effects of emergency contraception include:4

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Breast tenderness
  • Changes in your next menstrual period

Side effects are generally temporary. If you experience severe lower abdominal pain after taking emergency contraception, seek medical attention. If pregnancy occurs after taking emergency contraception, your healthcare provider may need to evaluate you for a possible ectopic pregnancy.4

Woman wondering "What are the Risks and Side Effects of Emergency Contraception?"
Nurse explaining to a woman What to Do if Your Emergency Contraception Fails

What to Do if Your Emergency Contraception Fails

If your period is more than one week later than expected after taking emergency contraception, consider taking a pregnancy test.3 You can schedule a free pregnancy test and free ultrasound at Daybreak LifeCare Center.

If your pregnancy test is positive, you aren’t alone. Our compassionate team is here to help you explore your pregnancy options and provide the information and support you need to make an informed decision about your next steps.

Call us at 803-771-6634 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and provided at no cost!

    Request an Appointment

    Please be aware that Daybreak LifeCare Center does not provide or refer for emergency contraception or abortion services.

    Sources

    1. Plan B One-Step (1.5 mg levonorgestrel) Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/plan-b-one-step-15-mg-levonorgestrel-information 
    2. ella (ulipristal acetate) Prescribing Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration/DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=2bf93d23-cddd-4613-9066-5b5fa090404b 
    3. Emergency Contraception. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2015/09/emergency-contraception
    4. Emergency Contraception. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/emergency-contraception 
    5. Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
      https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex