If your contraception has failed or you had sex without using birth control, emergency contraception is a safe and effective solution to a potentially stressful situation.
And while morning after pill side effects are fairly common, they’re generally mild and easy to manage with the right preparation.
We're here to help you get to grips with what to expect, from the differences between ellaOne and levonorgestrel side effects, to how long your symptoms may last.
Three key takeaways
The morning after pill is very safe, though you may experience some mild side effects.
Vomiting is a common side effect, but if you’re sick within two hours of taking the morning after pill you may need another dose.
“The safest way to take the morning after pill is as soon as possible. However, the exact amount of time you have depends on which pill you take.
“The two most common types of morning after pill in the UK contain levonorgestrel (including brands like Levonelle and LoviOne) or ulipristal acetate (like ellaOne).
“Levonorgestrel-based pills are most effective when taken within three days of unprotected sex, but can be taken within four days if necessary. ellaOne, meanwhile, must be taken within five days to be effective.
“In both cases, the earlier you take it, the more effective the morning after pill is, and the more minimal any disruption to your menstrual cycle will be."
Although you need to take your morning after pill as soon as possible after sex, it’s still worth taking a moment to prepare for how you may feel afterwards.
You could:
Take the day off work or commitments, to give yourself time to recover.
Ask someone to be with you for support.
Stock up on painkillers, in case you experience headaches or cramps.
Before taking your pill, you'll also want to minimise the chance of vomiting. This is because, if you’re sick within two hours of taking your dose, you may need another. Consider:
eating food or having a big glass of water with your tablet
avoiding spicy food
bringing a bottle of water and snack with you when you take your pill
After taking emergency contraception
“After taking your morning after pill, you may feel tired or have aches. Take time to rest as much as you need and use painkillers as required.
“You may experience some disruption to your next period, and there’s a small chance you’ll experience mood swings.
“Being prepared for some achiness, mood swings, and fatigue will help you manage your symptoms more effectively.”
Hanna Yusuf, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U
Side effects of the morning after pill
While many of the side effects are shared, it’s a good idea to know the difference between how levonorgestrel and ellaOne may affect your body before picking which one’s best for you.
Levonorgestrel side effects
One or more in every 10 levonorgestrel users may experience:
Levonorgestrel-based pills have a much lower risk of rare side effects compared to ellaOne. However, very, very uncommonly (fewer than one in 10,000 people) may experience:
itching
rash
face swelling
ellaOne side effects
One in 10 people who take ellaOne may experience:
nausea and vomiting
stomach pain
abdominal and pelvic pain
painful periods
headaches and dizziness
mood swings
muscle pain
back pain
tiredness
Meanwhile, one in 100 people taking ellaOne may experience:
Very rare side effects of ellaOne, which may affect up to one in 1,000 people, include:
genital pain or itching
pain during sex
rupture of ovarian cyst
light periods
loss of concentration, vertigo, shaking, fainting
unusual sensation in eyes, red eye, sensitivity to light
dry throat, disturbance in taste
allergic reactions
thirstiness
ellaOne vs levonorgestrel side effects
Levonorgestrel-based pills have more very common, if mild, side-effects, while ellaOne has a greater variety of symptoms.
ellaOne also has a larger number of uncommon side-effects, and a small risk of more serious side effects, such as ovarian cyst rupture and influenza.
How long do morning after pill side effects last?
More common side effects like nausea, cramps and aches usually fade after one or two days, but irregular bleeding can last up to a week, and changes to your menstrual cycle can last until the end of your next period.
If your side effects are severe, or last more than a few days, contact your clinician.
Does emergency contraception affect your period?
The morning after pill may affect your period, but exactly how can vary dramatically from person to person.
For example, your next period might be heavier or lighter than usual, or it may arrive early or late.
However, after the first period that follows your use of emergency contraception, you shouldn’t see any more disruption.
5 tips for taking care of yourself on the morning after pill
Ask someone to be with you when you take the pill. You may want some emotional, as well as physical, support.
Book the day off work, and reduce your commitments, as you may need time to rest.
Ensure you have some easily digestible food in your store cupboard in case you feel nauseous. Toast, rice, boiled eggs and clear soups are gentle on your stomach.
Buy a pack of painkillers and ginger-based products or teas alongside your morning after pill.
Drink plenty of water and rest.
Free emergency contraception with Chemist4U
Chemist4U can help with your free NHS contraception, with the need to book a GP appointment.
As an online pharmacist, your emergency pill will arrive the day after your consultation.
If we feel we can’t provide you with the medication within the effective window, we’ll still carry out your consultation but will then direct you to your nearest local supplier for same-day access.
We can also help you find the best contraceptive pill for your body, so you’ve got long-term protection in place.
Frequently asked questions about morning after pill side effects
Are there long-term side effects of taking the morning after pill?
There are no known long-term side effects of taking the morning after pill.
When should you see a doctor after taking the morning after pill?
If you vomit within two hours of taking your pill, or if you experience severe or lasting side effects, you should see a doctor. If you experience severe abdominal pain 3-5 weeks later, see your GP as soon as possible, as this could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy.
What happens to your body after taking the morning after pill?
Emergency pills work by releasing hormones that stop your body releasing an egg (ovulating). These hormones can cause side effects such as mood changes and disruption to your menstrual cycle. However, the changes are short-term, lasting a month at most.
How frequently can you take the morning after pill?
The morning after pill isn’t intended to be used regularly or in place of long-term contraception. However, there is no evidence that taking it frequently affects your fertility.
Is it unhealthy to take the morning after pill?
It’s not unhealthy or 'bad' to take the morning after pill once or frequently. However, it’s not ideal to rely on it for regular contraception as it can cause side effects, doesn’t protect against STIs and is less effective than other forms of birth control, like pills, patches, IUDs and implants.
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