The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when a regular birth control method fails. It serves as a crucial backup option, not a routine contraceptive. This article clarifies how emergency contraception functions and its appropriate use for individuals already on birth control.
How Emergency Contraception Works
Emergency contraception pills prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, the release of an egg. Two main types are available. Levonorgestrel-based pills, such as Plan B One-Step, contain a synthetic hormone that delays or stops egg release. This is most effective when taken within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex, though it can be used up to five days later with decreasing effectiveness.
Ulipristal acetate pills, known as Ella, operate as a selective progesterone receptor modulator. Ulipristal acetate can delay or inhibit ovulation even when it is imminent, offering effectiveness up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected intercourse. Both levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate pills prevent pregnancy before it starts; they do not terminate an existing pregnancy.
Taking the Morning-After Pill While on Birth Control
It is safe to take the morning-after pill even while using a hormonal birth control method, such as oral contraceptive pills, the patch, or the vaginal ring. Emergency contraception is necessary when your primary birth control might have been compromised. This includes missing multiple doses of regular birth control pills, a condom breaking or slipping, or a diaphragm becoming dislodged.
The interaction between the morning-after pill and your ongoing birth control depends on the type of emergency contraception used. Levonorgestrel-based pills do not significantly interfere with the effectiveness of regular hormonal birth control. You can continue your hormonal birth control as scheduled immediately after taking a levonorgestrel product.
Ulipristal acetate (Ella) works by affecting progesterone receptors, which can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. If you take ulipristal acetate, wait five days before resuming your regular hormonal birth control. During this waiting period and afterward, use a barrier method like condoms to ensure continued pregnancy prevention.
What to Do After Taking Emergency Contraception
After taking a levonorgestrel-based morning-after pill, resume your regular birth control immediately. If you used ulipristal acetate, wait five full days before restarting your hormonal birth control to ensure its effectiveness. Regardless of the type of emergency contraception taken, use a backup birth control method, such as condoms, for at least seven days after resuming hormonal birth control, or until your next menstrual period begins.
You may experience temporary side effects after taking the morning-after pill, including nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, and abdominal pain. Changes to your menstrual cycle are common; your next period may be earlier, later, heavier, lighter, or you might experience spotting. If you vomit within three hours of taking the pill, consult a healthcare provider, as another dose might be necessary. If your period is delayed by more than a week, or if you do not get your period within three to four weeks after taking emergency contraception, take a pregnancy test. Seek medical advice if you experience severe abdominal pain, unusually heavy bleeding, or have other concerns about the pill’s effectiveness or side effects.