Morning-after pill side effects

Birth Control method

The morning-after pill is a type of contraception used in emergencies like after unprotected sex. It’s a powerful medication used to prevent pregnancy. The primary ingredient of these pills is the hormone levonorgestrel, used only for emergency contraception. It can not be used as a regular contraception method, and it’s desirable to use it only when you have to, but not more than once to twice a year. 

How Does It Work? 

The morning pill is more effective as soon as you take it, so you don’t have to wait until the morning. Usually, it’s given one or two tablets taken separately within the first 72 hours after unprotected sex. It works on preventing or delaying ovulation so you won’t get pregnant. Women sometimes confuse it with the abortion pill, but it won’t work if you are pregnant. After all, nobody can guarantee that it will prevent pregnancy 100%. Again, it’s not a type of regular birth control, and it can not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. 

All you need to do is to swallow the pill and wait for your period. It’s not impossible to experience light spotting a few days later. While you are waiting for your period, make sure to consult your doctor about contraceptive methods. We know that waiting can be so stressful but try to avoid this situation in the future. 

People from the abortion clinic Fort Lauderdale say that the morning-after pill can be effective in more than 80% of cases, which leaves space for some unusual complications and side effects.  

Morning Pill Side Effects 

Using this type of contraception could be risky. It’s a hormone bomb, and we all react to it differently. Possible side effects could be allergies to some of the components of the morning pill. In that case, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. On the other side, you’ll have to pay attention to other medications you take regularly. They may decrease the effectiveness of the morning-after pill. 

If you are obese or overweight, there are indications that this pill will not have the same effect in preventing pregnancy as it is on women who are not overweight. 

Side effects from above don’t occur that often, only in extreme cases, but there are higher chances that you’ll experience these: 

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Breast tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain similar to the period cramps
  • Headaches 

As we already said, after taking this pill, your body may respond with light spotting before your actual period. Also, there is a chance to notice some menstrual changes as well. When your period starts, changes like heavier bleeding or a longer cycle are possible. 

Here are some of the unusual effects: 

  • Rash and itching
  • Vaginal hemorrhage
  • Extreme vomiting few hours after taking a medication that may require another dose 
  • Abnormal bleeding

Is It Safe? 

This type of contraception is considered entirely safe. Complication risk always exists even in the small percent when taking regular medications. Allergy to levonorgestrel is rare, but it would be best if you listen to your body and pay attention to the small changes. Of course, the worst thing you can experience is to be part of those few percent of women that got pregnant after taking the pill. So, if your period is late, book an appointment and ask your doctor to do the pregnancy test, just in case.