top of page

Emergency Contraceptives and Morning-After Pills

aspire women

If you’ve recently had unprotected sex or experienced birth control failure, you may be looking for more information on morning-after pills and emergency contraception to prevent a possible pregnancy.


Learn more about the different types of emergency contraceptives, how it works, and what they do.


Note: If you are already experiencing pregnancy symptoms, make an appointment today for free testing and explore your options.



How do emergency contraceptives work?


Emergency contraceptives work by delaying or preventing your ovulation. Ovulation is the release of an egg from your ovaries. If there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize, no pregnancy can occur. However, this does not mean that they are guaranteed to stop pregnancy. If you were already ovulating at the time of the unprotected sex the medication will try and prevent fertilization.


What are the most common side effects of emergency contraceptives?


Common side effects can include:

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Headaches

  • Abdominal Pain

  • Tiredness (fatigue)

  • Dizziness

  • Breast pain

  • Spotting (bleeding in between periods)

  • Heavier menstrual bleeding


Other factors like BMI (body mass index) are important to consider when taking medications, particularly emergency contraceptives. Side effects can vary in intensity; no two people react to things the same.


Using emergency contraceptives may delay your period by up to one week. If you do not get your period within three to four weeks of taking emergency contraceptives, a pregnancy test is needed to determine if you are pregnant.


Are morning-after pills and 5-day after pills the same?


The morning-after pill comes in two main forms that use different ingredients. There are name brand and off-brand emergency contraceptives but the most common type is FDA-approved up to three days after sex. The 5-day pill requires a doctor's prescription.


Before taking any emergency contraceptive, it’s important to talk to a nurse about ingredients, side-effects and how they are used.


What if I am already pregnant when I take an emergency contraceptive?


Once you are pregnant, emergency contraception can prevent a fertilized egg from attaching inside your uterus (implantation). If fertilization and implantation have already happened, emergency contraception will not interrupt the pregnancy.


Where can I get more information about emergency contraception?


While there are many credible sources available online about emergency contraceptives, there is an equal amount of misinformation. Sifting through myths and facts can be difficult.


Because every woman is different, we recommend coming in and talking with one of our advocates about emergency contraceptives and your options. If needed, you can also talk with a nurse about your health history and possible side-effects.






Sources:

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

get in touch

HOURS

quick links

Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 4:30pm

Aspire Women's Center, is a 501c3 faith based non-profit in the state of New Hampshire. We provide no-cost pregnancy services including pregnancy testing, confirmation through ultrasound, education on pregnancy options, abortion information, parenting education and material assistance as well as low-cost sexual health testing, treatment and education.  While we do not provide or refer for abortion or emergency contraceptives,  we can answer your questions about what to expect, side effects and more. We serve  all clients regardless of age, race, income, nationality, religious affiliation disability, or other arbitrary circumstances.  We serve with kindness, compassion and in a caring manner where you will always receiving open and honest answers.  We do not profit from any of your pregnancy or sexual health decisions. We serve the Belknap County area and beyond.  We are also known as Lakes Region Pregnancy Care Inc dba Aspire Women's Center.   

Please see our Terms of Use and Notice of Privacy Practice for more information. The content on this site is for education purposes only. It should not be substituted for medical or legal advice. We are committed to protecting your health information. Please be aware that communicating via unencrypted text messaging or messaging services has some level of risk of being read by a 3rd party. 

© 2025 - ASPIRE WOMEN'S CENTER - All Rights Reserved

bottom of page