The Morning After Pill: What You Need to Know
Many people are confused about the difference between the pill, the morning-after pill, and the abortion pill. If you’re unsure how these medications work, you’re not alone. The morning-after pill is often marketed as an emergency contraception method, but it’s important to understand its effectiveness, risks, and limitations before taking it.
At Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, we do not recommend or distribute the morning-after pill, but we are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based information so you can make an informed decision about your health.
What Is the Morning After Pill?
The morning-after pill is a type of emergency contraception designed to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or birth control failure (such as a broken condom). It is not the same as the abortion pill and is not intended to terminate an existing pregnancy.
There are two main types of morning-after pills:
- Plan B One-Step (Levonorgestrel) – Available over the counter, most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
- Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) – Prescription-only, effective up to 5 days after intercourse.
Both medications work by delaying or preventing ovulation, meaning they are only effective before an egg has been released. However, if fertilization has already occurred, the morning-after pill may prevent the embryo from implanting, raising ethical concerns for some individuals.
The Success of the Morning After Pill
The effectiveness of the morning-after pill depends on timing and individual factors:
- Plan B One-Step: Most effective when taken within 24 hours but decreases in success rate as time passes.
- Ella: Can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse, but success rates also decline over time.
- Weight Considerations: Studies suggest the morning-after pill may be less effective for individuals over 165 pounds.
Because no emergency contraception is 100% effective, there is still a chance of pregnancy even after taking the morning-after pill.
Morning After Pill Side Effects
Like any medication, the morning-after pill comes with potential side effects, which can vary from mild to severe.
Common Side Effects:
✅ Nausea & vomiting
✅ Fatigue & dizziness
✅ Headache
✅ Breast tenderness
✅ Irregular menstrual cycles (early, late, or heavy periods)
✅ Abdominal pain & cramping
If you vomit within two hours of taking the morning-after pill, you may need to take another dose. If your period is delayed by more than a week, taking a lab-quality pregnancy test is recommended.
The Dangers of the Morning After Pill
While generally considered safe for short-term use, the morning-after pill is not intended for regular contraception. Repeated use can disrupt menstrual cycles, cause hormonal imbalances, and lead to unexpected side effects.
Additionally, some ethical concerns exist regarding whether the morning-after pill can prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg, which some consider an early abortion. If you are in Coeur d’Alene and have concerns about this, it’s important to explore all of your options before making a decision.
Pregnant After Taking the Morning After Pill?
If you’ve taken the morning-after pill but your period is significantly late, it is possible that the medication did not prevent pregnancy. In this case, it’s essential to:
- Take a pregnancy test – Confirm whether you are pregnant.
- Schedule an ultrasound – A limited obstetric ultrasound can determine how far along you are and check for any complications.
- Seek support – If you are unsure about your next steps, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Explore Your Options: Free Pregnancy Support in Coeur d’Alene
If you are considering the morning-after pill or are worried about a possible pregnancy, it’s important to have accurate information and support. At Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, we offer:
✔ Free lab-quality pregnancy testing
✔ Limited obstetric ultrasounds
✔ Confidential pregnancy options counseling
✔ Information on pregnancy, adoption, and parenting resources
If you are facing an unexpected pregnancy, you deserve time and support to make a decision that’s right for you.
📞 Call us today at 208.667.5433 to schedule a confidential appointment.
📍 Visit us in Coeur d’Alene for free pregnancy resources and support.
You are not alone—we are here to help.
Sources:
FDA Prescribing and Label Information for Plan B® One-Step;
Rev July 2009; www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/021998lbl.pdf
FDA Prescribing and Label Information for ella®; Rev March
2015; http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/022474s007lbl.pdf
ELLA, An Introduction. American Association of Pro-Life
Obstetricians & Gynecologists; http://www.aaplog.org/get-involved/letters-to-members/ella-an-introduction/
Keith L. Moore and T.V.N Persaud, The Developing Human:
Clinically Oriented Embryology, 6th Edition (Philadelphia, PA:
Saunders, 1998), pp. 2-3.
L. Speroff and M.A. Fritz, Clinical Gynecological
Endocrinology and Infertility, 7th Edition (Baltimore, MD:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005), p. 235
Morning After Pill: Emergency Contraception & Side Effects
