Emergency Contraception
Even if you’re using protection, there’s always a chance that you could get pregnant. Perhaps you’ve turned to emergency contraception to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.
But what happens if it fails? It’s important to understand your pregnancy options, so you can plan your next steps!
How Does Emergency Contraception Work?
Emergency contraception (also known as the Morning-After Pill) lowers the risk of pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation, but may also interfere with implantation resulting in the death of the embryo[1][2]. The way it works depends upon where you are in your cycle.
There are two common forms of emergency contraception: Progestin-only pill (Plan B One-Step®) and Ulipristal (ella®), a chemical cousin to mifepristone (part of the abortion pill protocol)[3][4].
How Does Emergency Contraception Work?
Emergency contraception (also known as the Morning-After Pill) lowers the risk of pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation, but may also interfere with implantation resulting in the death of the embryo[1][2]. The way it works depends upon where you are in your cycle.
There are two common forms of emergency contraception: Progestin-only pill (Plan B One-Step®) and Ulipristal (ella®), a chemical cousin to mifepristone (part of the abortion pill protocol)[3][4].
How Effective is
Emergency Contraception?
Plan B is most effective when taken within the first three days of unprotected sex. Ella can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex. However, research suggests that emergency contraception tends to be less effective in women with higher BMIs[5].
It’s also important to know that emergency contraception should not be used as a primary method of birth control.
What’s the Difference Between Emergency Contraception and the Abortion Pill?
Although they seem similar, emergency contraception and the abortion pill are not the same things.
While emergency contraception may work to prevent conception, all forms have the potential to interfere with the embryo’s attachment to the uterus. This is not a contraceptive effect, meaning preventing conception, but embryocidal, resulting in the embryo’s death. The way it works depends on where you are in your cycle. On the other hand, the abortion pill always works to terminate the pregnancy and is the only one that can end a pregnancy once it is attached[1].
Can Emergency Contraception
Cause Abortion?
Sometimes, conception (also called fertilization) happens, and an embryo forms but the emergency contraception prevents it from implanting properly in the uterus, resulting in its death[1].
It’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test before taking any form of emergency contraception because you could be pregnant from prior sex.
Risks and Side Effects of
Emergency Contraception
Common side effects of emergency contraception include[3]:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Cramps or abdominal pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Delayed period (up to a week), heavier bleeding during your next period, or bleeding between periods
These side effects should be mild and only last a few days. However, if you experience significant lower abdominal pain after taking emergency contraception, contact your healthcare provider immediately to be evaluated for a possible ectopic pregnancy.
Risks and Side Effects of
Emergency Contraception
Common side effects of emergency contraception include[3]:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Cramps or abdominal pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Delayed period (up to a week), heavier bleeding during your next period, or bleeding between periods
These side effects should be mild and only last a few days. However, if you experience significant lower abdominal pain after taking emergency contraception, contact your healthcare provider immediately to be evaluated for a possible ectopic pregnancy.
What to Do
if Your Emergency Contraception Fails
If your period is delayed for more than three to four weeks, you may be pregnant[6]. Consider scheduling a free pregnancy test and free ultrasound at Bakersfield Pregnancy Center!
If your results come back positive, don’t panic. Our compassionate team is here to help you explore all of your pregnancy options so that you can make an informed and empowered decision! We will do everything we can to equip you to take your next steps with confidence!
Call us at (661)326-1907 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
You might wonder if home pregnancy tests provide accurate results. Regardless of
how you feel about being pregnant, there are a few things you should know about home pregnancy tests.
Keep reading to learn more.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
About 10 days after conception (when a sperm fertilizes an egg), the embryo implants into a woman’s uterus. Her body then releases the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to sustain the pregnancy.[1] Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of HCG in the urine.
When is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test
Although the body produces HCG at implantation (10 days after conception), HCG may not be detectable in the urine until about 14 days after conception. So, most home pregnancy tests recommend testing once you’ve missed your period. If taken before a missed period, the test could be negative even though a woman is early in her pregnancy.[2]
How Accurate are Pregnancy Tests?
Every home pregnancy test works differently, so women should read and follow the instructions that come with the test. When used correctly, home pregnancy tests can be up to 99% accurate.[3]
If taken too early, used improperly, or improperly read, the test could be negative. After a negative home test, women should wait a few days and then retest.
Where Can I Get a Pregnancy Test?
Home pregnancy tests are available over the counter (without a prescription). Some women find that digital tests are easier to read.[4] Regardless of the type used, carefully read the instructions. Some women prefer going to a clinic to confirm pregnancy.
You can schedule a free pregnancy test at Bakersfield Pregnancy Center. Give us a call at (661)326-1907 to get started.
Please be aware that Bakersfield Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for emergency contraception or abortion services.
Sources
- Embryocidal Potential of Modern Contraceptives. AAPLOG. (2020, January 15). Retrieved from https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FINAL-CO-7-Embryocidal-Potential-of-Modern-Contraception-1.20.20.pdf
- Physician’s Desk Reference. (2023, April 13). Ella Drug summary: Mechanism of action. Retrieved from https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=1278
- Saritha F, Aiswarya N, Aswath Kumar R, Dileep KV. Structural analysis and ensemble docking revealed the binding modes of selected progesterone receptor modulators. J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2023;41(21):12401-12410. doi: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2166999. Epub 2023 Feb 8. PMID: 36752314.
- Physician’s Desk Reference. (2023, April 13). Ella Drug summary: Description. Retrieved from https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=1278
- Morning-After Pill: Emergency Contraception & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 1). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23386-morning-after-pill
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, June 3). Morning-after pill. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730#