10 possible side effects of the morning-after pill

What is the morning-after pill?

The morning-after pill is a “post-coital contraceptive”. It is only suitable for use as an emergency measure following unprotected sex. Or as a “safety net” if other methods have not worked.

It is not an alternative to standard contraceptives such as the pill, the coil or condoms, and does not protect against STDs. This is because the morning-after pill contains a high dose of hormones. This isn’t good for your body and also explains why you may experience adverse effects.

Adverse effects

Just like any other medicine, the morning-after pill can cause adverse effects. On average, one in five women experience lower abdominal pain and nausea. Vomiting is a less common adverse effect.

If you vomit within three hours of taking the morning-after pill, you have probably vomited it up and are no longer protected against pregnancy. You will therefore need to take another one as soon as possible.

The morning-after pill can have both short-term and long-term adverse effects.

Short-term side effects

These last 1-2 days on average.

• Flu-like symptoms.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Tiredness.

In very rare cases, the morning-after pill causes a hypersensitivity reaction. This results in symptoms such as skin rashes or hives which are sometimes itchy. If you experience any of these reactions, tell your GP straight away and never use the morning-after pill again.

In people with the metabolic disorder acute porphyria, the morning-after pill may trigger an attack causing abdominal pain, vomiting, fever and palpitations.

Long-term adverse effects

The long-term adverse effects of the morning-after pill can last until your next period.

• Tender or painful breasts.
• Bleeding between periods: vaginal bleeding when not menstruating or during a pill-free week.
• Your next period may come early, or up to seven days later than usual.
• Your next period may be heavier than usual.

Is a missed period a side effect?

If your period is more than seven days late, this may not be an adverse effect from the morning-after pill. It is possible that you are, in fact, pregnant. After all, the morning-after pill does not offer a 100 per cent guarantee against pregnancy. In this case, you should take a pregnancy test.

The morning-after pill is not a contraceptive and should really be regarded as a medicine with potentially unpleasant adverse effects. It is therefore recommended that you use it only as a last resort.