Schedule Now

Emergency Contraception: Your Options and What Happens Next

Even with protection, unplanned pregnancies can occur. If you’re considering emergency contraception like Plan B or other morning-after pills, it’s important to understand how these options work, their effectiveness, and what to do if they fail.

abortion pill in portland maine

How Does Emergency Contraception Work?

Emergency contraception (also known as the Morning-After Pill) lowers the risk of pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation.

However, emergency contraception doesn’t always prevent ovulation,[1][2][3] but may also work by disrupting the hormonal environment and interfering with the embryo’s attachment to the uterus, resulting in its death.[3]

Types of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Plan B One-Step® (Levonorgestrel). Plan B is the most widely available over-the-counter emergency contraceptive. This progestin-only pill is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, though it can be used up to 120 hours later (with reduced effectiveness).

ella® (Ulipristal Acetate). ella® is a prescription emergency contraceptive. It is a chemical cousin to mifepristone (part of the abortion pill protocol).[4][5] ella® is effective up to five days after unprotected sex.

Emergency Contraception Effectiveness and Limitations

How Effective is Plan B and Other Emergency Ctraceptives?

  • Plan B is most effective when taken immediately after unprotected sex, with reported pregnancy risk reduction for up to 72 hours.[6] 
  • Ella can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex. However, research suggests that emergency contraception tends to be less effective in women who are overweight.[7]

However, emergency contraception is not 100% effective and should not be used as a primary method of birth control.

Schedule an Appointment!

Emergency Contraception vs. Abortion Pill: Key Differences

While often confused, Plan B and the abortion pill serve different purposes:
  • Emergency contraception aims to prevent pregnancy from occurring, but may disrupt a newly formed embryo’s development.[8]
  • The abortion pill is specifically designed to end a pregnancy that has already started.
If you’ve been sexually active in previous weeks, consider taking a pregnancy test before using emergency contraception to ensure you’re not already pregnant from an earlier encounter.
Call: (207) 977-2119
Schedule an Appointment!

Can Emergency Contraception Cause Miscarriage?

If fertilization has already occurred when emergency contraception is taken, the medication may interfere with the embryo’s ability to implant in the uterus, potentially resulting in its loss.[8]  If that is not your intent, then emergency contraception may not be for you. 

Side Effects and Risks of Emergency Contraception 

Common side effects of emergency contraception include[9]:
  • 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 are typically mild and temporary. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe lower abdominal pain, which could indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
Schedule Appointment!

What to Do When Emergency Contraception Fails

If your period is delayed for more than three to four weeks after taking emergency contraception, you may be pregnant.[7] Don’t panic—you have options and support available.

Your Next Steps

If you discover you’re pregnant after emergency contraception failure, remember that you’re not alone. Our compassionate team is here to help you make an informed decision that’s right for you.

At ABBA, Women’s Choice, we offer:

  • Free pregnancy testing 
  • Free ultrasounds
  • Pregnancy options education
  • Confidential, compassionate care
  • Resources to help you move forward with confidence

Give us a call at (207) 977-2119 or make an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge! 

Call: (207) 977-2119
Schedule an Appointment!
Important Note: ABBA, Women’s Choice provides pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and options education. We do not provide or refer for emergency contraception or abortion services. Our goal is to support you with accurate information and compassionate care as you make decisions about your reproductive health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Contraception

How long after unprotected sex can I take emergency contraception? 

Plan B is most effective within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.[6] ella is effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.[7] Emergency contraception is not 100% effective and should not be used as a primary method of birth control.

Does emergency contraception affect your period? 

Yes, emergency contraception can affect your period. It may cause[9]:
  • Delayed period (up to a week)
  • Heavier bleeding during your next period
  • Bleeding between periods

What if I’m already pregnant and take emergency contraception? 

In some cases, emergency contraception can disrupt the hormonal environment and interfere with the embryo’s attachment to the uterus, which ends the pregnancy.[3] If you do not want to end a pregnancy that has already started, emergency contraception may not be right for you. 

Sources

  1. Hapangama D, Glasier AF, Baird DT. “The effects of peri-ovulatory administration of levonorgestrel on the menstrual cycle.” Contraception. 2001 Mar;63(3):123-9. DOI:10.1016/s0010-7824(01)00186-x https://www.contraceptionjournal.org/article/S0010-7824(01)00186-X/fulltext
  2. Croxatto, HB, Brache V, Pavez M, Cochon L, Forcelledo ML, Alverez F, Massai R, Faundes A, and Salvatierra AM, 2004. “Pituitary-ovarian Function Following a Standard Levonorgestrel in Emergency Contraception Dose or a Single 0.75 mg Dose Given on the Days Preceding Ovulation.” Contraception. 2004 Dec;70(6):442-50. DOI:10.1016/j.contraception.2004.05.007 https://www.contraceptionjournal.org/article/S0010-7824(04)00156-8/fulltext
  3. AAPLOG Committee Opinion #7. (2020, January). Embryocidal Potential of Modern Contraceptives. https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Committee-Opinion-7-updated.pdf 
  4. Physician’s Desk Reference. (2023, April 13). Ella Drug summary: Mechanism of action. https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=1278
  5. Saritha, F., Aiswarya, N., Aswath Kumar, R., & Dileep, K. V. (2023, February 3). Structural analysis and ensemble docking revealed the binding modes of selected progesterone receptor modulators. Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36752314/
  6. Mayo Clinic. (2024, September 1). Levonorgestrel (Oral Route) Side Effects. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/levonorgestrel-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20074413
  7. Mayo Clinic. (2022, June 3). Morning-after pill. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730#
  8. Kahlenborn, C., Peck, R., & Severs, W. B. (2015). Mechanism of action of Levonorgestrel emergency contraception. The Linacre Quarterly, 82(1), 18-33. https://doi.org/10.1179/2050854914y.0000000026
  9. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 1). Morning-After Pill: Emergency Contraception & Side Effects. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23386-morning-after-pill