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The Emergency Contraception Website - Your website for the "Morning After"

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About…

Side Effects

If I do not have any side effects, does that mean the emergency contraceptive pills are not working?


No, don’t worry if you don’t have any side effects. Many women who take emergency contraceptive pills (also known as "morning after pills" or “day after pills) don’t notice any side effects. Emergency contraception significantly reduces your risk of getting pregnant after having sex without using contraception, your birth control failed, or you were made to have sex against your will – regardless of whether you have any side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, breast tenderness, lower abdominal pain, and spotting, all of which should not last more than a day or two. You might also find that your next period comes a little early or a little late.


For more information about possible side effects, click here. You can also learn about how effective emergency contraception is and how emergency contraceptive pills work on this website.

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**PLEASE NOTE: AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020, THIS SITE IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED**

 

This website is operated by the Office of Population Research at Princeton University and has no connection with any pharmaceutical company or for-profit organization.

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