Home
Articles
Q&A

What are the side effects of taking emergency contraceptive pills?

Mar 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, taking emergency contraceptive pills may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, withdrawal bleeding, changes in the menstrual cycle, and breast tenderness. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before using emergency contraception to understand your health status and potential risks, and to make decisions based on medical advice. At the same time, emergency contraception is not a regular contraceptive method, as it has more side effects and a certain failure rate.

Generally, common emergency contraceptive pills include desogestrel ethinylestradiol tablets, compound levonorgestrel tablets, and compound medroxyprogesterone tablets. Taking emergency contraceptive pills may cause side effects such as gastrointestinal reactions, dizziness and fatigue, endocrine disorders, changes in the menstrual cycle, and breast tenderness. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal Reactions

The hormonal components in the medication can directly irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, possibly causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If vomiting occurs within one hour after taking the pill, another dose should be taken to ensure contraceptive effectiveness.

2. Dizziness and Fatigue

The hormones in emergency contraceptive pills can affect the nervous system to some extent, disrupting the balance of neurotransmitters and normal neural regulatory functions, thereby causing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue.

3. Endocrine Disorders

Emergency contraceptive pills work by inhibiting ovulation and interfering with fertilized egg implantation. However, their potent hormonal effects can disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body, leading to hormonal fluctuations. Long-term use may trigger acne, mood swings, and even ovarian function suppression.

4. Menstrual Cycle Changes

The human menstrual cycle is precisely regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The hormonal components in emergency contraceptive pills can interfere with this endocrine regulatory system, affecting follicular development, maturation, ovulation, and the cyclical changes of the endometrium, thus causing menstrual cycle disorders.

5. Breast Tenderness

The hormonal components in the medication can stimulate breast tissue, promoting the proliferation and expansion of breast ducts and alveoli. They can also cause fluid and sodium retention in the breast tissue, leading to physiological changes and a sensation of breast tenderness.

Before using emergency contraceptive pills, it is recommended to consult a doctor to understand your health status and risks, and make decisions according to medical advice. Additionally, emergency contraceptive pills are not a routine contraceptive method. They have numerous side effects and a certain failure rate, so frequent use should be avoided as much as possible.

Related Articles

View All
What happens if you take emergency contraception 15 days after an abortion?
Fifteen days after an abortion, the body has not yet fully recovered. Taking emergency contraceptive pills at this time may generally lead to menstrual disorders, worsen gastrointestinal discomfort, and interfere with endometrial repair. Emergency contraceptive pills contain high doses of hormones. Since hormone levels in the body are already undergoing adjustment after an abortion, taking these pills can easily disrupt hormonal balance, causing the menstrual cycle to come earlier or be delayed, and in some cases may also result in abnormal menstrual flow.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
Will taking emergency contraceptive pills affect the results of a pregnancy test?
In general, the impact of pregnancy after taking emergency contraceptive pills depends on the specific circumstances. If the embryo develops normally, there is usually no need for excessive concern; however, symptoms such as abdominal pain or bleeding may indicate potential adverse effects of the drug on the pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is important to maintain a regular作息 (daily routine), avoid staying up late and overexertion. Maintain a balanced diet with adequate intake of high-quality protein and fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and other harmful substances.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
How long will the first use of birth control pills delay menstruation?
In general, the first time taking contraceptive pills may delay menstruation by 1–2 weeks. The exact timing varies depending on the type of contraceptive and individual body conditions; some people may experience earlier periods or no significant change at all. Short-acting contraceptive pills must be taken regularly as prescribed by a doctor, avoiding missed doses. After taking emergency contraceptive pills, monitor your menstrual cycle without excessive anxiety. Maintain a regular daily routine.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
Why can emergency contraceptive pills only be taken three times a year?
It is recommended that emergency contraceptive pills should not be taken more than three times a year, primarily because frequent use can lead to various health effects, including hormonal imbalance, menstrual disorders, reduced contraceptive effectiveness, increased risk of gynecological diseases, and physical discomfort. Hormonal imbalance: Emergency contraceptive pills contain high doses of progestin, and frequent intake can disrupt the body's normal hormone levels.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
Can emergency contraceptive pills be taken for two consecutive months?
In general, emergency contraceptive pills are not recommended for use in two consecutive months and should only be used occasionally for emergency contraception. Only in special circumstances—when no other contraceptive methods are available and after a doctor has assessed that the individual's body can tolerate it—might their use be considered under medical guidance. However, they are still not recommended as a regular contraceptive method. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider in advance. A detailed analysis is as follows:
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
How long after taking 72-hour emergency contraceptive pills can you drink alcohol?
After taking the 72-hour emergency contraceptive pill, it is recommended to wait 3–7 days before drinking alcohol. Alcohol may affect drug metabolism, reduce contraceptive effectiveness, and worsen side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and dizziness caused by the medication; therefore, drinking should be avoided in the short term. If severe vomiting, abdominal pain, or abnormal bleeding occurs after taking the medication, seek medical attention promptly.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
How long does it take for hair loss caused by taking emergency contraceptive pills to recover?
Hair loss after taking emergency contraceptive pills usually recovers within 1–3 months. Most people find hair shedding gradually decreases about one month after stopping the medication, and hair growth typically returns to normal within three months, so there's no need for excessive anxiety. If hair loss persists beyond three months without improvement, or is accompanied by scalp discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
What are the side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?
In general, emergency contraceptive pills are used as a post-coital contraceptive measure. Possible side effects after taking them include menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal discomfort, breast tenderness, dizziness, headaches, and irregular vaginal bleeding. Emergency contraceptive pills should not be used frequently. It is recommended to use them no more than three times a year and no more than once per month. Regular contraceptive methods should be prioritized for daily use.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.