What are the common side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?

Mar 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, emergency contraceptive pills may cause side effects such as menstrual disorders, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness and headache, affect ovulation, and cause hormonal imbalances. It is recommended to use emergency contraceptive pills cautiously, only as a temporary contraceptive measure, not as a regular contraceptive method. If long-term contraception is needed, it is advisable to choose other more reliable contraceptive methods, such as condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), etc.

Generally, emergency contraceptive pills may cause side effects such as menstrual disorders, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness and headache, impact on ovulation, and endocrine disorders. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Menstrual Disorders

Emergency contraceptive pills contain high doses of hormones that can interfere with normal ovarian hormone secretion, thus affecting the growth and shedding of the endometrium, leading to menstrual irregularities such as changes in menstrual cycle, increased or decreased menstrual flow, and delayed or early menstruation.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Certain components of the medication may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing gastrointestinal disturbances. This disturbance may manifest as symptoms of nausea and vomiting, causing discomfort. These side effects usually occur shortly after taking the medication and may gradually subside as the drug is metabolized.

3. Breast Tenderness and Headache

The hormonal components in emergency contraceptive pills may affect blood circulation and nerve function in the breasts and brain while exerting their effects in the body. This influence may lead to breast tenderness and be accompanied by headaches.

4. Impact on Ovulation

Emergency contraceptive pills can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, an endocrine regulatory system, thereby inhibiting follicular development, maturation, and the ovulation process. This interference may cause previously regular ovulation cycles to become irregular, and may even result in delayed or early ovulation.

5. Endocrine Disorders

Emergency contraceptive pills can disrupt the normal endocrine state in women, leading to hormonal imbalances. This may affect multiple systems in the body, including the reproductive and metabolic systems.

It is recommended to use emergency contraceptive pills cautiously—they should only be used as a temporary contraceptive measure and not as a regular contraceptive method. If long-term contraception is needed, it is recommended to choose other more reliable contraceptive methods, such as condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), etc., which are relatively safer and have fewer side effects.

View All

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.

View Full Answer

What are the potential risks of taking emergency contraceptive pills frequently?

In general, taking emergency contraceptive pills in excess may lead to potential risks including menstrual disorders, reduced contraceptive effectiveness, hormonal imbalances, increased risk of gynecological diseases, and physical discomfort. It is recommended to avoid using emergency contraceptive pills as a regular contraceptive method. Instead, safer and more effective options such as condoms or short-acting oral contraceptives can be considered.

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, and their side effects mainly include menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal discomfort, breast tenderness, dizziness, fatigue, and irregular vaginal bleeding. When using emergency contraceptive pills, it is important to note that they are only suitable for occasional emergency use and should not be used frequently as a regular contraceptive method. It is recommended that the number of uses per year should not exceed three.

View Full Answer

How long is it considered normal for menstruation to be delayed after taking contraceptive pills?

In general, it is considered normal for menstruation to be delayed by up to 7 days after taking contraceptive pills. The specific delay time is related to the type of contraceptive pill and individual physical condition. If short-acting contraceptive pills are taken, the delay usually does not exceed 7 days; if emergency contraceptive pills are taken, the delay may be around 7 days, and if it exceeds this, attention should be given. Contraceptive pills should be taken strictly according to medical advice or the instructions provided, and missed doses should be avoided.