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What are the side effects of taking emergency contraceptive pills?

Mar 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, common emergency contraceptive pills include Levonorgestrel tablets, Mifepristone tablets, Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol tablets, etc. Side effects of taking emergency contraceptive pills may include menstrual disorders, nausea and vomiting, withdrawal bleeding, breast tenderness, and effects on ovulation. For women requiring long-term contraception, it is recommended to choose more reliable and safer contraceptive methods.

Generally, common emergency contraceptive pills include Levonorgestrel tablets, Mifepristone tablets, and Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol tablets. Side effects of taking emergency contraceptive pills include menstrual disorders, nausea and vomiting, withdrawal bleeding, breast tenderness, and effects on ovulation. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　

1. Menstrual Disorders

Emergency contraceptive pills contain large amounts of hormones that can interfere with the normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, causing hormonal imbalances in the body. This can lead to abnormal changes in the menstrual cycle and menstrual flow.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Emergency contraceptive pills may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and affect normal gastrointestinal motility and secretion of digestive fluids, causing gastrointestinal dysfunction, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

3. Withdrawal Bleeding

Emergency contraceptive pills alter the growth and shedding patterns of the endometrium, causing sudden changes in hormone levels in the body. As a result, some women may experience withdrawal bleeding about a week after taking the pill. The bleeding varies from person to person; some women may have minimal bleeding, similar to blood streaks in leukorrhea, while others may experience heavier bleeding similar to a menstrual period.

4. Breast Tenderness

The hormones in emergency contraceptive pills act on breast tissue, promoting breast cell proliferation and edema of breast tissue, which can cause a feeling of breast tenderness. The degree of tenderness varies; some women may experience only mild discomfort, while others may have significant pain that affects daily life, especially during touch or physical activity.

5. Effects on Ovulation

Emergency contraceptive pills interfere with a woman's normal ovulation function, causing ovulation to occur earlier or later than usual, or even preventing ovulation in the current cycle. This disrupts the woman's physiological cycle and affects normal endocrine regulation. Frequent use of emergency contraceptive pills may lead to long-term ovulation disorders and increase the risk of infertility.

Before taking emergency contraceptive pills, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor to understand your physical condition and potential risks. For women who require long-term contraception, more reliable and safer contraceptive methods should be chosen, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, etc.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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