Key Points:
- What are the side effects of Morning after pill ?
- Can the morning-after pill affect my period?
Introduction:
Morning after pill are the emergency contraceptive for unprotective sex. sometimes also called as Plan B.In this article we will discuss what are the 7 side effects which can be caused due to the use of Morning after pill or Plan B.
What is Morning after-pill
“Morning after pill” is a type of emergency contraceptive pill that is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is plan B protection of unprotected sex. It should be noted that it should not be taken as regular method of contraception. The pill can cause some side effects which are usually mild and last for few days.
What are the side effect of Morning after-pills
A few side effects of these emergency pills are:
1. Nausea and vomiting
Few women may experience slight nausea and vomiting. This settles down by itself but you should take adequate fluids so that body is not dehydrated. But if the symptoms are more and you are not feeling well, consult your doctor.
2. Irregular bleeding or spotting in between periods
This is the most common side effect as the pill may cause some hormonal disturbance in your body.
3. Breast tenderness
It is also common as the progesterone may cause water retention and thus you may feel heaviness and tenderness in the breast.
4. Pain in abdomen
May be experienced by some women but this is usually mild and will go on its own. If pain is severe, consult your doctor.
5.Irregular period
Morning after pill side effects include disruption in menstrual cycle. Next period after taking morning after pill may be earlier or somewhat delayed than your cycle. This will again become normal in your next cycle. But if period is delayed, do get a pregnancy test done.
6.Headache
Slight headache may be there for 1-2 days. It will go on its own, you may take a mild pain killer.
7. Fatigue and dizziness
Who cannot take Morning after pill ?
Morning after pill should not be taken by you
If you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby or if you are pregnant, then this pill is contraindicated.
If you have hypertension, or have some heart disease, or have abnormal vaginal bleeding then you should consult your doctor before having it.
Also read: <<What is Pregnancy test called ?>>
Is it possible that I may be pregnant even if I had taken this morning after pill?
The answer is YES.
So it is advisable to get pregnancy test done if your periods are delayed after taking this pill.
The possibility of pregnancy after taking this pill is low, but you can be pregnant if:
1. This pill is not taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
2. Vomitting occured within few hours of taking the pill.
3. You are taking any antibiotics for some other reason.
4. Ovulation had already occured and fertilization with sperm has already taken place.
5. This pill is taken several times in the cycle.
Summary
This emergency contraception should not be considered as regular contraception and you should discuss the type of contraception that you may use with your Gynaecologist. It should also be remembered that these pills does not provide protection against STDs.
Also Read: <<10 Pregnancy Planning Tips: How to Prepare for Baby >>
