Morning After Pill FAQs
If you’ve had unprotected sex or your primary method of contraception has failed, you can take the morning-after pill to stop your body from releasing an egg, ultimately decreasing the likelihood of becoming pregnant. However, it is important to know that the morning-after pill is not always effective or can pose health problems if you are already pregnant.
Allow us to answer several frequently asked questions about the morning-after pill:
Is the morning after pill the same as the abortion pill?
No, the morning-after pill prevents a pregnancy from forming. The abortion pill eliminates a pregnancy that has already formed.
If fertilization has taken place, which is unknown, the morning after pill could be less effective or it could abort the egg that has already fertilized. Before taking the morning-after pill or abortion pill, it’s vital to confirm that you are indeed pregnant. Text “appointment” to 404-777-4771, and our team can help you get the answers you need ASAP.
When should I take the morning-after pill?
The morning-after pill is most effective immediately following unprotected sex or if your partner’s condom broke. The morning-after pill is still effective if you take it within 3 – 5 days after having unprotected sex, depending on the brand of the emergency contraception. The sooner you take the morning-after pill, the more likely it is to work.
Why would the morning-after pill not work?
The morning-after pill is not guaranteed to work 100% of the time. The likelihood of it working depends on multiple factors like your ovulation schedule, body-mass index (BMI), and how much time passed since you had unprotected sex.
How often can I safely use the morning-after pill?
It’s important to know that the morning-after pill is not meant to be used as primary birth control. There is not a magic number regarding how often you can safely use the morning-after pill, as every woman’s body is different. We highly recommend using regular birth control to prevent pregnancy. Our nurse practitioners can write a prescription for birth control pills for you. To make an appointment with us, text “appointment” to 404-777-4771.
How does the morning-after pill work?
Once the pill is in your system, it stops your body from ovulating (when a woman’s ovary releases an egg to be fertilized). Because the pill is blocking your ovaries from their regular work, your period may be late. If you take the morning-after pill, we encourage you to make an appointment with us so we can ensure your body responded appropriately and answer any questions you have about contraception.
Are there any risks or side effects?
After taking the morning-after pill, you may experience side effects such as:
- Bleeding between periods
- Breast tenderness
- Cramps
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Do you have additional questions about the morning-after pill? Women’s Clinic of Atlanta can answer your questions and address your concerns.
Knowledge is power! We would be happy to talk to you about any questions you have about your sexual health in order to make beneficial decisions. Call us to make an appointment: 404-377-6640 (Decatur) or 404-937-3334 (Johns Creek)
Learn more about the Georgia abortion law and other abortion information in our blog series:
- Do I need a pregnancy blood test before taking the abortion pill?
- Georgia Abortion Law FAQs
- Morning After Pill FAQs
- Abortion Pills: What You Need to Know about a DIY Abortion
- Ectopic Pregnancy, Miscarriages, Medical & Surgical Abortions… What’s The Difference?
- Heartbeat Bill: What can I do if there’s a detectable heartbeat?
Women’s Clinic of Atlanta is HIPAA compliant and AAAHC accredited.