Thread: Emergency contaceptive

Side Effects:

Side effects associated with the use of ECPs usually taper off within a day or two.

Half of the women who take the combined pills feel sick to their stomachs, but only for about 24 hours.

Less than one out of five women throw up with combined pills.

The risk of nausea and vomiting is lower with progestin-only ECPs.

Breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, dizziness, and headaches may also occur.

There have been no reports of serious complications among the millions of women who have used ECPs.

Frequent use of ECPs may cause periods to become irregular and unpredictable. The side effects of anti-nausea medication may include drowsiness. Please follow the precautions on the package insert.

Emergency contraception may not prevent ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is one that develops outside the uterus. It must be treated to prevent complications that may be fatal.

If you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy, get medical attention immediately. Signs of ectopic pregnancy include


severe pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen

abdominal pain and spotting, especially after a very light or missed menstrual period

feeling faint or dizzy

ECPs will not harm a fetus. Still, you should not use emergency contraception if you are pregnant.

Originally Posted by karen_20

Why does the emergency contraceptive pill leaflet talk about ectopic pregnany? What has ECP got to do with ectopic pregnancy!? I'm sorry but i dont understand the link here.Also i have been told to do a pregnancy test in 3 weeks incase the pill hasn't worked but ive not known anyone to concieve after taking it so why put me through the worry!

The ECP is used to prevent normal pregnancy. So they are saying that it may not work if you happen to have an ectopic pregnancy instead of a normal pregnancy. It is basicly a disclaimer stating that the ECP will not prevent pregnancy which occurs outside the uterus. Meaning, you can still get pregnant if it happens that way.