Is Emergency Contraception Safe? What the Evidence Says
Quick Answer
Emergency contraception pills are considered safe for most people. Side effects are typically mild and temporary, including nausea, headache, and irregular bleeding. There are no known long-term health effects from using emergency contraception, even with repeated use. However, it should not replace regular contraception.
The Bottom Line on Safety
Emergency contraception has been studied extensively and is considered safe by major health organizations including:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Millions of doses have been used worldwide since the 1970s with no evidence of serious long-term health effects.
Common Myths vs Medical Facts
Let's address the most common misconceptions:
| Myth | Medical Fact |
|---|---|
| EC causes infertility | No. Fertility returns immediately. No long-term reproductive effects. |
| EC is an abortion pill | No. EC prevents ovulation. It cannot end an existing pregnancy. |
| EC causes birth defects | No. If pregnancy occurs despite EC, there's no increased risk of birth defects. |
| You can only use EC once | No. EC can be used multiple times safely, though regular contraception is more effective. |
| EC causes cancer | No evidence supports this. Studies show no increased cancer risk. |
Who Should Not Use Emergency Contraception
EC is safe for most people, but there are some contraindications:
People with known allergy to the medication ingredients
Those who are already pregnant (EC won't work, though it won't cause harm)
For ulipristal acetate: people with severe uncontrolled asthma
Is It Safe to Use EC Multiple Times?
Yes, emergency contraception can be used multiple times, even in the same menstrual cycle if needed. However, it is not recommended as a regular contraceptive method because: (1) it is less effective than regular contraception, (2) it is more expensive per use, and (3) it may cause more menstrual irregularity with frequent use.
What If I'm Already Pregnant?
Emergency contraception will not harm an existing pregnancy or cause birth defects. If you are already pregnant, EC simply will not work. If you become pregnant despite taking EC, studies show no increased risk of harm to the pregnancy.
Need emergency contraception? We're here to help.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
No. Emergency contraception provides a short-term hormone dose that is processed by your body within days. It does not cause lasting hormonal changes.
From a medical standpoint, EC has fewer health risks than pregnancy and childbirth. Both are generally safe, but pregnancy carries more medical considerations.
EC is safe for people of reproductive age. Age restrictions that exist are typically regulatory, not safety-based. Studies show EC is safe for adolescents.
Related Guides
Morning After Pill Side Effects: What to Expect
Common side effects include nausea (14-23%), headache (10-17%), fatigue, and irregular bleeding. Most side effects are m...
Postinor vs Mifestad: Which Emergency Contraception Is Right for You?
Both Postinor (levonorgestrel) and Mifestad (ulipristal acetate) are effective emergency contraceptives. Postinor works ...
Need emergency contraception?
Get Started