I Took the Morning-After Pill in the Past: Does it Affect Fertility?

By Last Updated: 03/23/2023

You’ve taken the morning-after pill (also called the day-after pill or Plan B) in the past and you’re wondering if it could affect your fertility? Maybe you’ve heard this assumption from a friend or while reading an obscure website on the internet. Don’t worry any longer; the answer is no. Whether you are trying to get pregnant today or you are planning to have a baby sometime in the future, here are a few things that you should know about this emergency contraceptive.

 

woman holding pill glass water hands

 

What are the reasons for taking the morning-after pill?

Emergency contraception is used as a backup in case of unprotected sex in order to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. You might have needed to take Plan B for several reasons: because the condom came off or broke, because you missed taking your birth control pill more than twice during your menstrual cycle, because you didn’t use a condom and your partner ejaculated inside you, because your diaphragm was out of place, or for any other reason that made you doubt the birth control method you use.

How does the day-after pill work?

The emergency contraceptive pill must be taken within three days of having unprotected sex. You don’t have to wait for the next morning to take it. Unfortunately, this contraceptive is not 100% efficient. The sooner you take it the more effective it will be. Indeed, taking Plan B within 24 hours will reduce the risk of getting pregnant by up to 95%. If you take it within 72 hours, this is lowered to 89%.
The morning after pill contains 1.5 milligrams of levonorgestrel that inhibits or delays ovulation or prevents the fertilization of an egg by sperm. If you are already pregnant when you take it, the pill is rendered ineffective and can’t cause any miscarriage or abortion. It’s not the same as an abortion pill. If the egg is already fertilized by sperm the drug won’t affect the development of the fetus.

What are the side effects?

There are no serious long-term side effects for the use of the morning-after pill. It’s generally believed to be safe for almost every woman. Incidentally, you won’t necessarily encounter any side effects at all after taking emergency contraception.
Some women, however, do experience short-term side effects such as: nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, dizziness, breast tenderness, and more painful periods. If you feel one or several side effects, these will normally disappear within a day or two. Another possible side effect is that your next period might be late or early.
If you vomit after using the contraceptive, you may have to take another dose. It’s best to contact your doctor or a medical professional to know exactly what you should do.

Can the morning-after pill affect my chances of having a child in the future?

You don’t need to worry; using Plan B in the past – even more than once – won’t affect your fertility. If you have any trouble while trying to conceive, you should see your doctor, but remember that it has nothing to do with the morning-after pill.
However, if you consider using it again, you should be aware that this drug is only to be taken in case of an emergency, for example if you have forgotten to take your usual birth control pill. The morning-after pill does not work as a replacement for regular contraception. It’s just as the name suggests: a plan B!

What are the other contraceptive solutions?

If you don’t currently take any birth control and getting pregnant is not on your agenda for the moment, you should consider using regular contraceptives such as a copper IUD, implant or birth control pills. If you’re not sure about what would suit you best, you should talk about contraception with your doctor or your gynecologist. These methods are more effective and less expensive than Plan B and you’ll certainly feel less stressed about getting pregnant by accident!

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14 Comments

  1. analise 07/20/2018 at - Reply

    I use morning after pill more than 10 times ,now it’s 5 years without getting a pregnant, please help me

  2. Hannah 07/12/2018 at - Reply

    I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend and he came inside me, I got the morning after pill although when I had the intercourse I was at high risk of getting pregnant as I was most fertile I had not ovulated yet. Will the morning after pill work or is my chances still high of becoming pregnant

  3. Nicole 03/29/2018 at - Reply

    How soon after the morning after pill can I try to get pregnant?

  4. Toini 03/09/2018 at - Reply

    i had an unprotected sex on 7 this month and i took morning after pills on 8,ist possible for me to get pregnant?
    please help..

  5. Sha 02/22/2018 at - Reply

    I use to take plan b pills every other month for 3 years straight. I am now trying to get pregnant. Is there anything that can help me get pregnant quickly? As well as am I going to be able to ?

  6. melissa 02/09/2018 at - Reply

    Please help me

  7. melissa 02/09/2018 at - Reply

    Hello I used norlevo in my past I used it like 5 times not to say I was not scared before but I don’t know what to do my husband wants to walk away cause we both want kids. I don’t know if I can have cause of my past please help

  8. Sarah 01/29/2018 at - Reply

    I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend and he came inside me, I got the morning after pill although when I had the intercourse I was at high risk of getting pregnant as I was most fertile. Will the morning after pill work or is my chances still high of becoming pregnant

  9. Anonymous 01/25/2018 at - Reply

    I nject myself with monopour an cetrotide can i still use morning after

  10. shadae 10/24/2017 at - Reply

    Last year i have gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. 5 months ago my husband came during my ovulation period. I took the plan B and now for whatever reason i cant seem to have another child. Im 25 years old.

  11. Barbrah 09/05/2017 at - Reply

    I have taken emergency pills for more than 15 times in the past but can’t conceive yet I try to have within 7 days. My boyfriend is getting worried, its now 2 years and there’s child for him. I normally have regular menstrual cycles and they last for 3 days.

  12. Nana 09/04/2017 at - Reply

    I committed an abortion and after sometime, I began taking emergency pills often for about 8 months. Does this affect my fertility in the near future?

    • Nancy 05/22/2018 at - Reply

      I committed an abortion and after sometime i started taking emergency pills and its now for more than 5 years but can’t conceive yet I try to have during ovulation. My boyfriend is getting worried, its now 1 year and im not conceiving for him. I normally have regular menstrual cycles and they last for 5 days. Plz help

  13. nillar 08/13/2017 at - Reply

    i used a morning afte pill last year and now i am not being pregnant bcz i usullay have sex 7 days aftr my periods is it normal npt to fall pregnant

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