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Morning-After Pill Information and Your Options in Gilroy
Learn more about Plan B, Julie, ella, and other emergency contraceptives.
Emergency Contraception and Pregnancy Prevention
If you think you may already be pregnant or are looking for abortion information, contact us for a free pregnancy testing appointment today. Informed Choices can provide a consultation on your options, empowering you to make an informed decision.
If you are considering an emergency contraceptive, please note that although rare, each drug has abnormal side effects, including but not limited to abdominal distension, face edema, seizure, or stroke. If you have any health conditions that may increase your risk of these side effects, please consult with your doctor before taking Plan B, Julie, ella or any other emergency contraceptive. It's also important to note before taking an emergency contraceptive that conception may have already occurred.
Morning-After Pills
Morning-after pills are any type of emergency contraceptive used after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure (e.g., a broken condom) to attempt to prevent pregnancy. The morning-after pill, also known as Plan B, is the most commonly used emergency contraceptive. The morning-after pill is not the same as the abortion pill or a chemical abortion and should not be used to end a pregnancy.
Side effects can include stomach pain, breast pain or tenderness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, pelvic pain, headaches, acne, upper genital tract infection, mood swings, decreased libido, vaginal discharge, weight gain, or changes in your menstrual periods, including your period being earlier or later than expected.
3-Day After Pills
Julie is an emergency contraceptive that can be taken up to 72 hours after sex. Like other emergency contraceptives, it should not be used as regular birth control. Side effects include heavy menstrual bleeding, nausea, headaches, fatigue, pelvic pain, breast tenderness, and uterine spasms. Uterine perforation is rare but possible.
5-Day After Pills
Ella can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. However, like most drugs, it's essential to talk to a medical professional about your health history and potential side effects before taking an emergency contraceptive.
Side effects include cramping, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, headaches, nausea, stomach pain, weakness or unusual tiredness, breast pain, chills, dizziness, hives, welts, redness of the skin, breakouts or pimples, changes to mood, amenorrhea, endometrial thickening, dysmenorrhea, and uterine hemorrhaging.
How We Can Help
If you are already pregnant from an earlier sexual encounter, emergency contraceptives should not be taken and may cause unpleasant side effects. It's also important to note before taking an emergency contraceptive that conception may have already occurred. While we do not provide emergency contraceptives, we can answer your questions and test for pregnancy. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today.