“I have used the morning-after pill more than once. Have I damaged my womb?”

No.

Emergency-contraception pills do not cause infertility, damage the womb or delay your ability to become pregnant in the future.

They work mainly by delaying or preventing the release of an egg. Because they can alter the timing of ovulation, they may temporarily disturb your current menstrual cycle.

You may notice spotting, unexpected bleeding, abdominal cramps or nausea. Your next period may also come earlier or later than usual. These changes usually settle and do not mean that your fertility has been damaged.

Emergency contraception can be used more than once, including more than once in the same cycle when necessary. The reason it is not recommended as your regular method is not because it causes infertility.

Regular contraception is generally more dependable and provides ongoing protection. An emergency pill only addresses sex that has already happened. It does not automatically protect you if you have unprotected sex again later in the same cycle.

If you find yourself relying on emergency pills frequently, a family-planning clinic can help you choose a method that suits your health and plans.

Take a pregnancy test if your period has not come within three weeks. Seek medical care for severe or persistent abdominal pain, very heavy bleeding or faintness. A positive pregnancy test accompanied by pain needs urgent assessment.

Pain or bleeding during sex should not be blamed automatically on emergency contraception. Please get examined if it continues.

The pill may disturb this month’s bleeding. It does not destroy your future fertility.

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