Does the morning after pill affect your period?

After taking the emergency contraceptive pill, like Levonelle or ellaOne, your period is likely to come on time or a few days early or late. It can be up to a week late and sometimes even later.

If your period is more than a week late, we recommend taking a pregnancy test.

You may have some irregular bleeding after you take the pill, and before your next period. This can range from spotting to heavy bleeding.

Other birth control methods like the progestogen only pill or the combined pill can also affect your periods.


Last updated at: 19 March 2024
Published on: 12 August 2022

More about emergency contraception

Find our what our experts say about the morning after pill.

Hoopsy eco pregnancy tests on Fettle

Super sustainable XO! condoms now available on Fettle

Contraception cover for up to 8 years with Mirena coil

Can I drink alcohol when I'm on antibiotics?

What should I do if a condom breaks or comes off?