Aftera and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2022

For Emergency Contraception "First I want to start off by saying you will be okay! And you can get through this, and you’re not alone! So my boyfriend and I had sex on February 1st, and I don’t know if the condom broke, but he finished, and I could feel it all on the outside of me. I had bought Aftera last month in case of emergencies, so I took the pill about 8 hours after the deed. Note: I’m expecting my period in a week, and I don’t know when I ovulated. Within 2 hours, I had cramps and a headache, but nothing terrible. I woke up with watery/runny clear discharge, so not sure what that’s about. It’ll be 3 days since I took Aftera, and I’m feeling confident I’m not pregnant... but I will update whenever I get my period! Please pray for me!"

• Nen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I took this pill on Feb 4th after unprotected sex with my fiancé. Like 2 days after, I started to bleed a little, it did not seem like my regular menstruation. Today is my day 50 of my cycle, my cycle usually lasts around 25 days. Last time I got my period was on Feb 1st. I've had cramps, nausea, and breast tenderness. I did a blood pregnancy test yesterday, and it was negative. However, I haven't gotten my period yet. A lot of side effects. I took Plan B in the past and got my period even before the date, CVS ran out of them. I just want my period to get back to normal and am not planning on taking any emergency pill in the future. It worked in the end because I'm not pregnant, but my cycle is messed up."

• yag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "So no Plan B at CVS, and took Aftera. A drunk boyfriend + ovulation window is a recipe for disaster. So he came inside of me & didn’t even realize. Took Aftera within 24 hours. Nothing happened for a few days, then boom, insane back pain, cramps, my nipples still hurt 3 weeks later. I had some spotting for like 3 days a week later (which may have been my period idk??). But still haven’t gotten an actual period, & pregnancy tests were all negative, so not really sure what happened there LOL. Getting an IUD in 2 weeks because oh boy I’m not doing that again."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I was going nuts! For over two weeks after I had unexpected sex with a friend. I know all bad, but we were drunk. Anyways, I got Aftera 3 hours later, and I experienced the worst: nauseous. My boobs were super sore. I had headaches and cramps for over 10 days! It was the first day of my fertile days, so I was going nuts since I read online it was not effective! I was so scared and worried for a week, googling stuff and whatnot. Lol, close to taking a pregnancy test, but in my case, it did! I got my period a week before the expected date. I was so happy, yet my period was kind of heavy with spotting after days. I promised myself to never do this again. It does work, ladies! But don't risk it next time! Stay positive and try to take it as soon as possible! For me, it worked even on my fertile days, but you never know!"

• Nay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2018

For Emergency Contraception "So I’m unaware of what’s going on with my body. I got this Flo app to keep track of my period. I realized it said I had ovulated on 2/7, that day I had unprotected sex with my partner. We have enough kids as it is, lol, so we, of course, went that route to get a morning-after pill. I picked up the Aftera on 2/9, figured I’d be safe in the 72-hour mark. So later on that evening, I started getting cramps and felt nauseous. It’s now 2/10, cramps are still going, very annoying. Now I don’t believe this ovulation chart can really know when I’m ovulating, but if it's true and I had intercourse when I ovulated and took the pill 2 days after, am I safe?! These cramps suck, I’m assuming it’s the pill working and if so, thank goodness, but WTH?! Ugh, any advice?"

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2018

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex for the first time on Saturday at around 6 am, and it wasn’t expected. He did not finish inside, and he said he didn’t precum, but I was still nervous - so hopefully this works. I took this pill 1 day later at Sunday 8 pm, and I have experienced cramping and breast sensitivity. But I still have not gotten my period, and it’s Tuesday night. I am hoping it comes... I know it can delay your period by up to a week."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "I've been told that due to my type of birth control, if I am a little late taking it, as long as it's the same day, it would still be effective. Well, I've had a bit of a time adjusting to it, but it was still somewhat predictable (if I don't take it exactly at the same time, I spot). Well, I didn't spot, which was odd and made me paranoid. My ovary hurt a week after spotting (sign of being fertile/ovulating). So, I took Aftera. The cramps hurt for a few days, and possible UTI, so I drank a whole lot of water and tea. Overall, I didn't feel much different than when I had cramps before birth control. TLDR (too long; didn't read): Not pregnant. Aftera did its job, I believe. Changing my b.c. time so I can remember it easier."

• Fir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "Took the pill after a weekend without BC. Unprotected sex was on days 5, 6, and 7 of my cycle. I took the pill on day 7. I am 42 years old. I did not get my next period until nine weeks later. I did not experience cramping, nausea, or headaches."

• Jun...
• June 26, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "I had sex and my partner finished inside of me on 6/6/17, and it was around the time of ovulation. I took Aftera within about 24 hours afterwards. On 6/19/17, I started bleeding like a period and thought it was very strange that my period came about a week early. The bleeding was light, and I was experiencing some cramping. On 6/25/17, I took a pregnancy test and it came back positive. This was my first experience with taking a morning-after pill and getting pregnant. I have taken Plan B and Next Choice in the past, they both worked, but Aftera's effectiveness varies with each individual and didn't work for me."

• Fra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "My period ended on day 5 of my cycle, and later that night there was a condom mishap. I bought and took Aftera roughly 15 hours after unprotected sex. The first few hours I was fine. Later that night I was getting cramps, both menstrual feeling and stomach cramps. My stomach has been upset thus far, I am now on day 3. The feeling is similar to the period poops you get but slightly worse. The menstrual cramps were quite light. That night I also got very dizzy and lightheaded to the point where I didn’t walk straight. This morning I woke up throughout the night with leg cramps and just strong leg weakness and nausea. Thus far, this is my experience. I will keep updated if it does or doesn’t work."

• Fra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "My period ended on day 5 of my cycle, and later that night there was a condom mishap. I bought and took Aftera roughly 15 hours after unprotected sex. The first few hours I was fine. Later that night I was getting cramps, both menstrual feeling and stomach cramps. My stomach has been upset thus far, I am now on day 3. The feeling is similar to the period poops you get but slightly worse. The menstrual cramps were quite light. That night I also got very dizzy and lightheaded to the point where I didn’t walk straight. This morning I woke up throughout the night with leg cramps and just strong leg weakness and nausea. Thus far, this is my experience. I will keep updated if it does or doesn’t work."

• Cat...
• March 5, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "My bf came in me right before my period was due, so just to be safe, I took this, had cramping. 2 days after I took the pill, he came in me again, which was stupid. My period was 4 days late, but it came! This wasn't my first time taking it, it works."

• col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend 1 week and a day ago, and he pulled out, but was still nervous that we weren’t totally in the clear. We went the next morning to get a pill, and I got Aftera (which I’ve never used before because in the past I’ve only used Take Action, which is the Walgreens brand). I didn’t notice any symptoms for the first 5 days until yesterday when I started spotting, but it was very subtle. Today, exactly one week after I took the pill, I am bleeding enough to call it a period, but I’m not due for another week and a half. I’ve had really light cramping, and I’ve been more prone to headaches, but the bleeding is my main symptom by far. We had sex on the first day of my ovulation (5 days before my actual ovulation day). I’ll update on anything else that happens. I don’t think I’m pregnant, but my body is definitely reacting differently than it ever has before. This is my 5th time taking a morning-after pill."

• Jaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "So I had unprotected sex on August 22 and only had his penis in for like 5-6 minutes. There was no sperm, however, there was pre-ejaculation, and I was nervous. Fast forward, I took the pill on August 26 (4 days after), and BOY, LET ME TELL YOU!! It was the painfulest cramps I have ever had, BUT it worked, and I got my period 4 days after. IT WORKS!! DON'T BE AFRAID OR SCARED. Everyone has different bodies!"

• Cha...
• December 28, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "Condom broke on Nov 18. Took Aftera in the morning as soon as I woke up. I was expecting my period at the beginning of December, and my period turned out to be 3 weeks late. I was convinced I was pregnant. Had all the symptoms. I could smell everything from a mile away, boobs were sore, cramps, everything made me cry, and nausea. Be patient and try not to stress. The pill will delay your period and your ovulation cycle."

• Ano...
• December 17, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I purchased Aftera after Plan B was sold out. I was so grateful to read the comments on this site because it helped me through this hard time. I took it on 10/9, about 24 hours after having unprotected sex, and I got my period that month like normal. But the next month, in November, I didn’t get my period at all. I got nervous and took three pregnancy tests, one for early detection, which all came out negative. I waited and waited, which was super stressful. I finally got my period on 12/17, which, according to Flo, was a 56-day cycle from my last period. During this time, I experienced cramping and PMS, crying spells, and bloating. I had a white discharge, for which I used vaginal suppositories, but that didn’t help. I never had this experience before, I don’t know what to make of this. I’m sure it helped, but that waiting period sucked. I hope this helps. Try to be patient and not freak out."

• Kfk...
• November 29, 2018

For Emergency Contraception "I took this pill 48 hours after I had unprotected sex (the day before I started ovulation). I’ve had slight cramping and lower stomach tightness. It has been 8 days since I had unprotected sex, and I started spotting. I don’t think it is my period because it was very light, and it only lasted a few hours. I’m also not supposed to start my period until December 10th, and it’s November 28th, so I really hope I’m not pregnant."

• Gan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2018

For Emergency Contraception "This pill made me end up in urgent care. I took it on a Monday and was fine the next day, and on Wednesday, I woke up with horrible stomach pain. It lasted for 6 hours, and I finally decided to go to urgent care to see what it was. According to my gynecologist, I was feeling myself ovulating... I have never experienced any kind of pain like that. I’ve taken Plan B before and never had any symptoms like that. The pain went away about 10 hours after taking some Advil, however, the next day, I was still experiencing tightness in my stomach and cramps here and there. As of right now, I’m experiencing breast tenderness, PMS in general. I’m due for my period soon, so we will see if it makes it late, like everyone says it does."

• ImN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2023

For Emergency Contraception "Let me start off by saying I had to take this pill because CVS was all out of Plan B. I used this pill 2 days before my period calendar said I should have ovulated. I have used Plan B multiple times and have never had such severe side effects as I had with this particular brand. I experienced extremely sore and swollen breasts/nipples, cramps, extreme nausea, food aversion, smell sensitivity, vivid dreams, and insomnia. These side effects were so bad that I was convinced that the pill had failed and I was pregnant. The side effects lasted almost the full 2 weeks up until my period started. My period arrived only one day early, so hopefully my cycle isn’t thrown off. The pill worked, though, and I suppose 2 weeks of side effects is better than 10 months of pregnancy, labor, and a baby."

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Took this 48 hours after I took my birth control 4.5 hours late (mini pill window is 3 hours). We have 7 children (3 mine, 3 husband's, and 1 together) and don't want any more, so the thought of getting pregnant again (our youngest is only 8 months) is like a nightmare pretty much. Was prescribed by my doctor after a quick phone call, so my insurance covered Aftera rather than 'brand name' Plan B. Felt really crampy within a few hours of taking it, but that was the only side effect for me. It's been a little over 2 weeks (which seems like forever when you're waiting for a period), and I got my period on time as usual. Bleeding was heavy the first 2 days, but now by the 3rd day has lightened up a lot. Didn't see the need to take a pregnancy test. I read mixed reviews before taking Aftera, but it worked great for me. A little cramping was better than risking the chance of an unwanted pregnancy, for sure."

• Gar...
• January 10, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "Had unprotected sex on the 31 of Dec 16. Took Aftera the next day around 4. Was so nervous that it wouldn't work because of all the reviews, but after nervously waiting for 6 days, my period came three weeks early. It wasn't heavy as usual but did have lots of cramping and got my period on the 6 and finished today. It works!!! Not 100% effective, but it has a high chance, the quicker you take it, the better. Works. And you save 10 dollars!"

• Ang...
• May 15, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "Sooo, I took Aftera a day after I had unprotected sex. I had realized after we finished I was on my ovulation period, or maybe it was my ovulation day. It was about almost midnight, I believe, and since I could not go right away to the pharmacy, I had to wait till the very next day. So, after work, I went to CVS and bought the Aftera. I started noticing some cramping, and I couldn’t help but think that was me ovulating, so about 4:30, I took the Aftera, and I noticed my cramps got a bit stronger, so I figured it was the medicine doing its job about maybe 2 hours later. Anyway, I’m just hoping I did this right and I’m not pregnant. I’ll update in two weeks!"

• anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2022

For Emergency Contraception "I first used Aftera after a drunken hookup. I’m not on bc, and the condom broke. The guy wasn’t even close to finishing, but I was still worried about precum, so I took this EC the next day, within 12 hours. The next week, I had tight abdominal pain and some cramping, but nothing too bad. I know the pill can cause spotting about a week after, but I actually ended up getting what I assume to be a full, 6-day-long period 2 weeks earlier than I was expecting. About 2 weeks later, I had another hookup with a different guy, and the condom broke again, only this time, he had said he fully finished, and I didn’t realize there was a hole until inspecting the condom afterwards. I picked up Aftera once again and took it within 12 hours of the sex. I had mild cramping again and am currently experiencing what I’m hoping is only really bad PMS. Both times, I was about 5 days from predicted ovulation. Fingers crossed it worked again, expecting my period next week."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2018

For Emergency Contraception "After instructing my friend to purchase a Plan B after some 'fun time,' he returned with 'Aftera.' I took the pill, and 5 days later I began a slow brown spotting situation that I never experienced before. This lasted about 4 days, then a heavy brown period began. There has been crazy cramping, and my legs even ache, so much I’ll wake up in the night. At least I got my period, but I don’t recommend this experience. Not the most comfortable, hormones going crazy...smh."

• Pis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex with my ex 2 days after my period. My cycles are a little wonky after we miscarried in October. The night we had sex, I bled for about 20 minutes. I took this pill 18 hours after we had sex. I was fine until day 4, I started feeling sick. Day 6, I cramped like I was starting my period (around the time of ovulation). I spotted every day after sex. So on day 6, I started bleeding. I read this pill can make your period come a week early, but 2 weeks early? I never experienced this with Take Action brand or Plan B. Never taking this brand again. I've felt as bad as if I were pregnant again."