Ulipristal and Cramps: What Users Say

• Ell...
• June 21, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "I absolutely know what it feels like to be worried and stressed, so please try your best to stay calm. So anyway, I had unprotected sex, and the next morning I took the morning-after pill, EllaOne (after 13-14 hours). I was probably ovulating at the time I had sex, so I was freaking out so much, you have no idea. I started smoking a lot and eating so little due to stress, and every time I got a cramp here and there, I thought to myself, 'OMG, I must be pregnant.' I got the ClearBlue pregnancy test and tested 6 days before my expected period. Negative! I did a second test 4 days before my expected period. Negative! After doing my second pregnancy test, I happened to get my period a few hours later that day! So of course, relief! The stress was gone! So anyway, I was expecting my second period to come, but it didn't, and I started googling so many things every hour of the day. I was absolutely going psycho, hiding and crying, smoking too much again, eating nothing, and the stress was making me sick. Of course, I googled pregnancy symptoms: lower back pain, cramps, so I went psycho and thought, 'Oh my God, I must be pregnant.' But calm, the exact same symptoms are also due to stress and anxiety! I then did another pregnancy test. Negative! (It would've been about a month and a bit after I had unprotected sex.) I was stress-free for a day, then again, Google screwed with my head and told me that I was basically pregnant when I wasn't! I was still waiting for my period, and it wasn't coming, and then I started getting discharge. It was different textures every day: crumbly, egg white, etc., and then this was followed by brown discharge. I absolutely freaked out, and Google told me that if I had brown discharge, I could be pregnant. I did another pregnancy test (negative), but this wasn't enough for me because I was already gone psycho. So I spoke to the pharmacist, broke down in tears, and told her I was so scared. She said to me that the morning-after pill had so many hormones that can delay or make your period come early. The brown discharge is basically dried blood that couldn't come out. It's because of the morning-after pill playing with your hormones. Two days later, psycho me, I had a doctor's appointment, told her about my story, she did a pregnancy test (negative), and assured me that I was not pregnant and told me the same things that the pharmacist had told me, the brown discharge is due to the pill, and that my period could be irregular for a few months. I was calm for a day. Got home, started googling so many things and I freaked out again, so I had to return to her for a blood test because that is 100% accurate. So anyway, I got my results today, and I am not pregnant! Now I'm going to patiently wait for my next period to arrive! So to the girls out there that don't want to get pregnant and have taken the morning-after pill within the necessary time. Please don't google too many things, it really messed with my head. You are more than likely fine! Good luck!"

• bee...
• January 6, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "So I had UPS on Dec 2nd and took EllaOne about 48 hours after. I was towards the start of my cycle and was due to ovulate in about four days. My next period was due on Dec 27th and it’s pretty regular, so of course I was freaked out when it was late. I came straight to this site to see if it had made other people’s periods late and was reassured to see that it had, but mine was almost 2 weeks late at this point, so I was getting really worried. I took 2 pregnancy tests 3 days apart, but both were negative. This helped calm me down a bit, but I was still just desperate to get my period. I was getting PMS symptoms like cramps, tender breasts, and backache, but as these are also symptoms of early pregnancy, it wasn’t much of a reassurance. Long story short, I got my period this morning and feel like I can breathe again! I hope this can offer a bit of reassurance to someone reading this. Don’t underestimate the power of this pill and how it can affect your cycle. It really does work."

• Anonymous
• July 24, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Wanted to share my story as I found comfort in all of yours. I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend and realized my Flo app said it was ovulation day! I absolutely panicked and took Ella 12 hours after, although I was still so worried as I read that if you have already ovulated, Ella won’t work. I’ve read up a lot about this and it actually has 2 other functions if used after ovulation: 1. Thickens cervical mucus to stop sperm from getting to the egg. 2. Makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant. Over the weeks, I had cramps, lots of discharge, and mood swings. I took a negative test at 16dpo (days after ovulation) and then eventually 10 days late, my period arrived! Also just a note to be careful with calculating ovulation dates. Websites like Clearblue gave me completely different dates. I know this tablet may have some side effects and isn’t good for anxiety, but at the end of the day, all these things are 100 times better than an unwanted pregnancy. Please trust the process even if you were around ovulation, it can still work!"

• Ano...
• January 13, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I was in the same boat, reading reviews to help ease my mind after taking ella! I had unprotected sex and so the day after I took ella. My period was over 3 weeks late. I was very concerned and even took 2 pregnancy tests, both were negative. This pill really delays your period and makes it worse, sorry to tell you! I felt all the symptoms before my period started which made me paranoid. I was emotional, had tender breasts, and cramping. This pill worked but having to wait almost a month on whether or not I was pregnant was absolute torture. I was relieved when I got my period, but I had a heavier flow and I was cramping more than usual! This pill works, it just delays your period an extra 2-3 weeks!"

• ell...
• June 4, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I would return here and share my experience once I made it out. I made the mistake of having UPS (withdrawal) on May 1. I took Ella 2 days after. Fast forward to May 18, no period. A week went by. So worried, I’m testing basically every two days, all negative. After 1.5 weeks, I start to feel cramping and bloating like before a period, although normally I really don’t. I also had a big appetite and would cry watching animal videos, I scared I was pregnant. I keep testing negative, but I’m losing it. I also felt my emotional state very bad, I was sad and also having vivid dreams and crippling anxiety. Thank goodness today (2.5 weeks late) I finally got it. Immediately, I feel better. I can say that this pill does do its job, but you will never want to do this again. It’s physically/mentally awful. I will begin a regular birth control pill - this stress is too bad for us! Stay safe, girls, and try not to stress (I know it’s impossible). You will come out the other side!"

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I just wanted to share my experience with this drug. I had sex on the 6th of January, 3 days before ovulation. I took the Ella on the morning of the 8th of Jan (one day before ovulation). As all these ovulation days are predictions, I was super stressed and thought the egg had already been released when I took the EC. My period was due on the 26th but never came. This caused me great anxiety and even a panic attack, as I usually have the most regular cycle. Finally, 6 days later, I got my period. It was very painful and had pregnancy-like symptoms all month (strong smells and increased appetite) prior to my period due date. GIRLS!! DO NOT PANIC! YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT. ELLA HAS PROBABLY DONE ITS JOB AT 95% OF THE CASES, AND IF YOU ARE PART OF THE 5%, THEN THERE ARE ALWAYS SOLUTIONS TO MOST SITUATIONS, good or bad. Good luck to all and deep breaths."

• Amy...
• February 13, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "This is for anyone worrying about your period being delayed after taking the Ella pill. Had UPS about 5 days before my period was due, so I was very sure I was out of my fertile days, but I took the Ella pill the next day anyway just to be safe. Period didn't come when it was due, but I didn't worry much about it. Then, 2 weeks later, still didn't get it, so I took a pregnancy test and it was negative. 1 week after that, still didn't get it, so I took another pregnancy test and it was negative. On the same day, got brown discharge and went crazy thinking it was implantation bleeding, and it lasted for 3 days. As days went by, I started getting cramps, sore breasts, and feeling tired, and I was convinced that it was pregnancy symptoms, but looking back, I was definitely overthinking it. FINALLY, today, 41 days later, I got my period. I just want to say if your pregnancy test is negative and you still haven't gotten your period, don’t worry, it's just the hormones from the pills messing your cycle up."

• Ela...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex while ovulating but waited till the fifth day to take EllaOne, which was after my fertile window. I was meant to get my period on the 31st of December, but I didn't. I was so worried, but the comments here kept me calm. I had very sore nipples, which are still on now. After taking Ella, I didn't have any symptoms until one week after: acne, yellow to white, very thick vaginal discharge, period-like cramps, diarrhea, which got me all kinds of scared. My period finally came 4 days late, and so far, it has been a pretty heavy flow. Writing this review to girls who are stressing out to just trust the process. Although I'm giving this a 10, I don't think I would like to repeat the experience."

• hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "So I had UPS on the last day of ovulation. I was so scared of precum I went to the doctor's for the Ella pill. They ended up not having the pill, and they gave me the Plan B instead, but they told me it wasn’t going to work if I already ovulated. I ended up taking the Ella pill 4 days after UPS. I was so scared it wasn’t going to work. I started getting symptoms like cramps, mood swings, and I also had these noticeable blue-looking veins around my arms, breasts, and hands. I was so sure I was pregnant; I started crying a lot, not sleeping, not even eating. I also took a pregnancy test, but it came out negative. After reading all of these comments, I calmed down a bit. After 5 days, I got brownish discharge. I thought it was implantation bleeding, but no, I got my period the day after, 3 days early before my supposed cycle. THE PILL ACTUALLY WORKS; DON'T STRESS TOO MUCH BECAUSE IT ACTUALLY GIVES YOU SYMPTOMS JUST LIKE PREGNANCY! I learned my lesson. Stay protected, good luck :)"

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "Just wanted to share my experience and help put anyone at ease. So my last period was on the 20th of Feb, and I had sex on the 27th of Feb (he came in me). I took ellaone 48 hours for the first time ever, which was on the 1st of March. I have the period tracker on my phone, which is so accurate, and it says I already ovulated on the 26th, which is one day before I had sex, so I was convinced it wouldn’t work, but I still took it. The first few days of taking it I had EXTREME bloating, then, a week after, I had on-and-off cramps, increased appetite, sore nipples, the whole lot. Now, after 16 days of taking the pill, my period just came!!! Ellaone does work if you take it after ovulation. Girls, relax, all those sleepless nights I had were for nothing. Take care :)"

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I took Ella two days after UPS. I had finished my period 4 days before this at the start of January. It’s now the 23rd of February and no period. I’ve done three negative pregnancy tests. Getting PMS pimples and the odd cramp but not a period. Is it possible to be pregnant and have three negative tests? Or has the MAP delayed my period for a really long time? Help. Thanks!"

• Aur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Let me share my experience with EllaOne. Well, my last period was March 28. 11 days later, my partner came inside me, and I took Ella the morning after. My next period came June 20. For almost 3 months, I thought I was gonna lose my mind, and I am a very savvy person. As for the symptoms, there were cramps all the time and mood changes. 2 clear blue digital tests were positive, and I prepared myself for an abortion. In spite of all, my period came, and I was never happier to see blood and feel pain! It works!! Good luck, ladies :***"

• Ano...
• August 20, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "Just something quick to help anyone that's worrying. I took Ella one, 30 hours after unprotected sex. My period was due 2 weeks later, making this a very fertile time. My period didn't come, had cramps, morning sickness, and tiredness, which made me even more worried. Did so many pregnancy tests, all were negative. Got my period today, 7 days later. So relieved. The symptoms I thought were pregnancy must have been worry and stress. The morning sickness I think was me waking up and taking tests and getting myself into a state. Hope this helps someone."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Had unprotected sex on 12th July. Fertile window started on 14th, according to my app. Took Ella one on 16th. Started to read literature and really panicked. Had every pregnancy symptom after taking it, even though my rational head was telling me it was too soon to develop symptoms. I was queasy, had a heightened sense of smell, metallic taste in my mouth, raised temperature, and awful anxiety. This went on for about a week. I then developed cramping in my lower back about a week after taking the tablet. Convinced myself it was implantation! Then things settled down. Period arrived today, a day early. Such relief. This forum was a godsend for keeping me sane. Thank you to all those people who have posted. It helped!"

• Rhi...
• December 8, 2016

For Emergency Contraception "I just wanted to share my experience in case any of you are experiencing a delayed period after taking EllaOne. I had unprotected sex on the 8th of November, and I was on the pill, but I really hadn't taken it properly that month. I got EllaOne and took it about two hours after the unprotected sex. I was due my period the following Monday, but it never came. I had extremely light spotting and cramps. I freaked myself out thinking this was implantation bleeding and took multiple tests, which were all negative. My period for that month didn't come, even though the doctor I went to about a separate issue said this wasn't possible. My period finally came today, 3 weeks and 4 days late! Try not to worry, I drove myself crazy about it for no reason!"

• ags...
• July 25, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "I took Ella 4 days after unprotected sex. A few days later, I had brownish discharge. It only lasted one day. I had a few stomach cramps as well as pelvic cramps, and I never had cramps before a period. However, this also could have been due to how nervous I was that I could be pregnant. My expected period date came around, and I missed it. By the 4th day, I was paranoid and took a First Response pregnancy test. It said negative. On the 6th day, I still did not have it and took another pregnancy test, and it said negative. I then went to the gynecologist because I was super paranoid and stressed, and she said I probably wasn't pregnant and that the pill threw off my cycle. The next day, I got my period. Ella does work."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I used this as a requirement to get an IUD since I had UPS 4 days prior. It delayed my period so badly, I was stressing out so much. My period came 58 days into my cycle with about 2 weeks of back pain, breast pain, cramps, and mood swings. I do not want to go through this again. I really freaked myself out when Google said anything past 7 days was bad news. I was way too nervous to take a pregnancy test, too. If you take this, you will be fine! Your period will come."

• Lun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I'm a bit worried. I took the ella tablet about 4 days after unprotected sex, and I felt fine. About a week before my period is due, I normally experience mild PMS symptoms, but for some reason, I'm experiencing nausea, cramps, sensitive to certain smells, etc. My period was due on the 4th of September, and she has yet to arrive. I've taken two pregnancy tests, both negative, so I'm pretty confident I'm not with child. I'm just worried that this tablet has done more damage, especially after reading that some people have had terrible experiences with this tablet. I know some people said it can delay your period up to 10 days, which is normal, but I'm also seeing people have said it's been 20 plus days and nothing. So, so worried."

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex on the 22nd of January, I took ellaone on the 25th of January. Ever since taking it, I have been reading stories online, panicking it's not going to work, I feel like I get a lot of bad luck, so was worried sick. I bought a pregnancy test just in case I needed it. My period was due on the 12th of February, no sign but very strong cramps. I tested on the 13th, but it came back negative. Relieved but still worried. On the 15th, my period came and I'm so happy. Only 2 days late on my period, cramping a bit more than usual, will be interesting to see what my bleeding is like. I will never put myself through this stress again. It's not worth it."

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex on the 22nd of January, I took ellaone on the 25th of January. Ever since taking it, I have been reading stories online, panicking it's not going to work, I feel like I get a lot of bad luck, so was worried sick. I bought a pregnancy test just in case I needed it. My period was due on the 12th of February, no sign but very strong cramps. I tested on the 13th, but it came back negative. Relieved but still worried. On the 15th, my period came and I'm so happy. Only 2 days late on my period, cramping a bit more than usual, will be interesting to see what my bleeding is like. I will never put myself through this stress again. It's not worth it."

• Mac...
• February 14, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "Took the EllaOne 23rd of November, and on the 29th I got what seemed like a period, only a lot shorter and lighter than my usual. Was supposed to have my period two weeks after this, and it still has not arrived. I'm now 45 days late, and I've taken what feels like a hundred pregnancy tests, but all negative. I've had no symptoms whatsoever after I took the pill. Sometimes I will have what feels like easy cramps. Would not recommend Ella as my period's always been on time, now I'm looking for her like a lost child at the mall, lol. My discharge is looking like it usually does before a period, so hopefully I will find her soon."

• map...
• August 23, 2022

For Emergency Contraception "I’m so glad I found this page, it reassured me so much when I was stressing about my late period. My cycle began on the 15th of July and had ups on the 10th day. I took EllaOne the next day and experienced no side effects after taking it. My period is normally regular at 30 days, and on day 29, I had cramps, which I thought was the sign my period was coming. Four days passed with no period, and I started to panic and Googled my symptoms. I had sore breasts, bad skin, felt tired all the time, bloated, and had cramps. I thought this was just PMS until I began to feel sick, which I definitely thought meant I’m pregnant. On the 4th day I was late, I took a pregnancy test, which was negative. On the 6th day I was late, I started to get brown discharge, and on the 7th day, I started spotting. I took another pregnancy test on the 7th day, which was negative. Finally, my period arrived 9 days late. Just hang tight, girls, and it will eventually come - don’t Google your symptoms, it won’t help!"

• E90...
• January 10, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "This EC is awful for those that suffer with anxiety, which I’m sure everyone does when it comes to unplanned pregnancy! I have taken ella before now, and I can’t remember the symptoms, so I am hoping that this will help some of you in the future if you’re going through the same thing. Right now, I am extremely tired, my breasts are tender, not to the touch, but if you push down onto them slightly, I’m suffering with light cramps, headaches, and so much stress with worrying! This pill makes you believe you are pregnant. 21 days after sex, I took a pregnancy test - negative. This morning, I took a Clearblue pregnancy test, and that also came out negative. I’m pretty sure if I was pregnant, it would show up on a test by now. This pill works, I’ve used it before, but it is enough to worry and stress you out. It does help to see other people’s reviews to see they are also having the same side effects. Ella one works. It just really can mess up your cycle."

• Ell...
• January 12, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "So I took Ella one as a last resort and ordered it online and honestly, worst mistake I’ve made. My period was 2 weeks late, and I suffered the worst cramping and nausea, I thought I was pregnant, so I did multiple tests and they all came back negative. I got my period finally, but it was a lot lighter than usual and shorter. Finished my period, then 6 days later had another period, but this was over a week long. It’s messed up my cycle ever since, my periods come at weird times now."

• Unk...
• November 20, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex on the 24th of October and went to the doctor's on the 26th of October. I was in my fertile period and was due to ovulate in 3 days. Ovulation days are only an estimate, it wasn't certain if I had already ovulated or not. I took Ella One with the advice that it may not work. I had no side effects for the 1st week or 2. Two and a half weeks passed and my period was due...no sign. I started to get very tender breasts, cramps, my stress and anxiety were through the roof, reading online and convincing myself I was pregnant on a daily basis. It came to 3 weeks after the sex, and I was 3 days late for my period. I took a pregnancy test and it was negative. I was convinced I was still pregnant due to the lack of signs of my period. I thought I was taking the test too early. More negative pregnancy tests and still no sign of a period. It is now 8 days since my period was due, and I have woken up to my period. My biggest advice would be to try not to stress. It is normal for your period to be late!"