I-pill and Unwanted 72 - When should I take I-pill & what are the Side Effects of I pill?

Hello...

Thanks for your query about I-pill or most commonly known as 'morning after pill' or 'emergency contraceptive pill' or 'day after pill'. 

Firstly, if you wife has had her period after the unprotected sex, it is very unlikely that she is pregnant. I-pill can actually alter a woman's menstruation cycle and can make her periods irregular for even some months. Sometimes recurring irregular periods can also indicate a long-term problem like PCOS etc. So keep a check on symptoms.

Most important thing - Pills like i-pill or unwanted 72 should not be used as regular contraception. For regular contraception, there are several options including other oral contraceptives that you must know. It is always recommended to use barrier contraception such as condoms etc. I-pills usually are taken in case of emergency when you forgot regular contraceptives

I'll try to answer your query in as much detail as possible, this will help you understand everything about emergency contraception.

Let's understand how does i-pill or unwanted 72 work?:
I-pill can work mainly in two different ways which are dependent on where you are in your menstrual cycle:
1. It can prevent an egg to be released by the ovary.
2. If suppose, the egg is already released it will intercept the egg from fertilizing or implantation.

Some other common pointers about emergency pills:-

ECPs are the last chance to avoid pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. You might also consider taking an i-pill if you feel that condom came off/broke during the act. Usually these pills are most effective between 24-72 hours after the sexual activity. If taken at any other time they become useless. 

But it is advised to read the label on the box thoroughly. You can also take a pill if you missed two or three of your regular birth control pills.

I-pill has many side effects as mentioned below:-

Usually, these symptoms (except delayed or early periods) shall subside quickly even in a day or two as per your metabolism. If you are still experiencing these symptoms, seek advice from a doctor.

There are no proven long-term side-effects but some doctors believe that excessive usage of i-pill or unwanted 72 can cause infertility, reduced sexual interest, skin allergies or irregular periods (long duration). As I've mentioned, consider other contraceptives for regular use & take i-pill for emergency use.

Yes weight can also change the effectiveness of i-pill

Consult a doctor for alternate options as per your weight.

i-pill usually is only effective for 1 or 2 intercourses & that also must be within 72 hours. If you are planning to have after 72 hours, you must consider some other form of contraception as mentioned above.

This is one of the biggest side effects that people often confuse with pregnancy. Periods often become irregular after taking i-pill.

Note: If you do not get your period within 3 weeks or if you feel you could be pregnant, it is highly advised to get a pregnancy test done.

Should you consult a Gynaecologist before taking i-pill
Usually, it is not required. But if you have conditions like high BP or diabetes or you've had a tubal pregnancy in past, you can discuss this with a doctor regularly.

I see a lot of patients who consult me after taking the pill. If you feel any of the symptoms like - abdominal pain, severe headache, chest pain, blurred vision, pain in arms or limbs or shortness of breath, you must seek advice from a gynaecologist.

Can a teenager use i-pill?
 Teenagers are advised NOT to use i-pill. There are other methods of contraception for teenagers. Consulting a doctor is always recommended in this case. With growing high teenage pregnancy cases around the world, sex education becomes all the more important now.

I hope I'm able to answer your query and provide you much-needed detail about i-pill or unwanted 72 or other emergency pills.

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