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How long does the effect of contraceptive pill last?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had unprotected sex on the day of ovulation without knowing about it. I took a pill the very next day. How long may that be effective?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Balakrishnan. R

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Balakrishnan. R is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and childbirth management. He provides comprehensive care, including prenatal and postnatal guidance, infertility support, and routine gynecological treatments. Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Balakrishnan ensures personalized care, focusing on the overall well-being of women and helping them make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern. The emergency pill is a high dose of the progesterone hormone, the same hormone produced in your body during the second half of your menstrual cycle after ovulation. This pill will rapidly increase the thickness of the inner lining of the uterus, making it unfavorable for a possible pregnancy to implant. As it is a single dose, it lacks the strength to sustain itself, so it falls off, and you experience either periods or bleeding of the increased thickness within seven to ten days of taking the pill. This bleeding will consist of thick, fleshy pieces that are dark red or brown, accompanied by slight lower abdominal pain until the bleeding significantly decreases.

It is most effective within 24 hours, and it is not advisable to take it again during the same menstrual cycle. Taking it again can decrease its effectiveness and disrupt your hormonal balance and menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is recommended not to attempt it again, as it may cause confusion if your periods do not occur. If you are planning on having regular sex, the use of combined oral pills (a packet of 21 pills) is advisable. If sex is not going to be regular, using condoms is a better option.

Hope I have clarified your query. I will be happy to help you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 31, 2023
Reviewed At November 12, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Balakrishnan. R is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and childbirth management. He provides comprehensive care, including prenatal and postnatal guidance, infertility support, and routine gynecological treatments. Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Balakrishnan ensures personalized care, focusing on the overall well-being of women and helping them make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Balakrishnan. R is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and childbirth management. He provides comprehensive care, including prenatal and postnatal guidance, infertility support, and routine gynecological treatments. Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Balakrishnan ensures personalized care, focusing on the overall well-being of women and helping them make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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