HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologyi pillHow does i-pill work to avoid unwanted pregnancy?

How does i-pill prevent pregnancy?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Reetika

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At December 15, 2020
Reviewed AtSeptember 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

How does i-pill prevent pregnancy? Does it stop ovulation and fertilization, or does it stop implantation? Also, what is the minimum time in which fertilization happens post-sex?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I-pill is an emergency contraceptive pill, and it works in two different ways. If you are in the first half of your ovulation cycle, it prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. If you are in the second half of your cycle and the egg has already been released, it creates conditions to avoid fertilization and prevent implantation. These pills are also high hormone-based and lead to a delay or early period by up to a week.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Also, what is the minimum time in which fertilization happens?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Once ejaculation takes place inside the vagina, millions of sperms start swimming towards the egg. The fastest ones also take approximately 30-45 minutes to reach an egg. A few take more than 24 hours to reach up to the egg. After a sperm meets an egg, it takes 24 hours for the egg to get fertilized. This fertilized egg then moves to the uterus and is implanted there. So we can say that it takes the earliest 24 hours and the latest 72 hours for the fertilization to take place.

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

Dr. Reetika
Dr. Reetika

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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