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What is the method to take I-pills?

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What is the method to take I-pills?

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

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At July 11, 2017
Reviewed AtJune 22, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My periods started 14 days before and I had sex eight days back. Should I take pills after unsafe sex? If yes, what is the procedure to take I-pill?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

According to your cycle, it is the seventh day of your menstrual cycle and considered to be safe. If you have a regular 28 day cycle, then ovulation is less likely on day seven. But, if your cycles are irregular then it is difficult to predict the exact day of ovulation as to when the chance of conception will be there. So, to be on safer side, you should take a pill today only. It is known as morning-after pill or pill 72 (Levonorgestrel 150 mcg) to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex only once. Yes, you can get a withdrawal bleeding after taking these pills before your next due date. In case 72 hours have crossed after sexual intercourse, then also you can prevent pregnancy in this cycle by getting a copper-T (intrauterine device) inserted and that too within five days of unprotected sex.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I took the pill within 72 hours. But, now I have missed my periods. Actually my date was yesterday. I always have regular cycles. Please suggest me what should I do now. Am I pregnant? If yes, I want to terminate it. Please tell me the procedure. Thanks.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you had very regular cycles and one day has been delayed now then you can get urine pregnancy test to confirm. It is better take early morning sample. Or else you can also get blood test done which is beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for much more valuable information.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I got my periods today. Is everything fine now? Or is there still a chance of pregnancy?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it will be fine if you get your periods with normal flow and same pattern. If any irregularity, pain or dizziness occurs then go for the tests. I think it should be all normal by now. For further precautions and to avoid such hassles start taking OC pills (oral contraceptive pills) in this cycle from day five and be regular in that.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks. What is OC pill? And how to take them?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

OC pills are oral contraceptive pills. It is a combination of estrogen and progesterone. Many preparations are available in the market like tablet Femilon, but please rule out for contraindications like migraine, any episode of deep vein thrombosis, etc. The pill has to be started on day 5 of the cycle and taken regularly for 21 days and then stop for withdrawal bleeding. If taken regularly then you will be safe and will not conceive. You will also have regular cycles with the help of OCP.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had an emergency contraceptive pill post first time of sex after your consultation. Then, I have had sexual intercourse for around six times till now. However, I bled on the fifth and sixth attempt. Does it mean I had my hymen ruptured by that time?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is not necessary that bleeding is as a result of breaking of hymen as it happened during the sixth time. The hymen may not be present even on the first attempt. It is a very delicate membrane which might get broken or torn during some other physical activity like cycling, etc. There might be some trauma or vaginal laceration or cervical erosion that might have caused the bleeding. You can get a local examination done by a doctor if it is alarming or painful. Another thing is that it is not right to take the emergency contraceptive pill every time after unprotected sex as I told you earlier also. This bleeding could also be as a result of withdrawal bleeding from the pill taken last time.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have taken the pill only once after your consultation. Then, I bled after three to four days and next month menstrual cycle was delayed for four to five days. Yesterday was my date for periods, but still no sign of it. Can my menstrual cycle get delayed because of the pill took a few months back?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you have taken the pill before a few months, then it is not having any effect in delaying your cycle now. If nothing done unprotected this time, then the cycle can be delayed for a few days. The average length of the cycle can be 21 to 35 days. There is no particular medication actually required to make the cycle precisely 28 days. Anxiety can also delay your cycle. So, remain calm and adequately protected.

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

Dr. Kamalpreet Kaur Nagpal
Dr. Kamalpreet Kaur Nagpal

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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