Creator: Dr. Sameer Kumar
Published: 2016-09-06T11:23:53-04:00

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Today is the last day of my periods. Last night, I consumed alcohol and had unprotected sex. I took an I-pill at around 11 AM today. However, I had been vomiting due to nausea at around 2 PM in the afternoon. Should I have to take another pill now? Or would the first one have been effective? How much time does it take for the I-pill to function? I had an I-pill earlier in this month (second week) due to an unforeseen circumstance, that is, the condom was torn. I understand taking I-pill often is harmful, especially in such short period of time. Is there any potential side effect?

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There is no need to take another I-pill (Levonorgestrel hormone) as it gets dissolved and absorbed within an hour.

However, the nausea and vomiting are due to the high progesterone effect of the I-pill. Now, you need to wait for a withdrawal bleed.

Since you just had periods, I-pill was not required as you were in your safe period.

The most common side effects of frequent I-pill intake are irregular and delayed periods for a couple of months.

For further information consult an obstetrician and gynaecologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/obstetrician-and-gynaecologist

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

For the sake of personal curiosity, can you explain what do you mean by safe period?

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The safe period indicates the time when ovulation had not occurred or ovum have not got fertilized after ovulation.

Hence, in a 28 to 30 day cycle, day 2 to day 10 and day 22 till your next period are the safe periods when unprotected sex does not lead to pregnancy.