Is One I-pill Taken After Intercourse Sufficient To Avoid Pregnancy?

Posted on Wed, 12 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 Answered on

Tue, 1 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : hello doc... we had unprotected sex yesterday and after that i ejaculated outside..still i found some semens at bottom of her vagina..after 3 hours she had an ipill.. do we need to take another ipill to prevent pregnency? what will be the side effects for 2 ipills? consulting one gynaecologist advised her to take one more ipill.. note 24 hrs has nt passed yet..

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Single iPill taken within 3 hours after sex is sufficient

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. iPill is an emergency contraceptive preparation and contains Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg.

2. Only a single iPill is to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse to avoid a pregnancy.

3. The iPill is 93 - 95 percent effective when taken in first 6 hours after unprotected sex.

4. There is no need to take another iPill as it contains a high dose of hormones. Once taken withing 3 hours is sufficient to stop a pregnancy in most patients and is the recommended dose.

5. iPill is to be taken once in about 3 - 4 months and in an emergency situation. It causes hormonal imbalance and there might be irregular periods for next two cycles. Side effects after taking iPill frequently includes irregular periods, cysts in ovaries, polycystic ovaries, infertility.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back with your doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (10 minutes later)

my wife has already taken the second dose of ipill.. its around 17 hours we had intercourse.. will there be any problem doc? note-1st dose of ipill she took after 3 hrs of unprotected sex..

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Next two cycles might be irregular.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Taking 2 pills might cause her periods to be irregular for next two cycles including early or delayed bleeding.

2. If she has taken the iPill after a long time then no other serious side effects will occur. However, if she takes iPill regularly then it should be stopped.

3. iPill should be taken only in emergency situation as described in earlier reply. Please use alternative contraceptive methods like condoms or low dose hormonal daily contrceptives.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back with your doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad