I-Pill Works For How Many Days – The work of the I-pill is an emergency contraceptive pill. It varies depending on when it is taken after unprotected sex. Within 24 hours: Over 95% effective.
Between 25 to 48 hours: Around 85% effective.
Between 49 to 72 hours: About 58% effective.
After 72 hours, its effectiveness significantly decreases, and it may not work at all.
What is I-pill?
I-Pill is employed as a PIL for unplanned sexual intercourse or failure of the colossal and conventional contraceptive measures to prevent conception. The emergency contraceptive pill has to be taken within 24-72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. It’s preferred that the medication is swallowed, but it is a more detailed way of stating that one should take the pill orally.
I-Pill tablet contains an energetic ingredient called levonorgestrel, which inhibits the production of LH and FSH hormones. These hormones regulate ovulation; I-Pill delays ovulation or disrupts sperm-egg fertilization.
Nature: Emergency contraceptive
Composition: Levonorgestrel (synthetic progesterone)
Uses: Prevents unwanted pregnancy
Side-effects: allergies, irregular menstrual cycle, unexpected vaginal bleeding, skin rashes
Precautions: porphyria, arterial disease, breast cancer, liver problem
Correct Way to Take I-Pill
- Timing: Take the I-Pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It’s most effective within 24 hours but can be taken up to 72 hours after.
- Dosage: The recommended dosage is one tablet. Swallow it whole with water.
- Food: You can take the I-Pill with or without food. If you feel nauseous, taking it with food might help.
Tips for Optimal Effectiveness:
- Act Quickly: The sooner you take it, the more effective it will be.
- Not for Regular Use: The I-Pill is meant for emergencies and should not be used as a regular contraceptive method.
How does an I-pill Work?
The I-Pill works by using a hormone called levonorgestrel, a progestin type. Here’s how it functions:
- Prevents Ovulation: The I-Pill primarily prevents an egg’s release from the ovary. If there’s no egg to fertilize, pregnancy can’t occur.
- Thickens Cervical Mucus: It also thickens the mucus in the cervix and makes it harder for the sperm to reach any egg that might have been released.
- Alters Uterine Lining: The pill changes the lining of the uterus, making it less appropriate for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.
It’s important to note that the I-Pill is not an abortion pill, and it will not be effective if you are already pregnant. It’s designed for emergency use and should not be used as a regular contraceptive method.
Side Effects of I-Pill Tablets
The I-Pill can have several side effects, although generally mild and temporary. Here are some common ones:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Breast soreness
- Faintness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Tiredness
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Concerns About Emergency Contraceptive Pills for Adults
1. Age Restrictions:
The emergency pill is recommended only for women between 25 and 45 years old.
Adolescents are advised against using emergency contraceptive pills due to safety concerns.
2. Need for Sex Education Campaigns:
With the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy in India, schools and colleges should consider launching sex education campaigns.
These campaigns can educate young people about the risks and harmful effects of contraceptive pills on a developing reproductive system.
3. Hormonal Effects of Contraceptive Pills:
Contraceptive pills contain hormones that can disrupt the natural hormonal balance in the body.
Prolonged use of hormonal pills can lead to severe menstrual problems and harm to the ovaries.
Precautions to Follow Before Using I-Pill
- Use the emergency contraceptive pill (I-pill) only for emergency purposes due to its high dose of hormones for birth control.
- If Menstruation doesn’t occur within three weeks after taking the pill, consider a pregnancy test to ensure effectiveness.
- Do not take the pill if you are allergic to it; consult your doctor for alternative contraceptive options.
- I-pills are not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.
- They cannot terminate an existing pregnancy.
Other Uses of I-Pill
I-pill is an anti-pregnancy pill and used in various situations:
1. I-Pill as Emergency Contraceptive:
- They are used to prevent unintended pregnancy after unsafe intercourse or contraception failure.
- It should be taken orally within 24-72 hours of unprotected sex.
2. Prevention of Pregnancy:
- It slows the ovulation process if the egg hasn’t been released.
- Disrupts sperm-egg fertilization if ovulation has occurred.
- It hinders the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus if fertilization has occurred.
3. Importance of Emergency Use:
- It is not a primary form of birth control; it is only for emergencies.
- It shouldn’t be confused with abortion pills.
4. Post-Sexual Assault:
- The I-pill can be used as part of emergency contraception following sexual assault to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Is there an Alternative to I-Pill?
Yes, there are several alternatives to the I-Pill for emergency contraception:
- Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD): This can be inserted by a healthcare expert up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse. It is highly effective and can also serve as a long-term contraceptive.
- Ella (Ulipristal Acetate): This is another emergency contraceptive pill which can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It’s available by prescription.
- Regular Birth Control Pills: In higher doses, certain regular birth control pills is used as emergency contraception. This method is known as the Yuzpe regimen.
Conclusion
I-Pill Works For How Many Days? – The I-Pill is one of the types of emergency contraceptive pills. It works well if taken not later than 72 hours or 3 days after unprotected intercourse or failure in contraceptive methods. Female sexual behavior, like male androgens, is strongly positively correlated with oral contraceptives; pills are most effective in the first 24 hours after intercourse. The I-Pill is not to be used as a daily contraceptive pill and should not be used as the primary means of birth control. Also, it is not very efficient if administered after 72 hours. It must be noted that the I-Pill does not offer protection from any STIs and should not be used as one’s regular method of birth control. You can also consult to Gynecologist at Olive Hospital Dimapur.
FAQs
- How do you define an Emergency Contraceptive Pill, and what is its function?
Emergency Contraceptive Pill is said to act as a barrier in cases of unprotected intercourse or in case the contraceptives used have failed to work.
- Is Emergency Contraceptive Pill safe to take?
Emergency Contraceptive Pill is approved for use by the proper authorities if used with the right intention.
- Is I-pill 100% safe?
The pill is about 99% effective if taken without fault and misstated. However, people are not infallible, and one can forget or overlook pills. Therefore, the pill is, in fact, about 91 percent effective. What that means is that every year, roughly 9 of 100 advertised pill users will get pregnant.
- Is it safe to use an I-pill once?
Yes, it’s safe to use an I-pill once for emergency contraception. It works briefly to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.
- How often can I use an I-pill?
I-Pill is for emergencies only due to high hormone doses. Use alternatives for regular contraception.
- Can i-pill be taken as an alternative to regular birth control?
No, I-Pill is not for regular birth control; it’s for emergency contraception.
- Is a pregnancy test required after taking an I-pill?
If periods are late by a week, take a pregnancy test. I-Pill doesn’t affect pregnancy or fetus.
- Does i-pill affect future pregnancy?
I-Pill doesn’t impact future pregnancy; it’s for temporary emergency use only.
