i-pill is an emergency contraceptive pill that offers you an effective way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
The need for an emergency contraceptive may arise when you may be at risk of a pregnancy due to:
* Contraceptive failure * Unprotected sex * Improper use of your regular birth control method
How does i-pill work?
i-pill contains levonorgestrel - a progestogen which helps prevent the implantation of the egg in the uterus and avoids the beginning of pregnancy.
I pill works in three different ways according to the stage of your menstrual cycle:
* It may stop an egg being released from the ovary.
* If an egg has been released, i-pill may prevent the sperm from fertilizing it. * If the egg is already fertilized, it may prevent it from attaching itself to the lining of the womb.
i-pill is ineffective if the pregnancy is already established (i.e. the fertilized egg has attached itself to the womb). It is therefore not an abortion pill.
How to use i-pill?
i-pill is a single dose tablet that should be swallowed with some water within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
We advise to take i-pill after meals to prevent vomiting. If you vomit within three hours of taking i-pill, you should take another i-pill as soon as possible.
Do not use i-pill if you are already pregnant since it is only a backup or emergency method of contraception. It is not as effective as other regular birth control methods.
How affective is i-pill?
The sooner i-pill is used, the more effective it is. It is 95% effective within 24 hours of unprotected sex, 85% between 25-48 hours and 58% if taken between 49-72 hours. But if the periods are delayed by more than a week, you should go in for a pregnancy test and consult a doctor.
Is i-pill safe to use?
i-pill is safe to use for almost every woman and has no long-term or serious side effects.
Possible side effects
After taking i-pill you might experience some common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, lower abdominal pain, a feeling of breast tenderness and headache. All this should stop within a day or two. There are chances of unexpected vaginal bleeding, but this is not dangerous and should clear up by the time of the next period. i-pill might also cause the next period to come early or later than normal. But if the periods are delayed by more than a week, it is recommended to go in for a pregnancy test. i-pill will have no lasting effect that may complicate future (and wanted) pregnancies.
Cautions
i-pill is only a backup or emergency method of contraception. It is not as effective as other regular birth control methods.
i-pill is not recommended if you are allergic to levonorgestrel - the medicine used in i-pill. Do not use i-pill if you are already pregnant, i-pill is ineffective if the pregnancy is established (i.e. the fertilized egg has attached itself to the womb). It is therefore not an abortion pill.
