My girlfriend and I had unprotected sex 2 days ago, and she took an i-Pill today at around 9:00 AM. Later the same day, around 3:00 PM, we had sex again using a condom, but the condom tore during intercourse. Does the i-Pill she already took still provide protection for this second incident, or should she take another one? Are there any risks or side effects from taking two i-Pills on the same day?
Yes, the i-Pill (Levonorgestrel) your girlfriend took at 9:00 AM will most likely still provide protection against the second incident that occurred later the same day. Levonorgestrel works by delaying or preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) and its effects usually continue for at least 24 hours after taking it. Because of this, another i-Pill is generally not needed for intercourse that occurs on the same day after the tablet has been taken. However, emergency contraceptive pills are not 100 percent effective, especially if ovulation has already begun. If her next period is delayed by more than a week, she should take a pregnancy test. Taking two i-Pills on the same day is generally not harmful, but it may increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, breast tenderness, tiredness, abdominal pain, or irregular bleeding. It may also temporarily disturb her menstrual cycle. For better protection in the future, continue using condoms carefully and consider a regular contraceptive method if needed.