Yes, you may need another dose. Emergency contraception, such as levonorgestrel, is designed to prevent pregnancy from intercourse that occurred before you took the pill. It does not provide ongoing protection for subsequent acts of unprotected sex, even the next morning. Because the best course of action depends on the specific type of pill you took, I highly recommend speaking with a pharmacist or healthcare provider as soon as possible. They will safely guide you on the next steps to ensure you are protected.

Yes, the I-pill (containing levonorgestrel) is safe and highly effective when taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It works primarily by delaying ovulation. Other options include ulipristal acetate, another oral emergency contraceptive effective up to 120 hours, or having a copper intrauterine device (IUD) inserted by a healthcare professional within 5 days, which is the most effective method. Please consult a doctor to guide you on the best choice for your body and discuss regular contraception.

Taking emergency contraception, such as levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, significantly reduces your risk of pregnancy, even during your fertile window. While days 14 and 15 carry a higher natural risk of conception, these medications are highly effective when taken as soon as possible. Depending on which pill you take and how quickly you take it, the remaining risk of pregnancy is generally quite low, around 1% to 3%. If your next period is delayed by more than a week, a simple home pregnancy test can provide peace of mind.

The bleeding you experienced could be your natural period starting or a common side effect of the i-pill (levonorgestrel). Because emergency contraception is most effective when taken before ovulation, taking it after your missed period reduces its effectiveness if conception already occurred. While the bleeding is a reassuring sign, the most reliable way to be sure you are not pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test. You can take this test now, as it has been a few days since your expected period.

In India, the i-Pill (levonorgestrel) and ulipristal acetate are the primary emergency contraceptive pills available, and both mainly work by delaying or preventing ovulation, rather than stopping a fertilized egg from attaching. Currently, there is no pill specifically proven to prevent implantation after fertilization has occurred. However, a copper intrauterine device (IUD), inserted by a healthcare professional within five days of unprotected intercourse, is highly effective at preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the womb. I encourage consulting a gynecologist to safely discuss the best options available.

First, emergency contraceptive pills like the i-pill (which contains levonorgestrel) are most effective before ovulation. If taken on the exact day of ovulation, effectiveness is reduced; however, since pinpointing ovulation precisely is difficult, taking it was still the right decision. Second, experiencing no side effects is very common and absolutely does not mean the medication did not work. Many women have no symptoms at all. The most reliable way to confirm it worked is the arrival of your next period, or taking a pregnancy test 21 days after intercourse.