It is very common and normal to experience side effects like a headache, back pain, stomach cramps, and light bleeding or spotting after taking the i-pill. These symptoms are temporary reactions to the hormones in the medication and typically resolve within a few days. To safely relieve the headache and pain, you can take over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen. I recommend resting and staying well-hydrated. If your symptoms become severe, or if the bleeding becomes very heavy, please reach out to a healthcare professional for advice.

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.

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If your pregnancy is confirmed and you wish to terminate it, the safest approach is to consult a doctor or gynaecologist promptly. Early pregnancy (up to 10-11 weeks) can often be terminated safely and effectively using abortion pills (such as mifepristone and misoprostol), while later stages may require a minor surgical procedure. Do not take any medication to terminate the pregnancy on your own, as this can be dangerous and cause serious complications. Your doctor will guide you on the safest option based on your gestational age and health.

It is highly recommended to swallow emergency contraceptive pills, such as levonorgestrel, whole with water. Crushing or dissolving the pill can alter how your body absorbs the medication, which may make it less effective. Additionally, some of the medicine can get left behind in the glass. If you have already taken it this way, or if you find it difficult to swallow pills, please contact a local healthcare provider or pharmacist right away.

A positive pregnancy test only six days after unprotected sex cannot be from that recent encounter, as it takes at least 10 to 14 days for the pregnancy hormone to build up. This positive result likely points to an earlier pregnancy, or very rarely, a test error. The emergency contraceptive pill, i-pill (levonorgestrel), does not cause false positives. I gently recommend scheduling a blood test or consulting a healthcare provider to get an accurate assessment and the guidance you need.