Changes in your bleeding pattern are very common after taking levonorgestrel. Because this emergency contraceptive uses a high dose of hormones, it frequently causes temporary changes to your menstrual cycle, including unexpected, heavier, or prolonged bleeding. While this bleeding itself is usually a side effect of the medication rather than a sign of pregnancy, we want to ensure you are safe. If the bleeding is extremely heavy (soaking a pad an hour), accompanied by severe pelvic pain, or continues for more than a few days, please consult a doctor. Taking a pregnancy test in three weeks can also provide peace of mind.

The i-pill (levonorgestrel) is typically absorbed by your body very quickly, usually within two to three hours. If your diarrhea occurred after this window, the medication has already been fully absorbed and its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy should not be reduced. However, if you experienced severe diarrhea within two hours of taking the pill, its absorption might be affected. In that case, or if you remain highly concerned, it is best to consult a healthcare professional to discuss whether a repeat dose is necessary.

Yes, you can certainly take the i-pill (levonorgestrel) after breakfast. In fact, taking it with food is a great idea as it can help prevent nausea, which is a common side effect. Because you had unprotected sex, it is best to take the pill as soon as possible. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken within 72 hours. Please remember that the i-pill only protects you from recent instances and will not prevent pregnancy from any future unprotected sex. If you happen to vomit within three hours of taking the pill, please speak with a doctor, as you may need another dose.

Taking the emergency contraceptive pill within three hours of intercourse was a very timely and effective step. Currently, there is no safe or recommended medication to force or induce a period after taking emergency contraception. Because these pills contain hormones that delay ovulation, it is very common for your next period to be a few days early or late, or for you to experience light spotting. Please try to be patient with your body as it adjusts. If your period is delayed by more than one week, taking a home pregnancy test will help provide peace of mind.

Taking it within 12 hours makes it highly effective at preventing pregnancy. To answer your other question, urinating or washing after intercourse does not lower your risk of pregnancy, as sperm quickly enter the cervix and the urinary tract is completely separate from the vagina. However, because you took the medication so early, your risk of pregnancy is very low. It is common for your next period to be a few days early or late. If it is delayed by more than a week, a simple home pregnancy test can give you peace of mind.

Taking the emergency contraceptive pill (levonorgestrel, like the i-pill) within five hours of unprotected sex is highly effective. However, no method is 100% effective. Additionally, the hormones in the pill frequently cause temporary cycle disruptions, which can delay your period by a few days or even a week. To give you peace of mind, the best next step is to take a home pregnancy test. This is highly accurate if done a week after your missed period. If you experience severe abdominal pain or your period is delayed by more than a week, please consult a doctor.