Since you are unsure whether intercourse was completed, there is still a chance of pregnancy. You can take the i-Pill emergency contraceptive tablet as a precaution. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, but can be used up to 72 hours after the event. Take one tablet with water immediately, and be aware you may experience mild side effects like nausea, abdominal discomfort, or changes in your next period. If your period is delayed by more than a week, take a pregnancy test, and consult a doctor if you have any medical conditions or take other medications.

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 a levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill within three hours of unprotected intercourse is highly effective, preventing about 95% of expected pregnancies. You can take it with or without food; eating beforehand will not reduce its absorption or effectiveness, and it might actually help prevent nausea. To definitively confirm it worked, the most reliable method is taking a home pregnancy test 21 days after the intercourse, or if your next period is more than a week late.

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.

This emergency contraceptive contains hormones that temporarily alter your cycle, which often triggers this harmless 'withdrawal' bleeding. It is generally not a cause for concern. However, if the bleeding becomes very heavy, is accompanied by severe lower abdominal pain, or if your next expected period is delayed by more than a week, it is always a good idea to take a pregnancy test or consult a doctor just to be safe.

Since her period is already delayed, emergency contraceptive pills (such as levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate) are no longer effective, as they work by delaying ovulation. At this stage, the most reliable next step is to take a home pregnancy test, preferably using first-morning urine for the most accurate result. If the test is negative and her period still does not start within a week, she should repeat the test. Please consider speaking with a healthcare professional for personalized support and guidance during this time.