What is i-pill and How Does It Work?
i-pill is an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) designed to prevent an unwanted pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure [1.5.3, 1.8.2]. Its active ingredient is a synthetic hormone called Levonorgestrel [1.5.3, 1.4.3]. A standard i-pill packet contains a single tablet of 1.5 mg Levonorgestrel [1.3.5].
The primary way i-pill works is by preventing or delaying ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary [1.4.3, 1.4.4]. It may also work by preventing the fertilization of an egg by sperm [1.5.4]. Some sources suggest it might alter the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting, though this is not its main function [1.4.4, 1.7.4]. It is crucial to understand that i-pill is not an abortion pill; it does not terminate an existing pregnancy [1.5.1, 1.5.4].
When Should You Take i-pill?
The single most critical factor for i-pill's success is timing. It should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex [1.2.3]. The effective window is up to 72 hours (3 days) after the incident [1.2.1, 1.3.3].
- Within 24 hours: Effectiveness is highest, preventing up to 95% of expected pregnancies [1.3.5, 1.7.4].
- Between 25-48 hours: Effectiveness drops to about 85% [1.3.5].
- Between 49-72 hours: Effectiveness further reduces to approximately 58% [1.3.5].
It can be used in situations such as condom breakage, missed regular birth control pills, or any instance of unprotected sexual intercourse [1.2.3, 1.11.4].
How to Take i-pill Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Act Quickly: The sooner you take the pill, the more effective it will be. Do not wait until the next morning if you can take it sooner [1.3.1].
- Verify Dosage: A standard i-pill pack contains one tablet, which is the complete dose [1.3.5].
- Swallow the Pill: Take the single tablet with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce nausea [1.2.5].
- Handle Vomiting: If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, it may not have been fully absorbed. You should contact a healthcare provider, as you may need to take another dose [1.3.4, 1.5.1, 1.9.3].
What to Expect After Taking i-pill
After taking i-pill, you may experience some side effects due to the high dose of hormones. Most are mild and temporary [1.5.2].
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting [1.3.4, 1.5.1]
- Headache and dizziness [1.3.4, 1.5.1]
- Fatigue [1.3.4]
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps [1.3.4, 1.5.5]
- Breast tenderness [1.3.4, 1.5.2]
Impact on Your Menstrual Cycle:
Your next period may be affected. It might come a few days earlier or later than expected [1.2.4, 1.5.1]. A delay of up to a week is considered common [1.5.1]. You might also experience spotting or light bleeding before your next period [1.3.4, 1.5.5]. If your period is delayed by more than one week, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test [1.3.4, 1.5.1].
i-pill vs. Other Emergency Contraceptives: A Comparison
It's helpful to know how i-pill (Levonorgestrel) compares to other emergency options.
| Feature | i-pill (Levonorgestrel) | ella (Ulipristal Acetate) | Copper IUD (ParaGard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Window | Up to 72 hours (3 days) [1.2.1] | Up to 120 hours (5 days) [1.2.1, 1.6.5] | Up to 120 hours (5 days) [1.7.3] |
| Effectiveness | 58-95%, decreases with time [1.3.5] | Consistently high (up to 98%), more effective after 72h [1.3.1, 1.6.4] | Over 99% effective [1.7.1, 1.7.3] |
| Mechanism | Primarily delays/inhibits ovulation [1.4.3] | Delays ovulation, even closer to its onset [1.6.1, 1.11.4] | Prevents fertilization and implantation [1.4.3, 1.7.3] |
| BMI Considerations | May be less effective if BMI > 25 [1.7.3] | More effective than Levonorgestrel for BMI > 25 [1.6.1, 1.6.3] | Effectiveness not affected by BMI [1.7.3] |
| Availability | Over-the-counter [1.4.3] | Prescription required in some places [1.6.5, 1.11.4] | Requires insertion by a healthcare provider [1.7.3] |
Important Considerations and Precautions
- Not for Regular Use: i-pill is for emergencies only and should not be used as a regular birth control method. It is less effective than routine contraception and frequent use can lead to menstrual irregularities [1.5.1, 1.10.2].
- No STI Protection: Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV [1.3.4, 1.11.4].
- Contraindications: Do not take i-pill if you have a known or suspected pregnancy or if you are allergic to Levonorgestrel [1.3.4, 1.5.4].
- Fertility: Taking i-pill does not affect your future fertility or your chances of getting pregnant later on [1.5.2, 1.11.2, 1.11.3].
Conclusion
i-pill is a safe and effective method for preventing pregnancy when used correctly. The key to its success is taking it as soon as possible, and no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. While it can cause temporary side effects and disrupt your menstrual cycle, it has no long-term impact on your health or fertility [1.11.2, 1.11.3]. Remember that it is an emergency backup, not a primary method of birth control. For ongoing protection, consult a healthcare provider about regular contraceptive options. [1.5.2]
For more information on emergency contraception, you can visit the World Health Organization (WHO) page on Emergency Contraception.
