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How Many Hours After Sex Does I-Pill Actually Work?

1 month ago

I took I-Pill but I'm not sure if it was in time. I want to know exactly how many hours or days it works within, and what happens if I took it late. Does the timing really matter that much?

Asked By Smriti | Female | Age 26

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1 month ago

Answers (1)

Pristyn Care Team

Simplifying Healthcare

Feb 05 2026

Yes, timing matters a lot. I-Pill contains levonorgestrel and its effectiveness drops with every passing hour.

  • Within 24 hours: ~95% effective
  • 24–48 hours: ~85%
  • 48–72 hours: ~58%
  • After 72 hours: not recommended

If you took it within 72 hours, wait for your next period to confirm it worked. Your period may come a few days early or late  that’s a normal hormonal side effect. If your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test.

If sex happened more than 72 hours ago, a tablet won’t help. A copper IUD inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex is actually the most effective emergency contraception available more so than any pill. Consult a doctor in that case.

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