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I pill side effects
General Medicine
Question #9016
19 days ago
60,998

I pill side effects - #9016

Anonymously

Last month, I had an accident and ended up having unprotected sex. I immediately took the I pill (emergency contraception) within a few hours, thinking it would prevent any unwanted pregnancy. However, ever since I took it, I've been feeling off. The first few days after taking the I pill, I had a headache and felt a bit nauseous, but I just assumed it was because of the hormonal changes. After a few days, I noticed that my period, which is usually regular, was delayed by about a week. I didn’t think much of it, assuming it was just a side effect of the pill, but now, I’m getting worried. I’ve also been feeling a bit bloated, and my breasts are tender, which I’ve read can be a side effect of the I pill as well. But what’s really bothering me is that I’ve been having mood swings—feeling very emotional and tearful for no reason. I’m not sure if this is something that’s common after taking the I pill, or if I’m just overreacting, but I’m feeling out of sorts. I’m trying to figure out whether all these I pill side effects are normal or if something else might be going on. I did some research and found that these symptoms can happen with the I pill because of the high dose of hormones. But I’m still unsure about how long I should expect these side effects to last. Is it common for I pill side effects to last this long (it’s been about two weeks now)? Should I wait for my period to arrive before I worry more? I know the I pill can mess with your cycle temporarily, but when should I be concerned? I’ve heard that it’s possible to get pregnant even after taking the I pill, so I’m really anxious to know if I need to take a pregnancy test or if this delay is just due to the pill’s effect on my body. Also, I’ve been feeling a bit fatigued and dizzy at times, and I’m wondering if these are related to the I pill or if something else could be causing them. Are there any additional side effects of the I pill that I should look out for? How long do I pill side effects usually last, and should I go back to the doctor if the symptoms continue for another week or so? Should I take a pregnancy test, or is it too early to know?

I pill side effects
Emergency contraception
Delayed period
Nausea after i pill
Hormonal side effects
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
18 days ago
It’s understandable to feel anxious after taking emergency contraception like the I pill, especially given the symptoms you’re experiencing. Let’s break down what you’ve mentioned so you can have a clearer understanding of your situation. The side effects you described—headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, fatigue, and dizziness—are indeed common reactions to the hormones in emergency contraceptive pills. These side effects can occur due to the high dose of hormones, and for many individuals, they might last a few days to a couple of weeks. However, the duration can vary widely from person to person. Typically, the I pill can affect your menstrual cycle, causing delays or irregularities. Since you mentioned your period is delayed by about a week, this may just be a temporary effect from the hormonal fluctuation caused by the I pill. However, if you have not gotten your period within three weeks after taking the I pill, or if you experience any symptoms that raise concern, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test. Most over-the-counter pregnancy tests can be accurate about one week after a missed period, so waiting a little longer might be beneficial for reliable results. In regard to your fatigue, dizziness, and the emotional changes you’re experiencing, these could potentially be linked to the hormonal effects of the I pill but could also be due to other factors such as stress or lack of sleep. Monitoring these symptoms is essential. If they persist or worsen, or if you develop any new or unusual symptoms (such as severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of an allergic reaction), you should contact your healthcare provider as these could indicate other conditions requiring further evaluation. For now, you should: 1. Consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period does not arrive within 21 days of taking the I pill to assess for pregnancy. 2. Continue monitoring your current symptoms but look out for any severe or concerning changes. 3. If your symptoms remain bothersome, escalate to your healthcare provider for further advice and management. If you are still concerned or would like reassurance regarding any aspect of your experiences, it is appropriate to reach out to your healthcare provider sooner rather than later. They can provide direct advice based on a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and medical history.
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