Hello, thank you for sharing your concern. The “72 pill” is an emergency contraceptive. It is only for emergency situations, not for regular use. Use it only if: Condom broke, Condom slipped, Unprotected sex happened.l, You forgot regular birth control pills. It should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours, but it can work up to 72 hours after intercourse. Earlier is more effective.
Procedure to use 72 pill- Take one tablet only as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It can be taken with or without food. If vomiting happens within 2 hours, you may need to take another tablet. Do not take more than one dose for the same act.
Condom and 72 pill can be used together but normally you do not need 72 pill if condom was used properly and did not break. Condom itself is enough if used correctly. 72 pill is only backup if something goes wrong.
Do NOT use 72 pill regularly as birth control. Do not take it multiple times in one cycle unless absolutely necessary. It can cause: Delay or early period, Irregular bleeding, Nausea, Mild lower abdominal pain. Your next period may come early or up to 1–2 weeks late. If your period is delayed by more than 1 week, do a pregnancy test.
72 pill does NOT terminate an existing pregnancy. It does NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections. It is NOT 100% effective.
If you are planning regular sex: Use condom properly every time OR Start regular birth control pills after consulting a doctor. Emergency pill is for emergency, not routine use.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
