What is it?

Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, when contraception fails (i.e. a condom breaks, missed birth control pills, etc.) or sexual assault.

What are the different types of emergency contraception?

There are two types of (hormonal) emergency contraceptive pills (ECP): Plan B and Ovral. Hassle Free Clinic uses Plan B but Ovral is sometimes used at other sexual health clinics, walk-in clinics and emergency rooms. The emergency contraceptive pill is also called the “morning-after pill” or the “day-after pill.” The post-coital IUD is another method of emergency contraception. It is available through some doctors and clinics such as the Bay Centre for Birth Control.

What does it cost?

The suggested cost of Plan B at Hassle Free Clinic is $10 or whatever you can afford.

What is Plan B and how does it work?

Plan B contains a hormone called progestin. When you take Plan B it may do one of the following: stop the release of an egg from the ovary, prevent the egg from being fertilized or prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus. Plan B will not work if you are already pregnant. Note: Ovral contains two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Ovral tends to have more side effects and is less effective than Plan B.

When should I take ECP?

Plan B can be taken if you have had unprotected sex one or more times within the last 72 hours (three days). It is more effective the sooner the pills are taken. Plan B consists of two pills.

The first pill needs to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex/contraception failure. The second pill is taken exactly 12 hours later. If it has been more than 72 hours, Plan B may still work but the risk of pregnancy increases as time passes. If taken correctly, Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by as much as 89 per cent.

Who should not use Plan B?

Please talk to your counsellor or doctor if you’ve had a history of any of the following: any unexplained or abnormal vaginal bleeding in the last three months, known or suspected breast cancer; active liver disease or tumour. You should tell your healthcare provider if you have diabetes or any known allergies to drugs. We can then decide if Plan B is okay for you.

How many times can I take the ECP?

You can take the ECP as many times as you need, but repeated use of the ECP may cause your menstrual cycle to change. You may have a shorter/longer cycle and have a heavier/lighter period than normal. Also, Plan B is not a substitute for regular contraception. Other forms of birth control are more effective. Please talk to one of the counsellors if you want to talk about other birth control methods.

What are possible side effects?

Plan B can cause temporary side effects in some women. These side effects generally don’t last more than 24 hours. Common side effects may include: nausea, vomiting and/or irregular menstrual bleeding. You should see a doctor immediately if you experience itching all over your body or cramping or severe pain in your belly/abdomen before your next normal period.

How will taking the ECP affect my period?

Taking Plan B will not bring on your period. Some women may experience spotting a few days after taking Plan B, but this is not your period. Your next period should come on time but it may be a few days early or a few days late. If your period is delayed more than a week please call us to arrange a pregnancy test. If you have any questions, concerns or want to make an appointment to see one of the counsellors or doctors, please call us.

ECP is coming soon to a pharmacy near you!

Health Canada recently approved a change in Plan B’s status from a prescription drug to a non-prescription drug. Health Canada will now solicit feedback from stakeholders and initiate the process required to change the regulations that will allow Plan B to be sold without a prescription in Ontario. It is already sold directly by pharmacists in Quebec, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.