“The Condom Broke” “We didn’t plan to have sex.” “I missed taking 2 pills this week.” “I just didn’t remember.” “We were drinking, and I forgot.” “The diaphragm wasn’t in place.” “I was forced to have sex.” “We didn’t use anything.”
Worried You Might be Pregnant? | What is Emergency Contraception? | Where Can you Get Plan B? | What happens if Health Services is closed?
Worried You Might be Pregnant?
If you have had unprotected sex within the last five (5) days it's not too late. You can do something to prevent an unintended pregnancy.
Emergency contraception (EC) is often called the "morning after pill". It should be taken as soon as possible within five (5) days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or contraception failure. Although recent research indicates that the "Plan B" emergency contraceptive pill is effective for up to 5 days the efficacy is reduced if not taken within the first 24 to 72 hrs. To enhance the efficacy of the emergency contraceptive pill please see your health care provider or pharmacy as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
What is Emergency Contraception?
Just like regular birth control pills, emergency contraception prevents pregnancy in one of two ways, by stopping the egg from being released, so sperm can't fertilize the egg; and by changing the lining of the uterus so a fertilized egg can't attach and grow. EC is 75-85% effective in preventing pregnancy if taken correctly and in time. To increase the efficacy of the emergency contraception it is best to take within the first 24-72 hours after unprotected intercourse. However recent reseach does indicate that it can be effective for up to five (5) days (120 hrs) after unprotected sex.
The two types of EC are Emergency Contraceptive Combination Pills (ECP)-containing estrogen plus progesterone or progestin only pills (also called “Plan B”). In either case, pills are taken in 2 doses: the first as soon as possible, and the second, 12 hours later. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and a delayed menstrual period.
A health care provider can review with you the best method of emergency contraception.
Where Can you Get Plan B?
Plan B is available through Health Services at the cost of $20.00.
What happens if Health Services is closed?
If Health Services is closed you can get the Plan B at the pharmacies listed below. If you do not have a prescription for Plan B, you will have to pay a pharmacy consultation fee which can vary between $16 and $25. The cost of the Plan B medication varies with each pharmacy ($15-$28) and depends on your insurance coverage. You may have to pay the entire cost up front and claim it back from your insurance or just pay your franchise
| Open 24 Hours | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaprix | 5122 Cote-des-Neiges, corner Queen Mary | Tel. 738-8464 |
| Downtown | ||
| Pharmaprix | 1500 Ste. Catherine O., corner Guy | Tel. 933-4744 |
| Jean Coutu | 1836 Ste. Catherine O., corner St. Mathieu | Tel. 933-4221 |
| Uniprix | 1550 de Maisonneuve O. (inside Guy Metro) | Tel. 935-9687 |
| NDG | ||
| Uniprix | 5683 Monkland | Tel. 482-3383 |
| Pharmaprix | 6411 Sherbrooke (Benny & Cavendish) | Tel. 489-9345 |
| Jean Coutu | 5038 Sherbrooke O. (near Claremont) | Tel. 483-2850 |
| Jean Coutu | 5815 Sherbrooke O. | Tel. 483-5790 |
| Jean Coutu | 5820 Monkland | Tel. 487-1411 |
