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Emergency Contraceptive Pills

emergency contraception Plan B package(ECP): (Plan B)

You may have a need for emergency contraception after sex if:

  • You didn’t use any birth control
  • The condom slipped off or broke
  • You had sex when you didn’t expect to without any birth control
  • You missed 2 or more days in a row of birth control pills
  • You are more than 2 weeks late for your Depo Provera injection
  • Your diaphragm slipped out of place
  • You were forced to have sex

You will be given Plan B as your ECP from the Sexual Health Clinic. These pills should be taken by a woman as soon as possible, within 72 hours (3 days) of any of the above occurring.

  • ECP’s are not meant to be used as a long term birth control method
  • ECP’s are not an abortion pill
  • ECP’s work by preventing implantation of the egg and sperm in the uterus.  They also thicken cervical mucous to slow down the motility of the sperm.
  • Plan B is available at the Health Unit for $10.00

Plan B:

  • You will be given a package with 2 pills in it.  Take both pills at the same time as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
  • Side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, cramping.
  • You should get your period 2-3 weeks after taking ECP
  • If your period does not come, return to the clinic for a pregnancy test

Effectiveness

  • ECP’s are 75-95% effective.  The closer to the first 24 hours they are taken, the more effective they are.

Plan B is available from many pharmacies within Haldimand and Norfolk Counties. The cost varies from $26.00 – $40.00. In most pharmacies Plan B is kept behind the counter and you will have to ask the pharmacist for the medication. You do not need a prescription.

Plan B is also available from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit for a cost of $10.00. The woman requiring Plan B must see a public health nurse for an assessment before the medication is given to her.

[ other forms of birth control ]

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