Contraception

Emergency Contraception

Many teens may get caught up in "the moment" and forget about using birth control. Others may use contraception, only to have a condom break or some other kind of birth control failure. This can be a scary experience, but there is help out there, in the form of emergency contraception (EC). As the name suggests, emergency contraception is not something you want to rely on. This is a last chance contraception, and is sometimes called the "morning-after" pill. EC is a simple and safe way to prevent pregnancy if your teen forgets to use protection, when something goes wrong with the contraception or condom, or in the worse case scenario, if she is sexually assaulted.

EC, which is successful in preventing about three out of every four pregnancies that would have happened, works by delaying/preventing ovulation and can be taken up to 5 days after sex. However the sooner it is taken, the better it works. Another contraception called the Intrauterine device (IUD) can also be used as emergency contraception up to 7 days after sex, but it is a long-term contraception not typically suited for teenagers.

The way EC works is simple. Your teen will be given some pills (Plan B™ or four contraceptive pills, also called the Yuzpe method). Both methods come with clear and simple directions on their use. Some girls experience side effects, including vomiting and nausea. If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking the pills, the dose may have to be repeated. Your doctor or pharmacist can suggest medication, like Gravol™, to avoid this problem. She should start her period within 21 days after taking EC, but should see her doctor if she does not.

How to get it

EC is easy to find because it is now available directly in the pharmacy without a prescription. You can also contact the nearest health centre in your area, your own doctor, a walk-in clinic, or the nearest birth control/sexual health clinic. The cost varies depending on which EC you use and where you get it. It may be a good idea to obtain the product in advance to have on hand if an emergency occurs.

• Call the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health’s bilingual hotline (formerly Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada), 1-888-270-7444, for guidance about getting ECs in your area.

• Clinic Locator

Although EC is an effective form of "last-chance" contraception, it does not, by any means, protect against STIs. This is especially important for girls who may have been forced into sex without a condom.

EC does the job when other methods fail; but a lot of people still don't know it exists and how to get it. Don't let this be your teen!

Last Modified: September 22, 2008