A medication called Levonorgestrel 1.5mg can help prevent unwanted pregnancy after recent sexual activity. It is sometimes called “Plan B” or the “Morning After Pill”, although it can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. However, the sooner it is taken, the more effective it is. Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is available in the condom section at your local pharmacy, you do NOT need a prescription.
The Sexual Health Clinic, offers Plan B at a reduced cost of $10 if you meet the following criteria:
- You have had sex without using a condom
- You missed a dose of your birth control
- The condom broke, tore, slipped off or wasn’t used properly
- Within 5 days of unprotected sex
Levonorgestrel works to temporarily stop the release of an egg from the ovary, prevents fertilization and prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
If a woman is already pregnant, Levonorgestrel will not terminate a pregnancy. This is not the abortion pill.
As the name “Plan B” suggests, this medication is not to be used as your main form of birth control. Talk with the Public Health Nurse about starting on a regular birth control method.
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill can be taken to prevent pregnancy after an assault if no birth control had been used. If you or someone you know has experienced a sexual assault, contact the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre or go to your local emergency department.