Contraception

There are many methods of birth control; some are more convenient to use, therefore, will be used more consistently.

Decide which method you wish to use before you have intercourse for the first time. Health Services has information on all methods and a discussion with a nurse or doctor will help you decide on the method that is right for you.

If you decide on the pill, or the injection (depo-provera), a condom provides the best protection (other than abstinence) against STDs and AIDS. Use a condom in addition to other methods of birth control.

Morning After Pill

  • An emergency method of birth control to be used after unprotected intercourse or after a failed method, such as broken condom.
  • Consists of a very high does of a strong birth control pill - should not be used regularly.
  • May cause nausea and vomiting.
  • Must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse - the sooner, the more effective.
  • Available at Health Services
  • Pregnancy tests also available.
  1. Plan B is a new form of emergency contraception which contains the female hormone called progesterone. Depending where you are in your menstrual cycle, it acts by: preventing ovulation, interfering with fertilization; or by affecting the lining of the uterus inhibiting implantation.
  2. It should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse and could be effective up to five (5) days after intercourse. The greatest effectiveness is achieved the earlier it is taken. It does not protect you from pregnancy during the rest of the month.
  3. Plan B is not 100% effective. There is still the possibility of pregnancy despite taking the medication. There is no medical evidence that Plan B would harm a developing fetus. Plan B will not work once a pregnancy has started, so women who already are pregnant should not use it.
  4. The Morning After Pill is not as effective as routine birth control pills and should not be used in place of a regular contraceptive method by sexually active women. It should be used only in emergencies such as when:
    • you had sex and your regular contraceptive method failed because:
      • the condom broke
      • you missed two or more birth control pills or were two or more days late starting your pill pack
      • you were late for your regular contraceptive shot
      • you were taking medication that could have interfered with the birth control pill.
    • you had sex without protection
    • you were forced to have sex.
  5. It does not protect you from HIV / AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections.
  6. Two tablets of Plan B are taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
  7. Side effects occur occasionally and include: nausea, vomiting, cramping, fatigue, headache, dizziness and breast tenderness. These should not be severe and should not last more than 48 hours. Plan B gives fewer side effects than the older emergency contraceptive pills. It is the preferred medication for those who get migraine headaches or have contraindications to estrogen.
  8. Some women may have irregular bleeding after taking Plan B, but the majority of women will have their period when it is due. This period may be heavier and you may experience more cramps than usual. If there is no bleeding after 21 days of taking the morning after pill, a pregnancy test should be done.
  9. Another birth control method such as condoms plus vaginal spermicide, must be used until you start on another method of routine birth control (such as birth control pills or depo-provera).