Great question! Any brand of emergency contraception contains a high level of progesterone—the equivalent of about six birth control pills. This spike of progesterone in the body can prevent ovulation, or keep the egg from being released from the ovary. That’s why it’s important to take Plan B as soon as possible after unprotected sex; pregnancy isn’t possible if ovulation is prevented.
Plan B is not an abortion. It prevents pregnancy—it doesn’t end a pregnancy. If a pregnancy has already occurred, Plan B will not harm the pregnancy (or your body) in any way. Plan B can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, but it is more effective in the first 48 hours. Walk in to Teen Clinic any time we’re open if you need Plan B; we offer it free of charge to anyone under 20.
Great question! In Colorado, you need to be 17 to pick up emergency contraception without a prescription. It costs $30-$50 at pharmacies, and they will check your ID. However, you can access Plan B under 17 if you have a prescription. If you don’t already see a doctor you trust, consider coming to Teen Clinic. We offer Plan B free of charge to anyone under 20, and our nurses can write prescriptions for patients under 20. You can walk in any time we’re open. Give us a call if you have further questions, and thanks for asking. It’s responsible to know your options for preventing unplanned pregnancy!
If you are under 20, visit Teen Clinic! We offer free Plan B any time we’re open. We can also write prescriptions for patients under 17 who cannot purchase emergency contraception over the counter.
If you are over 20, Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center, which hosts Teen Clinic, offers Plan B on a sliding scale. That means the amount you pay depends on how much you make. Some services are free of charge.
Learn more by calling us at 303-441-5160. It’s smart that you’re pursuing a backup plan! Emergency contraception is most effective in the first 48 hours, but can also be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
Yes! As a Women’s Health patient, you are welcome to walk in for Plan B any time we’re open. The only difference is that you might have to pay a little more when you visit during adult hours. During Teen Clinic hours, we have special funding that makes it possible for us to offer teens free and very low-cost services. This funding is not available for teens visiting during adult hours.
At the adult clinic, we offer services on a sliding scale. That means the amount you pay depends on how much you make. If you don’t have an income, it’s likely that your services will be free, but we can’t guarantee it. Bring some extra money just in case there’s a charge. If you want to find out how much it will cost ahead of time, call our main line to get an estimate. And remember— your donations keep Teen Clinic open. Even throwing a dollar or two into the fishbowl makes a big difference.
It’s responsible that you’re planning how to get Plan B ahead of time! Consider using condoms 100% and making an appointment to start a birth control method, too. We’re here to help you stay healthy and safe.
To view Women’s Health’s hours, click here.
Absolutely! Teen Clinic walk-in hours are open to everyone under the age of 20, regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation. It is legal for males, females, and intersex persons to pick up Plan B. Make sure your boyfriend knows our hours and location.We appreciate everyone who is taking an active role in their (and their partner’s!) sexual health.
For future reference, the law right now states that anyone age 17 or older can purchase emergency contraception at the pharmacy without a prescription. For folks under the age of 17, a prescription is required but can be obtained at Teen Clinic whenever we are open. You can also get a prescription and a pack of emergency contraception ahead of time- just in case! And remember, all services at Teen Clinic are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL!
Yep. Teen Clinic offers free emergency contraception (or Plan B) on a walk-in basis to anyone under 20, including males. Since you’re under 17, you will need a prescription, but our Teen Clinic practitioners can write this for you. Those over 17 can receive emergency contraception without a prescription. Stop by during any of our open hours to pick this up.
It’s actually Colorado law that minors can access reproductive healthcare services without parental notification or consent. That means it’s your right to receive Plan B if you need it, without your parents being involved. In fact, it would be illegal for Teen Clinic to discuss your care with your parents without your permission! Check out the laws in different states here.
…I always need it on weekends when Planned Parenthood is closed.
At Teen Clinic, all services are free to those under 20! Our Boulder location is open from 1-6pm on Saturdays for your weekend needs. However, we only serve our teen patients during this time. If you’re over 20, consider visiting our adult clinic, Women’s Health. At Women’s Health, the amount you pay depends on what you make. Emergency contraception may be more affordable for you here—but you do have to pick it up during the week.
Consider stocking up on Plan B before you need it! Having extra EC in the house is a responsible way to make sure you’re covered on the weekends. Most providers will be willing to dispense this to you. If you’re still interested in a cheaper weekend option, we’ve found that Target offers EC as low as $35. Also, a generic version of Plan B, called NextChoice, hit the market in 2009. NextChoice generally sells for 10-20% below traditional Plan B prices, so keep your eyes peeled for it.
If you find yourself depending on EC repeatedly, it’s probably time to choose a more reliable birth control method. For those under 20, it’s free to do so—make an appointment at Teen Clinic soon! If you’re over 20, call Women’s Health to learn about prices on our sliding scale.
Taking an emergency contraceptive, like Plan B, can change your regular bleeding pattern. The Plan B pill is a dose of progesterone, a natural hormone that builds up the lining of the uterus. The medication is actually tricking your body into thinking it should have a period. You should have some sort of bleeding within three weeks of taking the Plan B pill. If you do not have any bleeding or spotting (minimal bleeding) within three weeks, visit Teen Clinic for a free pregnancy test.
You can find more information about your period, Plan B and other birth control methods on our website. Make an appointment at Teen Clinic for a personalized consult.
…(although I don’t remember how long it lasted). It’s now November 22 and my period hasn’t come again. What are the chances I’m pregnant?
There’s a good chance the bleeding was your period—especially if it was similar to what you experience each month. Plan B can reduce the risk of pregnancy, especially when taken the same night as unprotected sex. However, the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. These can be purchased at a local pharmacy or grocery store for just a few dollars. Both Longmont and Boulder Teen Clinics also offer pregnancy tests for free! Being sure you’re not pregnant is an important part of responsible sexual activity.
A female’s period can actually fluctuate based on what’s going on in her life. This means that stress, sickness, change in physical activity, or even worrying about being pregnant can make a period come late. So take a deep breath and come on over to Teen Clinic. You’ll feel better once you know!
Yes! At Teen Clinic, we waive the fees for all services. We do not currently charge our patients’ insurance. We love it when our patients donate a few bucks to help offset their costs—but we’re here for you whether or not you have money! We think everyone (especially teens!) should have access to the healthcare they need.
Once a patient turns twenty, he/she will need to visit our adult clinic for services, which works on a sliding scale. This means patients are charged based on what they make. Patients in our adult clinic may choose to use their Medicaid or other insurance.
See other questions about Plan B here.
