…I ended my period last week. I wasn’t sure if I should take the morning after pill. Also I don’t ever go a day without taking my pill but I do take it at different times sometimes. Should I take the ECP?
If you are in the first week of your pill packet you should be protected. You should not need emergency contraception because you have not technically missed a pill. Try to take your pills within two hours of each other. Pills work the best if they are taken on a regular cycle. You may be at risk for an STI if your partner is infected. Be sure you both get tested to rule out STI transmission. For a free STI screen, contact Teen Clinic at 303.442.5160
…I wanted to be extra safe so I took Plan B. What are my chances of getting pregnant?
If you are taking a hormonal birth control method correctly, consistently and all of the time then you are protected from pregnancy 92-99.7% of the time. Emergency contraception (Plan B) can be up to 89% effective in preventing a pregnancy. While there is a chance of pregnancy in your situation, it’s very low. If you don’t get your period on time, it might be a good idea to take a pregnancy test. Since the condom broke you could be at risk for STI transmission so it’s important that you and your partner get tested. For free STI testing, call Teen Clinic at 303.442.5160.
…and took the morning after pill, is that safe?
Taking emergency contraception after an abortion is safe and it reduces your chance of becoming pregnant. Many people believe that you can’t get pregnant after an abortion, but that’s a myth, it’s not true. Anytime semen gets near, or inside of, a vagina there is risk for pregnancy. If you still don’t have a period in another three weeks, take a home pregnancy test or visit Teen Clinic for a free pregnancy test. If you want to avoid pregnancy, you might want to think about a more reliable birth control method. Even if you aren’t sexually active right now but might be in the future, birth control is safe and an effective way to prevent pregnancy. Check out our Prevention & Birth Control Methods section for more information about your options.
The “morning after pill” or emergency contraception (EC) is a hormonal pill intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. In general, it is not harmful to take EC while using a hormonal birth control method, it just might not be needed. If a woman is using a hormonal birth control method correctly, consistently and all of the time there is no reason to take EC. If she is not using her method as intended (for example she misses a few pills or forget to insert her Nuva ring) and has unprotected sex, EC might be a good choice to ensure pregnancy prevention. Because it depends on what method someone is using and when they had unprotected sex, it’s important to speak with a health care provider to find out whether EC is right for your situation. Contact your own doctor or Teen Clinic if you have a specific scenario. Remember – neither hormonal birth control methods nor EC protect against STIs. Be sure to use condoms and get tested if you are risk for STI transmission.
The morning after pill or “Emergency Contraception” is available at most pharmacies. If you are 17 and over you can purchase it over the counter, which means you don’t need a prescription. Prices range from $30-$50 in Boulder County. If you are under 17, you need a prescription from a health care provider or from Teen Clinic. Any teen can walk-in to Teen Clinic when we’re open to get Emergency Contraception for free.
…it’s been two weeks and I haven’t had my period and we had unprotected sex again and just yesterday I took EC again. When should I expect my period? I have an irregular period as well. When should I take a pregnancy test?
Your next period after you take Emergency Contraception may be different than your periods usually are. Since you took two doses of EC close together, your period may be even more irregular. It may be early or late, and it may be lighter or heavier. If you don’t get your period within 3 weeks of taking EC, do a pregnancy test to make sure you aren’t pregnant. Pregnancy tests are generally most effective when taken after a missed period, but check the label if you buy a home pregnancy test or walk-in to Teen Clinic. Definitely speak to a health care provider if you have concerns about pregnancy and/or irregular periods. EC does not protect against STI transmission so be sure that you and a partner get tested to ensure you both are STI free.
