Plan B and Emergency Contraceptives: How to Prevent Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex

Let’s be real – unprotected sex happens sometimes. Maybe your condom broke. Maybe you had an "oops" moment and forgot your pill. Or heck, maybe you forgot both (yikes). Don't sweat it too much because Emergency Contraceptives (ECs) are here to help!

In Canada, ECs are available to anyone, no matter your age. Yes, you heard that right. You don’t need parental consent, and you can get them easily. So if you're in a whoops moment, let’s talk about how to take Plan B and your options for keeping things under control.

What Are Emergency Contraceptives (ECs)?

First things first – ECs delay ovulation, which means they prevent an egg from being released for fertilization. It's not an abortion. These pills or devices just buy you some time to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. So, let’s get into the deets on your options.

Your Options: Plan B, Ella, and the Copper IUD

1. Plan B – Your Go-To Emergency Pill

   • How to take Plan B: It’s a pill you take by mouth, and it’s effective for bodies up to 165 lbs. Can be taken with food or not, but if you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill you might need another dose.

   • Plan B price Canada: It typically costs around $30 to $50, and you can get it with or without a prescription at most pharmacies. You might have to ask a pharmacist, but tbh they judge WAY less than you think.

   • Important Note: Plan B is not a contraceptive. That means you’ll still need to use condoms or another form of birth control the next time you get it on. ECs are a one-time emergency thing, not something to rely on as your go-to method.

2. Ella – The Heavy-Hitter

   • How to take Ella: Same deal as Plan B – it’s a pill you swallow. Ella can work for bodies up to 195 lbs. Same thing as Plan B, vomiting within 2 hours of taking it means you might need another dose.

   • Plan B vs Ella: Ella’s a little trickier to find, and you might need a prescription. If your doc can’t help, give Pro-Choice YQL a shout for options close to you.

   • Important Note: Ella is also not a contraceptive. You'll still need condoms or another form of birth control after taking it.

3. Copper IUD – The Long-Term Savior

   • How to take Copper IUD: This isn’t a pill, folks! It’s an actual device inserted into the uterus. It works for any weight (so no worries there). The copper IUD can be inserted up to 7 days after unprotected sex and can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.

   • How to get it: The copper IUD requires a prescription and a professional to insert and comes with a hefty $400 price tag if you don’t have insurance. But Pro-Choice YQL provides financial assistance to keep this fantastic contraceptive low-barrier.

   • Important Note: The copper IUD doesn’t protect against STBBIs (Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections), so it’s a good idea to get tested if you’re having sex with new or multiple partners.

Your Period Might Be Late

Don't freak out if your period is a little delayed. ECs can mess with your cycle temporarily, so if you don’t menstruate at your normal time, just take a deep breath.

Three Weeks Later… Take a Pregnancy Test

If your period doesn’t show up within a few weeks after taking an EC, it's time to take a pregnancy test. You can get a pregnancy test from your doctor, Lethbridge Health Services, or the Campus Collective at UofL.

If the test is positive – don’t panic! Contact ProChoice YQL for support and options. We’re here to help you with next steps, whether you want to explore your choices or just need someone to talk to.

The Bottom Line

Emergency Contraceptives are safe, easy to access, and affordable. Whether it’s Plan B, Ella, or the Copper IUD, you’ve got options that can help you avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Just know that ECs work best when you use them as soon as possible.

So next time you find yourself in an “oops” moment, don’t panic. You’ve got this. And remember, ECs are a one-time fix – so keep those condoms on hand and protect yourself in the future.