Family Planning Plus

Anytime you have unprotected sex or a method failure, there is the risk of pregnancy. Depending on when this incident occurred, emergency contraception (like Plan B) would be a good option. Emergency contraceptives are a one time dose of  levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel is a progestin that is in many birth control pills. The Plan B (and others) contain a larger dose than a single birth control pill. It prevents pregnancy by delaying ovulation. ECPs do not cause a termination nor do they harm an already existing pregnancy. The sooner after unprotected sex that you take them, the more effective they are. However, research shows that they may be effective even when taken 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse.

Emergency contraceptives may be purchased over-the-counter at many pharmacies by women age 17 and older. Teens under 17 require a prescription. Emergency contraceptives usually cost around $45 or more, depending on the pharmacy. You may want to consider starting a long term method of birth control (pill, shot, patch, etc.).

If you are in need of emergency contraception and are unable to afford it, Family Planning Plus clinics do offer this. Plan B is available at little to no cost, depending on your age, household size and household income. Please call one of our clinics for an appointment.