Family Planning Plus

Anytime you have unprotected intercourse, there is the risk of pregnancy. The chance of pregnancy depends on whether the intercourse takes place during your partner’s fertile or less fertile time.

Keep in mind that abstinence is the only 100% effective method of birth control. There are many ways other than sexual intercourse to show intimacy in a relationship. Mutual masturbation is a way to pleasure one another without having the concern about pregnancy.

Plan B is an emergency contraceptive, to be used in the event of method failure (condom breaking, forgetting pills) or failure to use a method. It is only effective for that particular incident of unprotected intercourse. It is not a reliable long term method of birth control.  Plan B is most effective when taken within 24 hours after unprotected intercourse. It prevents pregnancy by delaying ovulation. It does not terminate or harm an already existing pregnancy. Frequent, repeated  use of Plan B can disrupt monthly cycles and eventually increase the risk of pregnancy.

You and your partner may want to discuss her starting a reliable long term method of birth control, like the birth control pills, patch, or DepoProvera injection. These methods, when used correctly & consistently can be 96% to 99.9% effective, depending on the method. If your partner is using her birth control method correctly, then Plan B would not be necessary. You could continue using condoms, as they are a good back up method, and would offer double protection.

We always encourage teens to have an open honest relationship with their parents when it comes to sexual health. In Pennsylvania, minors (you stated you both were young) do not need parental consent for reproductive health care or birth control. The health care provider would review your partner’s medical history and discuss this with her. Gynecological exams are not usually done on women under 21 unless there is a problem. Your partner would receive counseling about birth control, and would be provided with her method of choice.

If you are interested, please call for an appointment. Family Planning clinics offer free STD testing to men & women. Gynecological exams and birth control are offered at little to no cost, depending on household size & income.