Family Planning Plus

Yes, anytime you have unprotected intercourse, there is the chance of pregnancy.

You don’t mention what pill you skipped or how long you waited to restart a new pack. If you did not make up that missed pill and stopped taking your pills, then you were no longer protected by them.

Taking 5 birth control pills asap after unprotected intercourse and then another 5 twelve hours later is known as the Yutzpe regimen for emergency contraception. It was introduced in the early 1970’s to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Due to the high doses of estrogen with this protocol, nausea is a common side effect. Therefore, it is no longer used.

Plan B (and others) are  emergency contraceptives which have been available for about 8-9 years. These are easier, safer and have little to no side effects. Plan B contains a 1.5mg dose of levonorgesterol (a progestin found in most birth control pills). It is most effective when taken within 24 hours after unprotected intercourse, but can be effective when taken as long as 120 hours after unprotected sex. Plan B is available for purchase over the counter at most pharmacies for women 17 and older. Women under 17 require a prescription. It costs around $46.

You won’t be able to tell whether or not the 5 and 5 pill  regimen worked until your next period. If your next period is more than 1 week late, do a pregnancy test. Also, if you are interested in restarting your pills, contact your doctor or clinic for instructions on how to do this.

Family Planning Plus clinics offer Plan B, gynecological exams and birth control at little to no cost, depending on household size & income. Teens 17 and under receive free services.