Anytime you have unprotected intercourse or a condom failure, there is the risk of pregnancy. If your partner is on a long term method of birth control, like pills, Depo, patch, etc., and she has been taking it correctly & consistently, then she is protected and does not need Plan B. If she is not on a regular birth control method, then Plan B would be an option.
Plan B is most effective when taken within 24 hours after unprotected intercourse. However, studies show that it can be effective when taken as long as 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. Plan B helps prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation. After taking Plan B, your partner may experience some irregular spotting or bleeding during this menstrual cycle . Her next period may come a little earlier or later than usual, and it may be spottier than usual.
If her next period is more than 1 week late, perform a pregnancy test, either at home or in a clinic. Discuss with your partner the possibility of starting a long term birth control method like I mentioned above.
Family Planning clinics offer free STD screenings to men and women. Birth control, Plan B and pregnancy tests are provided at little to no cost, depending on your household size & income.
3. February 2012
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