Family Planning Plus

Whenever you have unprotected sexual intercourse, pregnancy is possible. Without knowing more about the timing of the intercourse in relation to your menstrual cycle, it is difficult to say how likely pregnancy might be. Generally, your risk of pregnancy from one act of sexual intercourse is probably less than 10%. However, each time you repeat unprotected sex, your risk increases.  If you continue to have unprotected sex for one year, you have an 85% risk that you will be pregnant by the end of that year.

Plan B (the morning after pill) can be used to reduce your risk of pregnancy, but it must be used within five days of the unprotected sex. The sooner you use it, the more effective it is.  Plan B is a hormone pill that works just like regular birth control pills by preventing ovulation (the monthly release of an egg), interfering with fertilization, and possibly preventing implantation.  The hormones in Plan B and regular birth control pills are similar to hormones that are produced during pregnancy.  The brain sees these hormone shifts and recognizes it as a pregnancy.  The brain then sends a message back down to the ovaries to suppress ovulation as eggs are no longer needed because of the perceived pregnancy.  As long as the brain continues to see these hormone levels, ovulation does not occur.  Plan B temporarily prevents ovulation since the hormones are delivered in one large dose.  Eventually, hormone levels return to normal and the contraceptive effect wears off.  Women using regular birth control pills theoretically never ovulate while taking pills as they are receiving a steady dose of hormones.

If you are 17 or older, you can purchase Plan B at most drug stores without a prescription. You will need to ask the pharmacist for Plan B as it is located behind the counter. You may also need to show ID to prove your age. Plan B is around $50. If you are under 17, you will need a prescrition from a doctor. You can also get Plan B from a Family Plannning or Planned Parenthood clinic. We offer Plan B at all of our clinics.

Plan B is meant for emergency one-time use only. If you plan to continue to have sex, please use condoms or another method of birth control. If you live near one of our offices, please call us for an appointment. We can talk with you about all of your contraceptive options and help you choose a method that best fits your lifestyle. If you live further away, contact the nearest Family Planning or Planned Parenthood office.