Family Planning Plus

Pregnancy is possible but unlikely in this case. However, you can reduce your risk of pregnancy by taking the morning after pill (as long as the incident occurred within the past 120 hours).

Plan B One-step is a pill you can take after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy. It works best if it is used within the first 24 hours after sex but can be used up to 120 hours (or five days) after unprotected sex with decreased effects after the first three days.  The sooner you use Plan B, the more effective it is.

Plan B works by delaying ovulation (the monthly release of an egg), and possibly by interfering with fertilization (the union of sperm and egg) and implantation (when the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine lining. If you are already pregnant, it will not terminate the pregnancy. According to the manufacturer, the treatment prevents seven of eight pregnancies that otherwise would have occurred. 

Since you are under 17, you will need a prescription from a doctor to get Plan B at a pharmacy. You may want to ask one of your parents to purchase it for you (the cost is around $50, but may be more in urban areas). You can also get Plan B from a Family Planning or Planned Parenthood clinic. We offer Plan B at all of our clinics. Our services and supplies are free for individuals under age 18.

One of the most common side effects of Plan B use is menstrual irregularity.  Therefore, your next period could be earlier than usual, later than usual, or spotty (meaning you may bleed for a few days, stop, and then bleed some more). However, if you are a week or more late for your period, take a pregnancy test. If it is negative, repeat the test every two weeks until you have a normal period or a positive test result.

Also, if you and your partner were using withdrawal (without the benefit of a condom) to prevent pregnancy, there are some things you should know. 

Withdrawal or the pull out method is not a highly reliable method of birth control.  However, it is more effective when it is done correctly.   Of every 100 women whose partners use withdrawal, four will become pregnant each year if the method is done perfectly.  Of every 100 women whose partners use withdrawal, 27 will become pregnant if withdrawal is not always performed correctly.  

Couples who have great self-control, experience, and trust tend to use the pull out method more effectively. The male partner must be able to know exactly when ejaculation is coming and must be able to pull out before any semen is deposited in the vagina.  Generally, younger or less experienced men have a more difficult time predicting the time of ejaculation and have more difficulty pulling out in time. 

However, even if a man pulls out in time, pregnancy is still possible because of pre-seminal fluid (also called pre-ejaculate).  Pre-seminal fluid leaks out of the penis prior to ejaculation.  Sometimes this fluid contains sperm that is left in the urethra from a previous ejaculation.  If a man urinates between ejaculations before having sex again, it will help clear the urethra of sperm and may increase the effectiveness of withdrawal.  

You may want to think about starting a hormonal method of birth control if you plan to continue to have sex. When used correctly, hormonal methods of birth control are 99% effective. If you live near one of our offices, please call us for an appointment. Your visit will be free and completely confidential. We can talk with you about all of your birth control options and help you choose one that best fits your lifestyle. If you live further away, contact the Family Planning or Planned Parenthood office closest to you.