Family Planning Plus

Anytime you have unprotected intercourse or a method failure like a torn condom, there is the risk of pregnancy.

If you are familiar with your menstrual cycles, you may be able to tell where you’re at fertility wise, within your cycle. Generally, you are less fertile the days just prior to and during your period. This is when pregnancy risk is lower. If you are in the middle of your cycle, that is usually your most fertile time, and pregnancy risk is higher. 

Depending on when this took place, Plan B would be a good option. Plan B decreases the risk of pregnancy by 75 to 80%. It is most effective when taken within 24 hours after unprotected intercourse. Research has shown that Plan B can also be effective when taken as long as 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. Plan B helps prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation. It can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies by women ages 17 and older. Women under 17 require a prescription. It costs about $46.

If your next period is more than 1 week late, do a pregnancy test.