Family Planning Plus

First of all, no one has the right to force anyone to have sex. That is called rape, regardless of whether or not you are in a relationship with that person. You have every right to press charges. If you wish to do so, you can contact the local police or your local women’s shelter who will provide you with an advocate to help you through this difficult time (both emotionally and legally).

Secondly, it sounds as if you have been abused for a while now – maybe not physically, but emotionally. Abusers often try to isolate their victims by cutting them off from friends and family. I think you have made a good decision to leave. Whether or not you decide to press charges for the sexual assault, I would recommend that you contact your local domestic violence agency for support. Their services are free and they can provide you with a safe place to stay if you don’t have anywhere else to go. To find the

If it has been less than five days since the unwanted sexual incident occurred, you can take the morning after pill to reduce your risk of pregnancy.

Plan B One-Step is a pill you can use after unprotected sex. 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) with decreased contraceptive effects after the third day.  The sooner you use Plan B, the more effective it is. According to the manufacturer, the treatment prevents seven of eight pregnancies that otherwise would have occurred.

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.

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 prescription from a doctor. You can also get Plan B from a Family Planning or Planned Parenthood clinic for free or at a reduced cost. We offer Plan B at all of our clinics.

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).  

If you miss your next period by one week or more, take a pregnancy test. If it is negative, repeat the test every two weeks until you either have a normal period or a positive test result.

I hope you will make the decision to leave this relationship and get help as soon as possible.