I think we’ve all been in the situation where we’re not sure if our birth control method is working, had a condom burst, or had unprotected sex then regretted it.
Previously, if you didn’t want to be pregnant, you would have to assume you were fertile every single day and take emergency contraception (EC) regardless of when it happened. But now, since you’re using the fertility awareness method, you can know exactly when EC is needed and when you can relax and not have to think about it.
Basically, depending on where you are in your cycle you may or may not need EC. If it’s a fertile day of your cycle and you don’t want to get pregnant you might want to take it. But if it’s an infertile day you can be confident that EC is totally unnecessary and not have to worry one little bit*.
When you might want to take EC
- Any day that you have had mucus
- Any day within a count-of-three
- Any day that you are confused about your mucus observation
- Any day that you forgot to check for mucus
When you don’t need to worry about EC or pregnancy
- Any day that is a dry day not within a count-of-three
- Any day that is part of your basic infertile pattern
- Any day from the fourth high temperature after ovulation until the end of your cycle
Which EC should you take?
Click here for a fact sheet on all the different options.
What you take may depend on where you live and what is available to you. It also depends on how long it has been since unprotected sex since they only work up to a certain time.
Pills
In North America the hormonal pill called Plan B is the go-to option. This can be taken up to five (5) days after unprotected sex, but is most effective if taken within 72 hours, and the sooner the better.
There are other pill options available, and they work in slightly different ways. All of them work by delaying ovulation, but if you have already ovulated they won’t change anything, and they are between 50-60% effective.
Copper IUD
A lot of people don’t know this, but the copper IUD can be used as an emergency contraception up to seven (7) days after unprotected sex. This will need to be inserted by a clinician. If you haven’t ovulated yet it will prevent fertilization, and if you have already ovulated it will prevent implantation.
The IUD is the most effective of the EC options (99%), and can be kept in as a long-term method of birth control if desired.
Where do you get it?
The pills are often available over-the-counter in pharmacies and at drop-in clinics.
If you live in my province of British Columbia there is an IUD Rapid Access Network where you can find a place to get it inserted in a hurry.
And regardless of where you live, call your local affiliated family planning helpline and they can tell you where to get it (Canada, USA, Australia, UK, everywhere else).
This is yet another reason why the fertility awareness method is so amazing – you’ll know when to take action and when you can relax* and have sex with no pregnancy worries whatsoever.
*Sexually transmitted infections are a whole other ball game, and you should definitely get checked out for those if you don’t know the status of your partner or are not in a monogamous relationship.
Interested in learning more about the fertility awareness method? Have a question about emergency contraception? Check out my programs or contact me for more information.