Birth Control Methods: Emergency Contraception Pill / Question
Published: February 27, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 16-year-old and have just started birth control pills. I started taking Desogen last Sunday at 11:30pm and have taken it between 9pm and 11pm daily since then as prescribed. Tonight, Sunday at 11:45pm I was having sex and our condom broke when he was having an orgasm. I believe that some sperm may have entered me. Do I need to worry? Should I take the morning after pill? Where can I get them if I need one? How much do they cost?
Signed: Condom Broke - Morning After Pill
Dear Condom Broke - Morning After Pill,
Most likely, the pill has not taken effect yet. Because of this, TeenHealthFX thinks you should call your doctor or teen health center that prescribed your birth control pills. The doctor may think that it is a good idea for you to take emergency contraception (commonly called the morning after pill and now being marketed as "Plan B") within 72 hours after the accidental condom breakage to try to prevent pregnancy.
Your doctor that prescribed the birth control pills (Desogen) will also be able to give you a prescription for emergency contraception. If you were seen at a teen health center, they may even be able to give you the medication for free or at a discounted rate. The average cost for these pills at a pharmacy is $25 - $30.
You can check out the emergency contraception website NOT-2-LATE.com which can link you to providers of emergency contraception in the United States and parts of Canada. Or, if you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health at (973) 889.6350 or your local Planned Parenthood. Remember, wherever you go, you need to start taking the pills within 72 hours. When you make the call, let the receptionist or appointment maker know that your call is urgent.
By the way, we are glad to hear you are taking responsibility for your sexual health by practicing multiple methods of birth control. Unfortunately, your condom broke, but please always use condoms along with the pill. This offers you STD protection and double protection against pregnancy.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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