Should I Take Plan B to be Safe?

Published: September 05, 2018
Dear TeenHealthFX,

I lost my virginity Saturday night (sept 1st). We used a condom but I am not on birth control and he ejactulated inside of me. My period is two days late which is pretty normal for me but I’m just paranoid now. Should I take a plan b pill to be safe? I know the condom prevents pregnancy but there’s still like a 2% chance so I am freaking out. Tomorrow will be the fifth day since I had sex so it’s my last chance to take the pill.

Signed: Should I Take Plan B to be Safe?

Dear Should I Take Plan B to be Safe?,

TeenHealthFX would like to begin by stating that we recommend all sexually active teenagers use condoms every time they have sexual intercourse. Condoms are the only form of birth control that can protect from sexually transmitted infections, and should be used in addition to another form of birth control for best protection.   

Pregnancy occurs when semen gets in the vagina or on the vulva. TeenHealthFX cannot conduct a proper pregnancy diagnosis online. The most accurate way to determine this is by conducting a pregnancy test. You can purchase this test from your local drug store, or visit your doctor in order to have a blood test done by a medical professional. If you choose a home drug test, keep in mind that the optimal time to conduct this test is the day after your period is due and during the first morning urine.  

You inquired about the Plan B morning-after pill. This pill:

  • Works best when you take it within 3 days after sex.
  • May cause side effects. Your next period may come earlier or later, or be lighter/heavier/more spotty. You may also experience an upset stomach, feel lightheaded or dizzy, or have tender breasts for a short while when you take the morning-after pill.
  • If you throw up within 2 hours of taking the pill, it will not work and you’ll need to take it again.
  • Take Planned Parenthood’s quiz to see if emergency contraception is right for you.

 

Since you are sexually active, TeenHealthFX suggests scheduling an appointment with your gynecologist or adolescent medicine specialist. Your doctor can discuss birth control options that best suit your needs. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers. 

FX suggests that you check out the links in our Resource of the Month: Planned Parenthood Resources on Safer Sex so that you can learn about sexual readiness, how pregnancy happens, pregnancy tests, emergency contraception, birth control, STDs and more. The more educated you are about these topics, the more likely you will make healthy decisions for yourself when it comes to your sexual health. 

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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