Birth Control and Unplanned Pregnancy

Unplanned Pregnancy

If you're experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, we're here to help. Contact us to speak with a registered nurse about all of your options. We can provide you with unbiased information, support and referrals for:

Parenting
Adoption
Pregnancy termination

All services are private - we cannot share anything without your written consent.

Morning-after pill

Forgot your birth control? Condom broke?

You can take the morning-after pill within five days of having sex to reduce your chance of getting pregnant. The sooner you take it, the better it works. You can get it from:

Sexual Health Centres - The price ranges from $12 - $17, depending on type
Outreach nurse
Any pharmacy at a cost - Free through OHIP+ for ages 24 and under with a prescription

If you forgot to take your birth control on time, you can get back on your birth control schedule.

Birth control

The Sexual Health Centres prescribe birth control for those aged 24 and under after you're seen by our nurse practitioner.

The Sexual Health Centres sell birth control at a lower cost if you're:

34 years old and under
Have a prescription from a doctor or a nurse practitioner
Prices range from $10 to $13 per month

Many types of birth control like some pills, IUDs and the morning-after pill are free at all pharmacies through the OHIP+ program for those 24 years of age and under with a health card and prescription.

If you need help deciding what birth control is right for you, visit 'It’s a plan' or contact us.

Hormonal birth control options

Hormonal birth control:

Works to stop ovulation (monthly egg release)
Changes the cervical mucous, making it difficult for sperm to get into the uterus
Helps regulate period
Reduces bleeding and cramping
Can help with acne and PMS symptoms
Is effective and safe

Birth control pill
- Must take at the same time every day
Birth control patch
- Applied once a week for three weeks, then removed for one week (period week)
- Patch placed on the buttocks, upper outer arms, lower stomach or upper body (not breasts)
NuvaRing
- Flexible plastic ring is inserted into the vagina by you for three weeks, and then removed for one week (period week)
Depo-Provera
- Hormone injection given by a health care provider in the arm or buttocks
- Given every three months
Intrauterine system
- T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health care provider
- Contains the hormone progestin, which thins the lining of the uterus and thickens cervical mucous
- Most effective form of birth control
- Lasts three to five years, depending on type
- Fertility returns immediately when removed
Nexplanon
- Device inserted in upper arm by a health care provider
- Can last up to three years

Non-hormonal birth control options

Non-hormonal options work to prevent the egg and sperm from meeting.

Intrauterine device
- T-shaped copper inserted into the uterus by a health care provider
- The copper changes the chemistry of the uterus and stops sperm from fertilizing the egg
- Lasts up to 10 years depending on the type
- Fertility returns immediately when removed
Condom (external)
- Fits over the penis
- Prevents sperm from entering the vagina
- Comes in different sizes, colours, flavours and styles
- Free at any Public Health location
- Protects against some sexually transmitted infections
Condom (insertive)
- Inserted into the vagina by you
- Lines the inside of the vagina and covers some of the genitals
- Free at any Public Health location
- Protects against some sexually transmitted infections

Breastfeeding and birth control

The estrogen in birth control can reduce your milk supply, but there are estrogen free options available.

Visit Niagara Parents or your health care provider for support.