Question:
Hello Dr.! I had an abortion on 11/06/09. I had sexual intercourse (unprotected, yes I know I’m stupid) one week later on11/13/09. Can I take plan b. Please respond. I would appreciate it. Thanks!!!

Answer:
Dear Keisha,

Thank you for your question about Plan B, emergency contraception.  Since you had unprotected sex one week after an abortion, you are “on the border” of having a risk of getting pregnant.  I usually advise that if you have sex within one week of an abortion, there is very little risk of getting pregnant.  I have seen women get pregnant by having sex 1-2 weeks after an abortion.  So, it is up to you what kind of risk you want to take. At a minimum, taking Plan B might help alleviate your worries for the next month.

You are in the right time frame to take Plan B (up to 5 days after unprotected sex).  The sooner you take it, the better chance you have of it working.   If you decide to take it, it would be best to take it tonight, or first thing in the morning.  You can take both pills at the same time – you do not need to wait to take the second one until 12 hours later.

For other readers in NYC – our  Early Options offices dispense Plan B for only $20.

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan

$2o Plan B! (emergency contraception)

a.k.a. Morning After Pill

When you call our offices, mention “Doctor Joan” and get Plan B for $20.  (NYC Pharmacy price: $60)

Get it BEFORE you need it!

At this price, you can afford to buy it before you need it.  Keep a pack at home.  The sooner you take it, the better chance you have of avoiding pregnancy. 

You can now get Plan B without a prescription from a pharmacy in the United States.  However, it can be expensive. Here are ways you can get inexpensive Plan B.

1) Discounted Plan B
If you live in New York City, you can get Plan B for $20 at an Early Options™ center. You can get discounted Plan B at their convenient offices in Manhattan and in Brooklyn. Also, if the Plan B doesn’t work, Early Options has the most advanced medical services to end early pregnancy.

2) Do you know you can make your own Plan B?
If you have an extra pack of birth control pills, you can make your own Plan B. Below are instructions on how to make it yourself.

Emergency Contraception in United States of America
Dedicated Products / Progestin Only

Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:
Plan B (available over the counter)
More information: got2planb.com

Dedicated Products / Progestin-Estrogen Combined
Take 5 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 5 more pills 12 hours later:
Alesse

Oral Contraceptives used for EC / Progestin-Estrogen Combined
Note: in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used
Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later:
Ogestrel
Ovral

Take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later:
Cryselle
Jolessa
Levlen
Levora
Lo/Ovral
Low-Ogestrel
Nordette
Portia
Quasense
Seasonale
Seasonique

Take 5 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 5 more pills 12 hours later:
Aviane
Lessina
Levlite
Lutera

Take 6 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 6 more pills 12 hours later:
Lybrel

Our country-by-country information comes primarily from the 2002 Directory of Hormonal Contraceptives, published by International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). We have supplemented their list with reports from the field and welcome additions and/or corrections.
This information was reproduced from: ec.princeton.edu/countryquery.asp.