How to avoid an unplanned pregnancy

Various measures can be taken to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

Using condoms is a simple, affordable and readily available way to prevent sex from resulting in an unwanted pregnancy. A condom acts as a barrier that prevents sperm from entering the vagina.

To prevent an unwanted pregnancy, a method of contraception other than condoms may be considered, but using a condom is still important to protect yourself against sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).

Several methods of contraception are available to prevent pregnancy. You may prefer or avoid certain methods depending on your needs, your habits, your lifestyle, your health, your ability to use them properly or the associated cost. A nurse or doctor, at school or at a local community services centre (CLSC) for example, will be able to guide you to help you choose the method of contraception that is best for you. The method of contraception should also be chosen following a discussion between the partners concerned.

A minor who is 14 years of age or older may obtain contraception without their parent’s or guardian’s permission.

To find out about the different methods of contraception, their effectiveness as well as their advantages and disadvantages, go to the section Contraception of the Sex and U website.

Emergency contraception can be used when you don’t want to get pregnant and you have had sex without contraception or contraception was not used correctly such as:

• You missed a birth control pill
• The condom slipped or broke
• You were late for your contraceptive injection
• You forgot to change the patch or ring

There are two types of emergency contraception: oral emergency contraception and the copper intrauterine device (IUD).

Oral emergency contraception is commonly referred to as the “morning after pill”. It can be used up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected or poorly protected sex. However, the sooner it is taken after sex, the more effective it will be in preventing pregnancy.

Oral emergency contraception does not cause an abortion or termination of pregnancy. It prevents or delays ovulation to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. If pregnancy did occur, oral emergency contraception will not harm the embryo.

Oral emergency contraception has very few side effects and the rare effects are usually minimal. Nor does it affect the health or fertility of the person who uses it, even if they use it several times.

You can get oral emergency contraception at a youth clinic, a CLSC, an Aire ouverte or from a doctor, pharmacist or the nurse at your school.

Oral emergency contraception is not a method of contraception and is not a means of protection against STBBIs. After using oral emergency contraception, start or continue using contraception, including condoms. If necessary, get tested for STBBIs.

The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is also called an “emergency IUD”. It can be used up to seven days after unprotected or poorly protected sex. It is a very effective method of emergency contraception. It prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, thus preventing pregnancy. A nurse or doctor will be able to advise you on this method.

Removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation is not a reliable technique to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Semen may leak from the penis before ejaculation and cause pregnancy.

In the event of an unplanned pregnancy, tools and organizations are available to support you in your decision to continue the pregnancy or to terminate it. To find out more, go to the page Unplanned pregnancy: Making a decision.