Information on emergency contraception, a thread. Best applicable to BC, Canada.

It's a good idea to inform yourself of availability in your area if you or friends of yours have a chance of ever seeking emergency contraception. Men, this includes you.

A person seeking emergency contraception (EC here) is often in a state of high anxiety, and will rapidly experience relief and peace of mind once they have acquired it.

If their body weighs 175 lb or under, you can purchase Plan B (levonorgestrel, $40 CAD) or the generic ($14)

without a prescription, to store at a room-temperature location that suits you. Anybody can make this purchase. If you tell your pharmacist that you're storing it, they can try to give you a distant expiry date. This may also save you their verbal advice if you don't want it,

or don't want it at that time (e.g. you feel uncomfortable in line). Plan B is most effective taken immediately after the sex act of concern. It is 95% effective up to 24h later, and 61% effective up to 72h later. It is intended to be taken within 72h.

Plan B, like most medications, should be stored at room temperature in a dry place without temperature fluctuations. This is often a bedroom, away from the heat vent. Temperatures inside your fridge fluctuate daily and widely. Temperature fluctuation degrades

the efficacy of medication.

If the person weighs over 175 lb, Plan B may actually increase chance of pregnancy according to an oft-cited study. However, there are two other good options:

1) Ella, a medication which is 85% effective and can be taken within 5 days (120h) after the sex act but for which you do need a prescription. Your GP may refer you to a gyno so you can get the prescription. When your doctor writes this prescription,

they have the option to not yet fill in the date. In this case, you can fill the prescription when you actually need it without causing concern to your pharmacist over the date. If it grants you greater peace of mind, you can also store Ella with you and plan to renew your

prescription when that dose expires. However, it's a good idea to fill your doctor in on this plan if they're the type to question why you semi-regularly renew. Ella does not decrease in efficiency over the 120h time frame.

2) A copper IUD inserted within 5 days (120h)

after the sex act can function as EC and is 99.9% effective. Your resource for IUD insertion may be happy to expedite your appointment if you explain the urgency.

A copper IUD can last up to 12 years but can also have side effects including heavier and more painful periods.

This has been a thread about emergency contraception. Please remember that, as with many instances of personal and medical interaction, there may be a heavy emotional component for the person most affected.

Most contraceptive methods are non-emergency.

Physical procedures are the most definite way to acquire contraception, and of these, vasectomies are by far the least dangerous and invasive.

A note on men and emergency contraception (EC):

I'm fortunate to have befriended some men who provide more toiletries than most for any

women and AFAB hookups they bring home. I know this because they talk about it.

Your kit might include small makeup samples like foundation, a travel deodorant, and yes, that tampon your ex left behind. You can also save yourself and your friend lots of potential hassle by

picking up generic levonorgestrel (Plan B) the next time you make a condom run, especially if you're in an area that sometimes shames women for sex. Keep the receipt if you'd prefer she pay you back. I don't know your life.

Having EC on hand is not an excuse to be unsafe, but it will be nice should you ever need it.

Thank you for reading. Play safe, get tested at responsible intervals, and don't panic.

@UnrollThread

P.S. It's important for women over 175 lb to know not to take Plan B.

With the info in this thread, an immoral person could perform reproductive coercion. Reproductive coercion is "tricking" the other party into increased chance of pregnancy and is illegal.