Handle "What If?" Scenarios: Teen Guide to Contraception Emergencies

Handle "What If?" Scenarios: Teen Guide to Contraception Emergencies
Hey teens! Birth control is awesome for preventing pregnancy, but sometimes things don't go as planned.
This guide covers common "What If?" scenarios—like missed pills, broken condoms, or needing emergency contraception (Plan B).
Your Emergency Action Plan
Need Emergency Contraception?
Plan B works best within 72 hours, but effectiveness decreases each day. Purchase at any pharmacy for $40-50 without showing ID. Most effective for people under 165 lbs.
Other EC Options
Ella works up to 5 days with consistent effectiveness but requires doctor's prescription. Copper IUD (Paragard) is 99.9% effective when inserted within 5 days and provides 10+ years of protection.
What's Next
Take EC as directed on package, not splitting doses. Use condoms for 7 days minimum. Track your next period - if more than a week late, take a pregnancy test. Schedule appointment to discuss regular birth control methods.
Missed Birth Control Pills?
Combined Pills
Missed 1 pill? Take it ASAP and continue your pack. You're still protected against pregnancy.
Missed 2+ pills? Take the most recent missed pill immediately, discard others. Use condoms for next 7 days. If missed pills were in week 3, skip the placebo week.
Progestin-Only Pills
Late by >3 hours? Take it immediately, even if it means taking 2 pills in one day. Use backup method (condoms) for the next 48 hours.
Had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours? Get Plan B as soon as possible - effectiveness decreases every hour.
Pro Tips
Set a daily alarm on your phone that won't get silenced. Keep pills next to something you use daily (toothbrush, phone charger). Consider longer-acting methods like IUD, implant, or shot if you struggle with daily pills.
Condom Breaks or Slips?
If a condom mishap happens, stay calm and follow these specific steps:
1. Stop Immediately
Stop sexual activity as soon as you notice. Remove the broken condom carefully to prevent sperm leakage. Wait 30 minutes before using a new condom with fresh lubrication.
2. Get Emergency Contraception
Take Plan B within 72 hours (the sooner, the better - it's 95% effective within 24 hours). Ella works up to 5 days. Both are available at pharmacies, Planned Parenthood, or school health centers.
3. STI Check
Visit a clinic for testing 7-14 days after the incident. For HIV exposure, ask about PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) within 72 hours. Many clinics offer free or low-cost confidential testing for teens.
4. Prevention
Check expiration dates before use. Store condoms away from heat (not in wallets or gloveboxes). Use water-based lubricants only (oil-based ones damage latex). Practice proper application: leave space at the tip and roll down completely.
Quick Tips for Any Scenario
Stay Calm
Breathe deeply for 30 seconds. Pregnancy doesn't happen instantly, and you have at least 72 hours to take action!
Act Fast
Plan B works best within 24 hours (95% effective) vs. 72 hours (89% effective). Don't wait until tomorrow!
Know Where to Go
Save these three contacts: 24-hour pharmacy, local teen clinic (like Planned Parenthood), and your doctor's after-hours line.
Talk It Out
Text "SOS + contraception" to a trusted person. Having support makes getting Plan B or visiting a clinic less scary.
When to Call a Doctor
Late Period
If your period is more than 7 days late after taking Plan B, or you experience early pregnancy symptoms (nausea, tender breasts, fatigue). Don't panic, but don't wait longer than 2 weeks.
Severe Pain
Seek immediate care for intense cramping that doesn't improve with OTC pain relievers, bleeding that soaks through 2+ pads hourly, or fever above 100.4°F after getting an IUD or adjusting birth control.
STI Concerns
Don't ignore urination pain, unusual discharge, itching, or sores within 2-14 days after a condom failure. Many STIs are easily treated when caught early but can cause serious problems if ignored.
Method Issues
Schedule a consultation if you've missed 3+ pills in a month, experienced multiple condom failures, or feel stressed about your current method. Long-acting options like IUDs or implants are 99% effective with zero daily effort.
You're In Control!
72
Hours
Window for most effective emergency contraception use
7
Days
Use backup after missing 2+ combined pills
48
Hours
Backup needed after late mini-pill
Knowing how to handle these "What If?" moments means you can stay safe and stress less. Got questions? Ask a healthcare provider.