Based in British Columbia, Options for Sexual Health (OPT) is Canada's largest non-profit provider of sexual health services.  We are a pro-choice organization with programs in four areas: clinical services, advocacy, education programs, and the 1-800 SEX SENSE information and referral line.

You may have seen our ad on the bus:
“It’s not weird to ask”.

Look for us at Shambhala to find out how to make your “in-tents” experience a safe one!  Or, call our toll-free 1-800 SEX SENSE line (from anywhere in BC) to receive confidential information and referrals on sex, birth control, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and pregnancy options (including parenting, adoption, abortion), sexual orientation, sexual assault, and basically anything to do with sexuality.

Want to find out more?  Visit our newly revised website at www.optionsforsexualhealth.org.

OPTions For Sexual Health is will be providing the ECP (Plan B) at Shambhala.

 What is it?

Plan B is an Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) that can be used by a woman to prevent pregnancy. Plan B can be taken after unprotected vaginal intercourse or a known or suspected birth control failure (i.e. broken condom, missed pills). It contains the hormone progesterone (levonorgestrel). Plan B is most effective if you take it as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, but can be used up to 120 hours (5 days) to prevent pregnancy. Plan B is not the same as the abortion pill (RU486) and does not work if you are already pregnant.

Plan B is for emergency use only. Plan B is not recommended for regular use because it is less effective than regular birth control pills.

How does it work?

You must take Plan B within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. Plan B works in one of three ways:

• by keeping your ovaries from releasing an egg
  

• prevents fertilization (sperm and egg meeting)
  

• may prevent implantation
  

How effective is it?

Plan B is the most effective ECP, reducing the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. Plan B may not work if:

• a fertilized egg was already implanted in your uterus before taking the pills
  

• too much time went by between unprotected intercourse and taking the pills

How do I use Plan B?

Take the two white pills together as soon as possible, within 5 days of unprotected intercourse.

Plan B usually causes less nausea than other ECPs that contain estrogen. If you do vomit, a replacement dose is not necessary unless the pills are visible in the vomit or it has been less than one hour since you took the pills.

Where do I go/ send someone to get Plan B at Shambhala?

You can go to First Aid and request to speak to the OPTions Nurse, Jane Wilde.

How Much is it?

$15.00 per dose, cash only.