Contraceptive methods help prevent pregnancy. Many methods are very effective at preventing pregnancy; however, no method is 100% guaranteed.
Types of contraception
- Learn about birth control
Understanding the different types of birth control can help you make an informed decision.
- Get your preferred contraception
Discuss the options with your sexual partner(s) before getting the contraception.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) need a prescription from and insertion by a doctor.
At UBC, Student Health Service can prescribe IUDs. IUDs may have additional costs.
- Hormonal methods (e.g., pill, patch, ring), require a prescription from a doctor and can be bought at a pharmacy.
At UBC, book an appointment with Student Health Service for a prescription or to get more information.
- You can buy barrier methods (e.g., internal and external condoms) at any pharmacy, sex toy store, or drugstore.
At UBC, you can get condoms at the Wellness Centre or AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC).
- Maximize the effectiveness of your birth control
- Follow the instructions for how to use the method.
- Ask your doctor about it.
- Learn more about the birth control method.
- Combine contraception methods. The most commonly combined methods are the pill and external condoms. Together, they provide more protection against pregnancy and STIs.
Emergency contraception
If you had sex without contraception, or if your contraception failed during sex (e.g., the condom broke, or the pill wasn’t taken consistently), emergency contraception (EC) may be an option. Since emergency contraception drastically changes your hormone levels, it is only meant to be used occasionally, not as regular birth control.
EC is available as a pill and can be taken within 5 days of vaginal sex. The sooner you take it after sex, the more effective it is. Taking it within the first 12-24 hours after unprotected intercourse is the most effective.
In British Columbia, you can purchase emergency contraception from any pharmacy. You can get a prescription from a physician at Student Health Service or another doctor’s office to reduce the cost of EC and/or to find out about your options for EC.
- Ask for a same-day appointment to get the prescription as quickly as possible.
- Let the pharmacist or doctor know how many hours have passed since intercourse. They might have suggestions for pregnancy prevention.
- Talk with them about which emergency contraceptive is the best option for you.
- After your doctor’s appointment, you’ll still need to buy the EC from a pharmacy. Ask the pharmacists or check with your health insurance provider to see if the EC is covered.
Learn more
Pregnancy
If you’re concerned that you, a friend, or partner may be pregnant, you may wish to use a pregnancy test.
You can buy pregnancy tests at the Wellness Centre, or at any drug store or pharmacy in British Columbia.
A doctor or nurse can also administer a pregnancy test and discuss your birth control or pregnancy options. Book an appointment with Student Health Service on campus, or find a clinic in Vancouver.