Birth control, also known as contraception, help prevent pregnancy. Many methods are very effective at preventing pregnancy. However, no method is 100% guaranteed.
- 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) and the Implant need a prescription from and insertion by a doctor.
At UBC, Student Health Service can prescribe IUDs and the Implant. They both 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. Walk-in clinics can also provide prescriptions. Find a health clinic near you.
- You can buy barrier, non-hormonal methods (e.g., internal and external condoms) at any pharmacy, sex toy store, or drugstore.
Free internal and external condoms can be found on campus at the Wellness Centre, SVPRO or AMS SASC.
- Maximize the effectiveness of your birth control
- Follow the instructions for how to use the method.
- Ask your doctor about it or call 811 to speak with a nurse 24/7.
- 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.
How to get an emergency contraception
If you had sex that could result in pregnancy and did so without birth control or 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, and is not meant to be used as regular birth control.
Emergency contraception is available as a pill, and you can take it within 5 days of vaginal sex. The sooner you take it after sex, the more effective it is. Taking it within the first 12 to 24 hours after sex is the most effective.
In BC, 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.
Pregnancy
If you’re concerned that you may be pregnant, you can 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 the Student Health Service on campus, or find a clinic in Vancouver.
