FAQs about Birth Control

Do you have to be a certain age to get birth control? Do I need my parent's permission?

You don't need to be a certain age to get birth control and in Ontario, you also don't need your parents' permission.

What if I need birth control and can't pay for it?

If you need birth control and can't afford it, the sexual health clinics can happily discuss affordable contraception options with you. They also offer affordable emergency contraception (Plan B Pill).

Please note that if you have a valid OHIP card, your contraception may be covered. Find out more here.

What do I do if I miss a pill? (link to fact sheet)

If you miss a pill, follow these directions:

  • Take it as soon as you remember. This may mean taking 2 pills in a day.
  • If you miss 2 pills in a row during the first 2 weeks of the pack, take 2 pills on the day you remember and 2 the next day. Use a backup method of birth control if you have sex in the next 7 days. If you had unprotected sex after missing a pill, use emergency contraception.
  • If you miss 2 pills in a row in the 3rd week of the pack, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack on the day you remember. You may not have a period this month. If you had unprotected sex after missing a pill, use emergency contraception.
  • If you miss 3 pills in a row, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack on the day you remember. You may not have a period this month. Use a backup method of birth control if you have sex in the first 7 days of the new pack. If you had unprotected sex after missing a pill, use emergency contraception.

Where can I get Emergency Contraception?

The Sexual Health Centre offers affordable Emergency Contraception (e.g. Plan B, Ella, Copper IUD). Plan B is available without a prescription at any pharmacy in Ontario or Québec. It is important to take Plan B as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is not effective if it has been more than 5 days since the unprotected sexual contact. For more information visit our Emergeny Contraception section.

If I am using birth control, do we still need to use condoms?

Yes. Birth control (e.g IUD/IUS, the pill, the patch, the ring, or the shot) only helps to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Using condoms and birth control together help to further decrease the chances of an unplanned pregnancy. You can order free condoms here.

Do any birth control methods help to prevent STBBIs?

Other than being abstinent, condoms are the only method that will help reduce the risk of getting an STBBI.

Where can I get birth control?

Birth control is available through your health care provider, walk-in clinics and Ottawa Public Health. The Ottawa sexual health clinics, as well as other locations across the city offer free condoms. Use the Sex It Smart condom locator to find a location near you. Free condoms can also be ordered here. You can also buy them at drug stores and grocery stores that have a pharmacy. IUDs are prescribed and inserted by a doctor or a nurse practitioner. Low cost birth control options are available at any of Ottawa Public Health's sexual health clinics.

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