|
"
I just found out that I am pregnant and did not intend for this to happen. I don't know what to do and could really use some advice. Do you know someone I could speak with about this situation?" - Staff
Planned Parenthood Ottawa (PPO) offers Options Support Services-- free, confidential, one-on-one support sessions for women who want to speak with someone about their unintended pregnancy. The service is based on a pro-choice, non-judgmental, woman-focused philosophy. This means that evidence-informed information on parenting, adoption, and abortion are given equal consideration and presented in an unbiased manner. Our objective is to provide women facing an unintended pregnancy access to confidential and unbiased discussions with a volunteer support person trained to assist them in exploring the options they are interested in knowing about. It is our belief that a woman has the right to receive information about all the options available to her so that she can make a confident and well-informed choice regarding her unintended pregnancy.
If you are interested in booking an appointment with Planned Parenthood Ottawa, please call 613-226-3234 or email ppottawa@ppottawa.ca. You are able to book up to 3 one-hour sessions. If you would feel more comfortable bringing a friend, family member or partner, please do so.
... Show Answer
|
|
"
How would someone make an appointment to have an abortion with your clinic?" - Staff
Just to clarify, Planned Parenthood Ottawa is
not
a medical clinic and therefore we do not provide abortion services. There are 2 places in Ottawa where you can get an abortion.
- The Morgentaler Clinic is located at 65 Bank Street and their phone number is (613) 567-3360. The Morgentaler clinic is open Monday through Friday, but their clinic days are on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and some Saturdays (which is likely when you’ll get your appointment).
- The Ottawa Hospital (sometimes known as the Women’s Health Clinic) can be reached Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:00am-11:00am and Tuesdays from 7:30am-noon (they’re closed on Thursdays and weekends). Their phone number is (613) 761-4921.
Also, please know that both places can have wait times. Don’t hesitate to call either clinic or Planned Parenthood at (613) 226-3234 if you have any questions or concerns.
... Show Answer
|
|
"
I was having sex with my boyfriend last night and the condom broke. I don’t want to have a baby. What do I do now?" - Staff
If you have had sex and your method of contraception has failed (a broken condom, or missed a pill, for example) and are worried that you may be at risk for pregnancy, you may consider using emergency contraceptive pills (ECP, or “Plan B”).It is possible to do so up until 5 days after the unprotected vaginal intercourse takes place.
This method is more effective the sooner it is used. If you take them between 0-24 hours after unprotected sex, they are 95% effective; 24-48 hours, 85% effective; 49-72 hours, 58% effective.
Emergency contraceptive pills are just a high concentrated dose of hormones to prevent pregnancy from happening. ECP’s work differently depending where you are in your cycle. If you have not already ovulated, ECPs will prevent ovulation (release of an egg/ovum). If you have already ovulated, ECPs will make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterine wall, by changing the lining of the uterus. If you are already pregnant, ECPs will NOT affect your pregnancy. ECPs can only prevent pregnancy–- it is not an abortion pill.
You don't need parental consent to purchase the emergency contraceptive pills. You can get them from your doctor, a walk-in clinic or even a pharmacy. If you get them from a pharmacy, it will cost you $35-40 depending on the individual pharmacy. At the Sexual Health Centre (179 Clarence Street), you can get ECPs at a reduced cost (2$ if you are age 20 and under; 5$ if you 20-30 years old; and $10 if you are over 30 years of age). However, they are only open Monday to Friday. You can find the hours of the Sexual Health Centre below.
The doctor or pharmacist will ask you questions about your menstrual cycle to see when you would have been most likely to ovulate (ovulation happens 14 days before a woman's period and a woman remains fertile for 24-48 hours after ovulation; keep in mind, though, that live sperm can live inside a woman for 5-7 days). Then they will help you evaluate your risk for pregnancy and they may provide a recommendation as to whether the pill is right for you in this particular situation.
Please note that ECPs do NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Should you want to get tested for STIs you can do so at the Sexual Health Centre, with your family doctor or at a walk-in clinic.
If you're looking for a more long-term option, you could have an IUD inserted into your uterus. IUDs are good for emergency contraception for up to 5 days after unprotected sexual activity takes place. A main difference between IUDs and regular EC pills is that they can be left in place to provide ongoing birth control for 3-5 years. However, IUDs can cost a few hundred dollars, but may be covered by some private health care plans. IUDs must be inserted by a medical professional.
Unfortunately, Planned Parenthood Ottawa does not offer clinical services. To speak with a nurse or doctor you can see your family physician, go to a walk in clinic, or consult one of the two clinics in Ottawa that specialize in contraception, sexually transmitted infections and other sexual health matters: the Sexual Health Centre and the Shirley Greenberg Clinic at the Riverside Hospital.
The Sexual Health Centre is located in the Byward Market at 179 Clarence Street and can be reached by phone at 613-234-4641. They offer reduced prices on many types of birth control and have doctors and nurses on staff (see their schedule below). The Sexual Health Centre has walk-in hours or appointment times available, depending on what is more convenient for you.
Monday: Walk-in Clinic: 9am-11:30am; 1pm-4pm
Tuesday: Walk-in Clinic: 1pm-7pm
Wednesday: Appointments only 8:45am-11:30am; Walk-in Clinic 1pm-4pm
Thursday: Appointments only 8:45am-11:30am; Walk-in Clinic 1pm-7pm
Friday: Walk-in Clinic 9:30am-12:30pm
To reach the Shirley Greenberg Contraceptive Clinic (also known as the Shirley Greenberg Women's Health Centre) for more information, or to make an appointment, you can call the Riverside Hospital (613-722-7000).
Please don't hesitate to contact Planned Parenthood Ottawa if you have any additional questions.
... Show Answer
|