Birth Control Services

The TBDHU Sexual Health Clinic provides clients with a number of birth control options, including:

• Birth control pills
• Evra patch
• Depo-Provera injection (“depo shot”)
• Inter-uterine system (Mirena)
• Inter-uterine device (Kyleena)
• Inter-uterine device (Copper IUD)
• Nuvaring vaginal ring
• Nexplanon implant

These are sold at the Sexual Health Clinic, often at a lower cost than most pharmacies. Some may also be covered by OHIP+ if you are eligible for that program. For specific costs, see the Fees section below.

You will need a prescription for the TBDHU Sexual Health Program even if you have a prescription from your own doctor or primary care provider. 

To get a prescription, please contact the Sexual Health Clinic. 

All Clinic services are confidential.

There are two types of emergency contraception available in Canada: “morning after pills” and the copper intrauterine device (IUD).

Emergency contraception can help prevent unwanted pregnancy if:

• You’ve had sex without using birth control.
• The condom broke, tore, slipped off or was misused.
• You forgot to take your hormonal birth control (for example, you missed pills, forgot to put on or change your birth control patch or forgot to insert or change your contraceptive vaginal ring).
• You are late in receiving your Depo-Provera shot.
• You were sexually assaulted.

Emergency contraception must be taken or inserted within hours or days of unprotected intercourse. For more information on emergency contraception, visit SexandU.ca or call the Sexual Health Clinic at (807) 625-5976.

Important Information About Emergency Contraception Pills

The faster you take this medication, the less likely you are to become pregnant.

You do not need a prescription for most emergency contraceptive (LNG) pills in Ontario, such as Plan B, Norlevo, Option 2, and Next Choice. Some “morning after pills” are available from pharmacies. However, these pills tend to cost less at TBDHU’s Sexual Health Clinic (see Fees section below).

If our Sexual Health Clinic is not open (clinic hours), it is strongly recommended that you go to a pharmacy rather than wait. Time is of the essence.

Emergency contraceptive pills and weight 

Emergency contraceptive pills are less effective in people weighing 165 to 176 pounds (75-80 kg), and are not effective in people over 176 pounds (80 kg). 

Clients who weigh 165 pounds or more should ask a health professional for advice on emergency contraception. The UPA (ella) pill may be more effective for clients weighing over 165 pounds (75 kg). The UPA (ella) pill is available by prescription only. 

Emergency contraception pills should not be used as your main form of birth control.

In accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, the Board of Health has approved a User Fee Policy for goods and services for which a fee is charged. 

^{1 Resolution 120-2015 (Sept. 16, 2015)} | ^{2 Resolution 152-2015 (Dec. 16, 2015)} | ^{3 Resolution 57-2017 (June 21, 2017)} | ^{4 Resolution 27-2017 (March 15, 2017)} | ^{5 Resolution 37-2019 (May 15, 2019)} | ^{6 Resolution 69-2020 (Sept 16, 2020) |7 Resolution 24-2021 (June 16, 2021)}