Other Services
Birth Control and Contraception Services
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception, more commonly known as the “morning after pill,” is a contraceptive or birth control method that can prevent pregnancy immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, but before pregnancy begins. Reasons for unprotected sex and contraceptive failure vary greatly, but some situations include sexual assault or rape, the condom breaking, or not having access to a contraceptive method during the time of intercourse. Emergency contraception is intended for emergency situations, and not as a regular method of birth control.
Emergency contraception (EC) prevents pregnancy by delaying ovulation, inhibiting fertilization and/or preventing implantation. Emergency contraception will not interrupt an established pregnancy and does not function as “abortion pill.” Emergency contraception will not be effective if taken after a woman is already pregnant.
Emergency contraception should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse and can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89%. Some clinical trials have shown that efficacy (how well it works) was greatest when emergency contraception was taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse, decreasing somewhat during each subsequent 24-hour period. However, in some areas, emergency contraception may be available as many as 5 days after unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception is now available over the counter at pharmacies to women over 18. For women under 18, EC is available by prescription only. Any woman seeking EC is encouraged to call Philadelphia Women's Center for more information. Philadelphia Women’s Center generally offers EC every day of the week except Sunday and Monday, by appointment only.
Implanon (3 year implantable birth control method)
Implanon is available at Philadelphia Women's Center, and is covered by many insurance plans. Please call the office for more information or to schedule an appointment.
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
There are 2 kinds of IUDs available and offered at Philadelphia Women's Center, lasting between 5-10 years. Please call the office for more informationor to schedule an appointment.
Pregnancy Testing
Philadelphia Women’s Center requires that all patients have taken a positive pregnancy test prior to scheduling an appointment, and offers free walk-in pregnancy testing during regular office hours (usually 8am-5pm). Results are available quickly, and a counselor will speak with each woman about her results. While an appointment is not required, patients are encouraged to call ahead to determine the best time to come in. For patients with positive test results, an appointment for an abortion can usually be scheduled within a few days.
Options Counseling
Women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy are encouraged to schedule an options counseling appointment at no charge at the Center. During this appointment, the counselor can answer questions and provide information on all pregnancy options, provide comfort and referrals, and a confidential and nonjudgmental space for the patient to discuss her feelings. Please call the Center if you would like to schedule an options counseling appointment.
Ultrasound for Gestational Sizing
Women who wish to have an ultrasound, but are not necessarily planning to terminate the pregnancy, can schedule an appointment with Philadelphia Women’s Center on any of our procedure days. The office offers ultrasound services that are fast, convenient, and will be able to determine exactly how far a patient is in her pregnancy (the result will be accurate to within a few days). This information may help a woman in a variety of ways, whether she chooses to continue with her pregnancy or not. Ultrasounds will be done for a fee that will be applied to the cost of an abortion for any woman who chooses to terminate the pregnancy. While PWC’s ultrasound scan will not be able to detect sex, or any fetal problems or abnormalities, our staff will be happy to answer any questions that a patient might have about her ultrasound result, and will be happy to offer a referral for additional testing when necessary.
For more information about services at Philadelphia Women’s Center, or to schedule an appointment, please call the office at 215.574.3590 or 800.869.2330.
