What to have ready for the call.
Have the date and time of the most recent—and any earlier—unprotected sex since your last period, the first day of your last period, details of any missed or failed birth control, any emergency contraception already taken, current medicines, breastfeeding information if relevant, and questions about an in-person copper-IUD option ready.
A callback request is not a diagnosis, prescription, referral, laboratory requisition, document, payment, or confirmed appointment. The clinic reviews the concern and may recommend another setting.
When an examination, testing, or another setting may be needed.
This guide cannot decide whether it is safe to wait or which care setting is right for an individual concern. Some concerns need an in-person examination, testing, or another setting. If you are unsure where to go, contact an appropriate in-person healthcare professional or care setting for individual guidance. Use prompt in-person care if you are concerned about worsening symptoms.
Know when not to wait.
Seek prompt in-person support after sexual assault to discuss emergency contraception and other care options. Call 911 or seek emergency care for severe pain, fainting, severe bleeding, or another immediate safety concern.
Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or may be an emergency, use emergency services or immediate in-person care instead of waiting for a callback.
Common questions about emergency contraception.
When should I seek emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception may be considered after sex without birth control, a condom break or slip, missed or incorrectly used hormonal birth control, or another birth-control failure. It should be used as soon as possible.
How long after unprotected sex can emergency contraception be used?
MyHealth Alberta says emergency-contraception pills can be used up to five days after unprotected sex, although earlier use is more effective. A copper IUD may be inserted up to seven days after unprotected sex and requires an in-person assessment and insertion.
Can a callback request provide emergency contraception today?
A request is reviewed by the clinic and is not a guaranteed appointment, prescription, medication, treatment, or same-day result. Because timing is important, seek prompt pharmacy, sexual-health, or other in-person access rather than relying on a callback.
Can I take different emergency-contraception pills together?
No. Do not take levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate together or within seven days of each other without professional advice, because they may not work as well together.
What should I do after using an emergency-contraception pill?
Emergency-contraception pills do not provide ongoing protection from pregnancy or protect against STIs or HIV. If you vomit within two hours, contact a health professional. Take a pregnancy test if your period does not come within three weeks or is different than usual.
Non-emergency request
Request a doctor call today.
For people physically in Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card. Doctors usually call back within 60 minutes during operating hours, 8 AM–10 PM Mountain Time. Timing depends on the concern and appropriate care setting; it is an expectation, not a guarantee. Requests submitted before 8 AM or after 10 PM Mountain Time do not have a 60-minute or same-day callback promise. The public form does not state a specific review time or missed-call procedure. If your concern cannot wait, use appropriate in-person care; call 911 for a possible emergency.