Your contraception options
There are many options for contraception. You can talk to a health care provider to learn more about your options, and to find a method that works for your sexual health needs, body and lifestyle.
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) provides information on both hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive options. The It's a plan quiz can help you decide on a method that’s best for you.
Where to get contraception in Montreal
To book an appointment at Health Services, call 514-848-2424 ext. 3565.
Health Services is available to registered Concordia students who pay student services fees and employees who receive this benefit through their collective agreements.
You can get a prescription virtually through a tele-medicine service. Many Concordia students have paid for access to Maple: Select “birth control” from the list of options.
Another virtual option is LiveWell. There will be a consultation fee: check the website for details (scroll down to Pricing: How much is the online visit?).
Note that you cannot get an IUD or implant through a virtual service.
To get a first contraception prescription from your pharmacist, call your local pharmacy or book an appointment on Clic Santé – select Medication and prescription category. Consultation fees may apply.
A pharmacist cannot renew your hormonal contraception prescription, but may be able to extend it under certain conditions while you are waiting to see your nurse or doctor.
People 25 years old and under can access the Aire ouverte network of youth clinics.
- Aire ouverte de Côte-des-neiges (see their schedule)
- Aire ouverte de LaSalle and west Island (several locations; see their schedule)
- Aire ouverte du centre-ville de Montréal (downtown Montreal): information is only in French right now; use a translation extension on your browser if needed.
- Aire ouverte de Pointe-aux-Trembles (east end of the island): information is only in French right now; use a translation extension on your browser if you need.
Many CLSCs hold walk-in and by-appointment clinics for people 25 years old and under: click on the CLSC that is closest to you to find the schedule and contact information:
Non-hormonal contraception
There are different methods available. SexandU is a good resource to help you make an informed decision.
- The copper IUD can be perscribed at some of the locations listed above, but not all e.g. an online clinic won't be able offer an appointment to install the IUD. Check with the provider to learn more. The copper IUD can be prescribed and inserted by healthcare professionals at Health Services, and is offered free of charge at Concordia Health Services.
- You can find free condoms at Concordia and in Montreal
Some non-hormonal options can be more difficult to access, so we've listed a few sources; these are not the only sources, but a place to start.
- You can order female condoms online, directly from the main Canadian distributor
- The Caya® diaphragm doesn't require fitting, it can be ordered online
- The Sponge and FemCap reusable cervical cap are currently unavailable.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception are medications you can take after intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception is not intended as a regular method of birth control.
In Canada, two options are easily available for emergency contraception: Plan B and Ella. Both contain hormones and require a prescription.
A third option, copper IUD, is the most effective, but needs to be inserted by a doctor within 7 days of unprotected intercourse. This method is hard to access when needed as it requires a doctor's appointment. Emergency contraception pills are more accessible than the copper IUD and it is best to take the pills as soon as possible.
You can find emergency contraception pills:
- From your pharmacist. You can walk into a pharmacy and request emergency contraception: no need to book an appointment. For people with a valid RAMQ card, there will be no additional consultation fee. For people with out-of-province and international student health plans, there will be a small additional consultation fee.
- For free for people with a RAMQ card, at CLSC Metro (one block from Concordia SGW campus) by going to the walk-in: no appointment is needed. For people with out-of-province and international student health plans, there will be a small additional consultation fee.
- You can get a prescription at the walk-in clinic at Concordia Health Services, after, you can buy the medicine at any pharmacy.
Missed dose of hormonal contraception
If you missed a dose of your hormonal contraceptive, consult the package insert of the contraception that you are using.
Stay on Schedule from Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada is a good tool to help decide what the next step is.
You can also call Info Santé at 8-1-1 (24/7, free) to speak with a nurse, who will help you decide what to do.
Your pharmacist can also assist you.
