My husband and I have always been planners. We tied the knot young and had our own home by our mid-20s. After checking those milestones off our “Grown-Up Life” list, starting a family felt like the next logical step, and the timeline played out almost perfectly. We were fortunate to conceive quickly with both of our children, aside from a minor setback due to ovarian cysts. After having one ovary removed during my first c-section, I was advised against hormonal birth control for the foreseeable future, as long-term use could potentially encourage more growths. The thought of a Copper IUD was daunting, leaving us with limited options: condoms, or the “pull-and-pray” method.
Throughout the gap between our two pregnancies, we relied on condoms. After our second child, we resumed this practice for a while before bouncing between “pull-and-pray” and our trusty condoms. We were still quite young when we welcomed our little ones, so permanent solutions weren’t on our radar yet. The less-than-ideal methods had worked for us until a few weeks ago.
We enjoy hosting friends for card games and casual gatherings. Nothing extravagant, but we live close enough to each other that weekends often turn into pizza, sushi, and wine nights. A few weeks ago, we had friends over at our place, and I might have indulged a bit more than usual, knowing I didn’t have to drive and could just crash afterward. Honestly, I ended up a bit tipsy.
After our friends left and the kids were settled down, a late-night discussion about possibly trying for a “third baby” unfolded, leading us to abandon our usual precautions. Let’s just say, pulling out wasn’t on the agenda.
Before passing judgment on my drunken decision, know that the desire for a third child had been simmering for a while. We experienced a miscarriage a year prior, and that baby was very much wanted. It’s taken us time to revisit that notion and figure out if we should give it another shot before age becomes a factor. The fear of another loss, sleepless nights, and financial strain loomed large, but deep down, we both wanted another child eventually. The timing just felt off.
The next morning, I woke up to a throbbing hangover, my mind racing as flashes of the previous night came rushing back. I turned to my husband, who had managed to stay relatively sober, and asked, “Did we really do what I think we did last night?” He confirmed my fears. “Yeah, we did. Are you okay with it? You said you were. We’ve talked about it so much. Were you really that drunk?” Silence filled the room as I checked the calendar. The timing was unsettlingly perfect, and my gut told me we might be on the brink of welcoming a new little one into our lives.
I could list all the reasons why this wasn’t the right moment, but that wasn’t the point. I realized I had made a mistake, and thankfully, I lived in a state where “Plan B” emergency contraception was readily accessible. After discussing it with my husband, we agreed it was the best choice. While a third baby would be cherished, we simply weren’t prepared at that moment.
I jumped into the shower, contemplating how I should present myself at the pharmacy. Should I look put-together or embrace the disheveled mom look? Would the pharmacist judge me for needing this? I was overthinking it—classic me.
A quick Google search reassured me about Plan B. It primarily works by preventing ovulation and fertilization, and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t induce an abortion. I felt relieved knowing I could take this step to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
When I arrived at the pharmacy, I found the emergency contraception right next to the condoms—over-the-counter and easy to grab. I picked one up along with baby wipes and frozen vegetables—just another errand on my to-do list. I even made a lighthearted comment to the cashier about needing to separate the purchase for HSA purposes. She was incredibly kind and understanding, making the experience feel discreet and non-judgmental.
Once home, I hesitated as I prepared to take the pill. I thought about our future and the fact that we really aren’t getting any younger. Maybe this was the nudge we needed to finally commit to that third child we had been debating for years. But once again, I reminded myself that it simply wasn’t the right time. I took a deep breath, swallowed the pill with a glass of water, and felt a wave of relief wash over me moments later. I knew I had made the right choice.
It’s important to remember that needing emergency contraception doesn’t equate to being reckless or irresponsible. Sometimes life just throws unexpected moments our way. I’m grateful I had the choice to act quickly instead of spending weeks worrying about the potential consequences. This experience underscored the vital importance of easy access to emergency contraception. Every woman deserves this safe and effective option to prevent unplanned pregnancies. I’m thankful to live in a time and place where such choices exist.
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource. If you’re considering family planning options, you might also want to explore fertility boosters for men to help in the journey.
In summary, life can be unpredictable, but having options available when you need them is invaluable. I learned that making informed decisions is crucial, and it’s okay to seek help when necessary.