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Buying birth control online can be discreet and convenient. However, a person still needs a prescription to buy birth control online. Here, we discuss our top online services.
Birth control is available to purchase online. This may be convenient for many people who want to use a discreet and convenient service, such as those who do not have access to healthcare clinics or other healthcare centers.
Many providers ship birth control in unmarked packaging, which may be an advantage to teenagers and others who would prefer their households not to know they take birth control.
However, people will need a prescription from a healthcare professional before they can order birth control. Many telehealth platforms offer a consultation with a doctor who can prescribe a suitable form of birth control.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication.
Ordering birth control online is often straightforward. A person selects what they want and enters their billing and shipping information. When they receive the order, the company ships it to the individual’s provided address.
Some sites also ask for insurance information to bill the insurance company. The specific steps vary by retailer.
check coverage with an insurance provider, if applicable
confirm eligibility with the online company, as some do not offer prescription services in all states
Checking with a doctor is important because some health conditions, such as high blood pressure, can increase the risk of complications when a person takes a hormonal form of birth control, such as the pill.
People who are minors can purchase birth control in several states without limitations. The definition of a minor sometimes varies. For anyone in the U.S., it is important to check local guidelines, which a person can do here.
People who are minors and some adults may not want the policyholder of healthcare insurance to know that they are purchasing birth control. People can call their insurance provider and ask that the Explanation of Benefits for their prescriptions are sent directly to them rather than the policyholder. However, different insurers may have different policies.
If a person cannot discreetly buy birth control on their family’s insurance, they may wish to purchase birth control uninsured. Many companies offer affordable options.
As of July 2023, the FDA approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill (norgestrel). This progestin-only pill will be available for purchase without a prescription from pharmacies and online.
People will need to take this pill the same way as they would take prescription birth control. They must take it simultaneously daily to reduce unintended pregnancy risks. This pill also has the same side effects as other progestin-only birth control.
Laboratoire HRA Pharma manufactures Opill. However, the company has not released Opill for purchase at the time of publishing.
Anyone with questions about birth control should speak with a healthcare professional.
It is especially important for people with certain health conditions and risk factors for health issues to consult a professional before choosing a type of birth control. For example, smoking or having high blood pressure can increase the risk of complications related to some forms of birth control.
It is also important to speak with a doctor about stopping using contraception safely and restarting it. This may apply to people before and after they become pregnant. Factors like breastfeeding or chestfeeding can affect which medications are safe after giving birth.
Here we answer some common questions about birth control online.
Can I really get birth control online?
Yes, a person can get birth control online without needing to visit a gynecologist. Most online birth control providers require some medical consultation, but this tends to involve filling out an online form.
Several online companies, such as Hers and Lemonaid, can provide prescription services in every U.S. state. In some states, people considered minors can use online services to purchase birth control and get a prescription for it without restrictions. It is important to check local legislation, which a person can do here.
It is a good idea to bring any questions about birth control to a healthcare professional and have annual health visits. At these, a doctor can provide preventive care and testing to help maintain a person’s overall health.
Is it safe to get birth control online?
Ordering birth control online can be safe, effective, and private. It can also be convenient, as some companies send automatic refills.
Before making an order, a person may wish to check reviews on third-party sites. If the company seems unreliable or unsafe, they should shop elsewhere.
Can you get birth control without a check-up?
Yes, people can purchase birth control from online companies such as Hers, Nurx, and Wisp without needing an in-person checkup.
Can I get free birth control online?
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover FDA-approved birth control. These include:
However, insurance does not have to cover medications that can cause abortions or male sterilization procedures, such as vasectomies.
People may be able to access free birth control from nonprofit family planning centers or public health clinics. These places usually require an in-person visit.
Ordering birth control online can be safe and convenient, but it may cost a little more than filling a prescription at a pharmacy or clinic.
Before they send out medication, most online retailers require medical consultation. These online consultations should not replace visits to a doctor. Anyone with questions about contraception should contact a healthcare professional.
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