Can I get birth control online without a doctor visit?
Since the birth control pill was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 1960, it’s become a lot easier to get a prescription. In fact, you can now get a prescription for birth control online and without a physical exam. And other types of hormonal birth control have become available – including the ring or patch.
Types of prescription birth control available online
The birth control pill, patch and ring are all highly effective forms of birth control that work by stopping ovulation through the release of the hormones estrogen and progestin. But each is used differently, and the best fit depends on a person’s unique needs. Need help figuring out which option best fits your lifestyle and needs? Let’s take a closer look at each option.
Birth control pill
With hundreds of brands to choose from and a 99% effectiveness rate, the pill is the preferred birth control option for millions of women in the U.S. The pill must be taken orally every day at approximately the same time. Some women who use it experience side effects, like nausea, headache and breast tenderness. Typically, these are mild and subside once a person adjusts to the medication.
Birth control ring
This small, flexible ring is inserted into the vagina monthly. It protects against pregnancy by releasing hormones, and should be taken out and reinserted monthly, on the same day of the month. Possible side effects include headache, breast tenderness and nausea, which typically subside within a couple months. NuvaRing and Annovera are the two current FDA-approved brands of birth control ring.
Birth control patch
The birth control patch resembles an adhesive bandage and is applied to the belly, back or butt. It prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones, and to be effective, a new patch must be applied every week on the same day. It’s important to check the patch daily to make sure it’s firmly adhered to the skin. Some people may experience side effects like spotting between periods and breast soreness in the first few months of use. The FDA has approved the birth control patch brands Xulane and Twirla in the U.S.
Do you need a physical exam to get a birth control prescription?
"No, you don’t need a physical exam to get a prescription for birth control. Birth control prescriptions can be obtained via an online virtual appointment. That’s because prescribing birth control is typically based on your situation and needs, separate from the screenings and tests in a physical exam.”
Is an online clinic right for your birth control needs?
Whether you’ve used birth control for years and need a refill or are new to hormonal birth control and want to learn more about your options, Virtuwell is a safe, convenient and affordable way to get a birth control prescription online. Our clinicians can help you choose an option that fits your needs and lifestyle, plus they’re available if you have questions or experience side effects.
Get a new or refill birth control prescription without a trip to the clinic or an in-person exam at Virtuwell today.
