Can I get birth control online without a doctor?

Reviewed by Theresa H. Care Delivery Manager & Family Nurse Practitioner

Time saver 4 min read

The first birth control pill was approved by the Federal Drug Administration in 1960. In the decades since, there have been a lot of advances when it comes to the different types and forms of hormonal birth control available. Today, there are literally hundreds of different brands of birth control pills. And women who don’t want to use the pill have a lot of alternative contraceptive options, including the ring and patch. And the best part? You don’t have to go into a clinic to get a birth control prescription. That’s right, today you can get birth control online without a doctor.

Wait, I don’t have to go into a clinic to get birth control?

Nope. Today, online visits for birth control are a fast and easy way to get a birth control prescription without going into a clinic.

Simply answer a few questions about your health history and birth control needs via a secure online portal and voila – a prescription will be sent to your pharmacy. Plus, you’ll receive a treatment plan that includes important information about the type of birth control you were prescribed – including possible side effects like high blood pressure.

Need help figuring out what type of birth control is right for you? An online clinic can provide advice and guidance on this front too. While the majority of birth control prescriptions are for birth control pills, oral contraceptives aren’t your only option. If you have trouble remembering or don’t want to take a pill every day, you may want to try the patch or ring.

Much like the name suggests, the patch is similar to an adhesive bandage that’s applied to your upper arm, back or buttocks on a weekly basis. Not a fan of bandages? The birth control ring is a small flexible device that’s inserted vaginally on a monthly basis. Like all forms of hormonal birth control, the pill, patch and ring all effectively protect against pregnancy by releasing hormones to prevent ovulation.

Do I still need an annual exam to get a birth control Rx?

It’s important to get routine pelvic exams and pap smears, and choosing to get birth control online doesn’t mean you should forgo these important health screenings. But the truth is that you probably don’t need an exam every year. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, most women between the ages of 21 and 65 only need cervical cancer screenings (pap smears) every 3 to 5 years.

Because most women get their birth control prescription at the same time as an annual exam, the two tasks seem interconnected. But getting birth control is not dependent on having a physical exam.

Prescribing birth control is typically based on your situation and needs, separate from the screenings and tests in a physical exam.

– Jennifer S., CNP for Virtuwell

Is an online clinic right for your birth control needs?

Whether you’re a birth control pro who needs a refill or newbie who needs advice about your first prescription, an online clinic provides a safe, convenient and affordable way to get a birth control prescription. When choosing an online clinic for your hormonal birth control, make sure to select one that provides access to experienced medical practitioners and has reliable customer service. If you have questions or experience any side effects, you want to know that there are licensed practitioners who are available to answer your questions and, if needed, make adjustments to your prescription.

Additionally, pricing can be confusing at some online clinics. When selecting an online clinic for your birth control needs, make sure you know exactly what is and isn’t included in the final cost. Are there hidden fees? Is this a subscription service where you pay each month? Can you use insurance? If you have insurance – make sure to select an online clinic that allows you to bill insurance and save money.

When it comes to birth control, timing is also really important. This is especially true if you’re getting a birth control refill and may need to start a new pill pack or insert a new ring in a day or two. In these cases, you can’t afford to wait days to have your prescription in hand. Look for an online clinic that makes it easy to get your new or refill birth control prescription when you need it.

With dozens of birth control options available, it can be hard to know what type of birth control will work best for you. Thankfully, today you can get the information and advice you need to make informed contraceptive decisions online and within minutes. Plus, you can get a new or refill birth control prescription without a trip to the clinic or an in-person exam. 

Ahh, finally birth control made easy. Available via Virtuwell’s online clinic.

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