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Buying birth control online can be discreet and convenient. In some cases, insurance can make birth control free. Here, we discuss and review our top online choices offering birth control delivery.
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.
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.
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.
Going online to order birth control will often be 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 be 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.
Are Nurx and The Pill Club the same thing?
The Pill Club has transferred its customers to Nurx, meaning The Pill Club customers will use Nurx’s services.
How reliable is Nurx?
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives Nurx a B+ rating. This rating considers company transparency, licensing, complaints against the company, and how well it interacts with its customers. A B+ rating from the BBB suggests that Nurx is a reputable and reliable company.
However, online reviews of the company are mixed. Customers frequently complain about delays, insurance problems, and prescription product changes. While the service offers convenience and discretion, and it uses licensed medical professionals to provide its medical consultations, those considering Nurx should read a wide range of customer reviews.
Is Nurx a safe place to get birth control?
Nurx sells legitimate FDA-approved birth control and states it complies with the same regulations as a person’s usual physician. Its medical professionals will only prescribe a medication if they think it is necessary.
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.
Can I get birth control online without seeing a doctor?
In some cases, yes, people can get birth control online without seeing a doctor.
All reputable companies will need a valid prescription to place orders. However, some services will provide a prescription if a person does not already have one.
In these cases, some services may ask people to fill in a questionnaire, which a doctor reviews. If there are no immediate concerns, the doctor can then fill out a prescription without needing to talk with or see the person.
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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