Birth control
Online prescriptions and refills for the pill, patch, and ring.
Treatment requires a consultation with a licensed provider. A prescription is not guaranteed — the provider decides what, if anything, is appropriate and safe for you.
About birth control
Hormonal contraception prevents pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. Beyond preventing pregnancy, it is commonly used to make periods lighter and more predictable, reduce cramps, treat acne, and manage PMDD or endometriosis symptoms. The right method depends on your health history, your blood pressure, whether you get migraines with aura, whether you smoke, and how you want to take it.
Treatment options
Plain-language summaries. Your provider decides what is appropriate for you.
Combined oral contraceptive
The most common option. Taken daily. Also helps with acne, cycle regularity, and cramping.
Progestin-only pill
For people who cannot take estrogen — including many who are breastfeeding, have migraine with aura, or have certain clot risks. Requires consistent daily timing.
Contraceptive patch
Applied once a week for three weeks, then a patch-free week.
Vaginal ring
Inserted and left in place for three weeks, then removed.
Emergency contraception
Levonorgestrel is available over the counter; ulipristal requires a prescription. Effectiveness is time-sensitive.
How it works
- 1
Tell us the basics
State, service interest, and contact details.
- 2
Clinical visit
A licensed provider reviews your health history, blood pressure, migraine history, and smoking status. A recent blood pressure reading is typically required.
- 3
Prescription and refills
If appropriate, a prescription is sent to your pharmacy or shipped, often with several months of refills.
- 4
Annual review
Contraception is reviewed at least yearly.
Realistic timeline
What people typically experience. Individual results vary and are never guaranteed.
- First 7 daysUse backup contraception unless your provider says otherwise, depending on when in your cycle you start.
- Months 1-3Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common while your body adjusts.
- Month 3+Cycles usually settle. If side effects persist, a different formulation often solves it.
Safety, side effects & interactions
You deserve this information before you decide, not after.
Common side effects
- Spotting or irregular bleeding, especially in the first months
- Nausea, breast tenderness, headaches
- Mood changes
- Reduced libido in some people
Serious risks
- Estrogen-containing methods increase the risk of blood clots (DVT, pulmonary embolism), and that risk is much higher in smokers over 35.
- Increased stroke risk in people who have migraine with aura.
- Warning signs needing urgent care: severe leg pain or swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, vision changes, or abdominal pain.
- Elevated blood pressure — monitoring is required.
Interactions
- Rifampin, certain anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin, topiramate), and some HIV medications reduce effectiveness.
- St John's wort reduces effectiveness.
- Contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections — use condoms for STI protection.
Who this is — and isn't — for
May be a fit if
- Adults 18+ seeking contraception or cycle management
- Able to provide a recent blood pressure reading
Not appropriate if
- Smokers aged 35 or older (for estrogen-containing methods)
- Migraine with aura (for estrogen-containing methods)
- History of blood clots, stroke, or certain clotting disorders
- Current or recent breast cancer
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Currently pregnant
Pricing
Starting at, subject to provider evaluation. Many plans cover contraception with no copay.
See all pricingCommon questions
Do I need a pelvic exam?
No. Prescribing contraception does not require a pelvic exam or Pap test, though you should still keep up with routine screening.
Is a prescription guaranteed?
No. Treatment requires a consultation with a licensed provider, who will not prescribe estrogen-containing methods if your history makes them unsafe.
How quickly can I get pregnant after stopping?
Fertility usually returns quickly after stopping pills, patches, or rings — often within a cycle or two.
Do you prescribe IUDs or implants?
No. Those require an in-person procedure; a provider can refer you.
Ready to see if this is right for you?
Start with a few basics — state, service, and how to reach you. The medical questionnaire is completed with a licensed provider.
Start your visitThis page is general health education, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for care from your own clinician. If this is an emergency, call 911.