Women’s Health
Online Birth Control
Women’s Health
Online Birth Control
Birth control online: get a same-day prescription
Getting online birth control is more convenient than ever. Our board-certified online primary care doctors are available every day to give you the reproductive and contraceptive care you deserve - with or without health insurance. Chat with a doctor to discuss your full health history, any lifestyle or risk factors, and possible side effects to help you make the best choice for you.
Choose from various birth control options
Safe and effective online birth control*
Convenient and discreet virtual consultations
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
We make it affordable to get same-day birth control prescriptions
We provide affordable access to same-day birth control prescriptions through convenient telehealth appointments with our qualified primary care doctors. Our board-certified doctors address a wide range of women's sexual health issues, including UTIs, yeast infections, STIs, and reproductive health concerns like PCOS and endometriosis. Whether you have insurance or not, our services offer cost-effective solutions for obtaining birth control.
Affordable or free birth control pills can be accessed through health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act, which covers most types of birth control at no cost. For those without insurance, options like Medicaid, government programs, and over-the-counter hormonal pills like Opill are available. Additionally, free or low-cost birth control and condoms can be obtained from in-person clinics, health departments, and community programs. We ensure convenience by sending prescriptions to your chosen pharmacy or directly to you after a brief online consultation.
Types of birth control methods available online
There are many different types of prescription birth control that are available to women online. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most used methods of birth control:
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
Birth control pills like Kariva and Yasmin are called combination pills, because they contain a combination of estrogen and progestin. Pills that include progestin only include brands like Heather, Errin, and Slynd. These are sometimes referred to as “mini pills” because they only contain progestin, not because they are any smaller.
Birth control shot
The Depo shot is a progestin injection that you get once every 3 months. Progestin prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus. The shot is a safe, convenient, and effective method of birth control if you get it regularly. It can be provided in a doctor’s office, or as a prescription.
Birth control patch
The transdermal contraceptive patch, such as Xulane, releases hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy. Like most oral contraceptives1, the patch contains both estrogen and progestin to stop ovulation.
Vaginal ring
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception, like Ella and Plan B2, are oral medications that can be taken shortly after unprotected sex to reduce the chances of pregnancy.
Non-hormonal birth control option
While hormonal birth control is safer than ever, if you’re concerned about potential side effects or drug interactions, the copper IUD is a great option for an effective and convenient non-hormonal birth control. Condoms, diaphragms, spermicides, the cervical cap, and the sponge are other non-hormonal options. One newer non-hormonal birth control method is called Phexxi, which is available as a prescription vaginal gel.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is oral medication that can be taken shortly after unprotected sex to reduce chances of pregnancy.
Pros and cons of popular birth control methods
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Method |
Pros |
Cons |
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Oral Contraceptives (Pills) |
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IUD |
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Implant |
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Shot |
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Patch |
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Vaginal Ring |
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Emergency Contraception |
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Popular PlushCare Birth Control
Errin
Xulane patch
Ella Pill
Chateal
Yaz birth control
Heather (norethindrone)
Lutera
Lo loestrin fe
Loryna
Sprintec
Yasmin
Kariva
Apri
Slynd
Annovera ring
NuvaRing
Twirla patch
Depo shot
Ortho tri cyclen
Junel Fe
Vienva®
Emergency contraception prescription
Kyleena
Mili® birth control
Phexxi
Desogen
Xulane
Day-after pill
How long does it take for birth control to work?
If you need your birth control to take effect right away, that’s an important concern to discuss with your doctor. Different methods vary in terms of timing.
Barrier methods like condoms work immediately, whereas a vasectomy may take three months or more. Timing for pill types depends on whether it's a combination or progestin-only pill and your menstrual cycle phase. You can start both pill types anytime, but backup methods like condoms may be needed for the first seven days.
For combination pills (COCs): If you begin within five days of your period onset, you're immediately protected from pregnancy without requiring a backup birth control method. For instance, if your period begins on a Wednesday morning, you can start the pill up to the subsequent Monday morning for immediate protection. If you start at any other point in your menstrual cycle, pregnancy protection begins after seven days of pill usage. In the first seven days of pill use, consider using an additional birth control method, such as a condom, for penis-in-vagina intercourse.
For progestin-only pills (POPs or mini-pills): Pregnancy protection starts after two days of consistent pill use, regardless of when you begin. During the initial 48 hours on the pill, be sure to use an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, if engaging in vaginal sex. It is crucial to take progestin-only pills at the same time daily. If you exceed the usual time by more than 3 hours, employ a backup birth control method for the next 48 hours.
Slynd: A newer progestin-only pill variant operates slightly differently. Immediate pregnancy protection is provided when starting Slynd within the initial five days of your period. If you’re beginning Slynd at any other point in your cycle, use an alternative birth control method (e.g., condoms) for the first seven days of penis-in-vagina sex. Unlike other progestin-only pills, Slynd does not require strict adherence to the same 3-hour window daily.
What are the side effects of stopping birth control?
Do not stop birth control without an alternative contraceptive plan unless you want to become pregnant.
Depending on which birth control method you’re using, side effects will vary.
Some common side effects after stopping hormonal birth control include irregular cycles, cramping, acne, and weight changes. It’s easier to stop pills and rings than implants.
Enhanced fertility
Although this seems obvious, many women are surprised at how quickly ovulation can resume its normal cycle. A study of women who stopped birth control3 found that over 80% of participants conceived within the first year after ending contraception.
Some women in this group became pregnant just weeks after stopping oral contraceptives. Keep in mind that you may conceive before even getting a period, since ovulation occurs 2 weeks before menses.
Typically, regular ovulation resumes within a few weeks of discontinuing most hormonal birth control methods. If you are not yet ready for pregnancy, have an alternative contraceptive plan in place.
Breast tenderness
If you already experience breast tenderness with PMS, you might notice it get worse after stopping contraception. You might also notice changes in the fullness of your breasts.
Acne
Some women begin using birth control early on to manage hormonal acne. When you stop birth control, you might notice changes to your skin. Talk to your doctor about alternative acne treatments if this is a concern for you.
Mood swings
Mood swings can increase–especially in women with a history of depression. Hormonal imbalances may lead to depression or worsen anxiety symptoms, both on and off contraception.
Blood pressure changes
Hormonal birth control with estrogen may lead to high blood pressure in some women. In these cases, switching to progesterone or hormone-free options is recommended. Blood pressure may decrease after stopping birth control, even without initial noticeable changes.
Headaches
Menstrual migraines can be managed with birth control but headaches may return when stopping. Understanding the root cause is crucial, as birth control may have masked hormone imbalances.
Painful menstruation
If you had painful menstrual cramps before starting birth control, they might return when you stop. While they may not reappear immediately, they shouldn't be worse than they were before you started birth control. Extreme pain warrants a discussion with your doctor, as conditions like endometriosis or fibroids could be causing it. Estrogen levels could also be a factor.
Changes in your cycle
Hormonal changes can impact your menstrual cycle, including post-birth control symptoms like changes to fertility, mood, and skin health. Some women may have irregular periods or experience withdrawal bleeding after stopping hormonal birth control.
Higher sex drive
Changes in hormone levels can impact sex drive. Women who had reduced libido on birth control might see an increase after stopping. Hormonal birth control could mask underlying issues. Discussing any concerns with a doctor, as menopause, medications, or stress can also influence libido.
Which types of birth control are least likely to cause weight gain?
Hormonal birth control prescriptions have improved a lot and are not likely to cause any increase in weight. Some people report minor weight gain (2–4 pounds) in the first few months of taking combination birth control pills.
However, studies show no evidence4 that birth control pills cause weight gain. Weight gain after starting birth control is usually related to fluid retention. If you're concerned about hormonal weight fluctuations, here are some options to talk about with your doctor:
Barriers
- Barrier methods5, like condoms or diaphragms, create a physical barrier to prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg.
- Being hormone-free, these methods won’t cause temporary weight gain.
- However, barrier methods are less effective than other contraceptives. Studies indicate that with typical use, 12-28 out of 100 individuals may become pregnant within a year of using barrier birth control!
Combination birth control pills
- These contain both estrogen and synthetic progestin.
- YasminⓇ, a specific brand of combination pill, utilizes drospirenone, an alternative to progestin.
- Drospirenone functions as a diuretic, reducing the likelihood of water retention and weight gain.
- When used correctly, combination birth control pills are over 99% effective.6
What's the best birth control for acne?
Physicians have long turned to birth control as a treatment for acne, especially for hormonal acne. Contraceptive pills can safely be used in combination with other acne treatments if needed.
Hormonal acne, sometimes known as "period acne," refers to breakouts that coincide with the menstrual cycle, manifesting as temporary flare-ups for some or lasting weeks for others.
This usually appears on the chin, jawline, and sometimes on the cheeks, neck, shoulders, around the mouth, and back, usually linked to fluctuating levels throughout the menstrual cycle.
Elevated androgen levels can stimulate sebum overproduction, contributing to pore blockages and acne formation. By regulating hormone levels, birth control helps reduce androgen production, decreasing sebum secretion and potentially alleviating acne concerns.
For individuals looking for birth control for acne, it's essential first to understand how it works. Not all birth control pills are equally effective in combating acne.
While some pills can be beneficial, the FDA has approved only four birth control medications specifically for treating acne: Yaz, Beyaz, Estrostep, and Ortho-Tri-Cyclen. These medications are prescribed based on their hormone composition:
- Yaz and Beyaz are the most effective due to their inclusion of drospirenone, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, which has anti-androgenic effects lowering testosterone levels that cause acne. Beyaz contains the same estrogen and progestin as Yaz, but also includes a type of folate in the pills.
- Ortho-Tri-Cyclen includes a different synthetic progesterone known as norgestimate. It is the second most practical option.
- Estrostep contains norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, which are known to reduce testosterone levels. It is considered the least effective of these options in treating acne.
FAQs
How long after birth control can you get pregnant?
How long it takes to get pregnant after stopping birth control varies. If using a barrier method, you can get pregnant right away. Other methods vary depending on the type of birth control and each person’s individual response, but most women become pregnant within a year of stopping birth control.7
The British Medical Journal reports that the average length of time for a woman to become pregnant after stopping birth control varies by method, with most women returning to normal fertility after two cycles for copper IUDs and implant methods, after three cycles for oral contraceptives and vaginal rings, after four cycles for users of birth control patches, and after five to eight cycles for injectable birth control, such as the Depo shot.8
How do you clear acne after stopping birth control?
If post-pill acne persists, consider using topical medications like tretinoin and clindamycin. Tretinoin accelerates skin cell turnover, reducing sebum buildup and improving acne over several months, with added anti-aging benefits. Clindamycin, an antibiotic, targets acne-causing bacteria on the skin's surface, helping prevent severe breakouts. Combining tretinoin and clindamycin can provide comprehensive acne treatment. Other tips include washing your face regularly and using non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products to prevent breakouts.
How late can I take my birth control?
When taking progestin-only pills, consistency is key - aim to take them at the same time daily. There's a three-hour window for flexibility, but effectiveness decreases if taken more than three hours late. If this occurs, ensure to use a backup birth control method, such as a condom, for the following two days. Combination pills, that contain both estrogen and progestin, are a little more forgiving, but it’s still best to try to take them around the same time each day for maximum efficacy.
Does all birth control prevent ovulation?
Not all birth control methods prevent ovulation. Some methods, like combined hormonal birth control and injectable progestin, typically prevent ovulation, while others, like progestin-only pills and intrauterine devices, may or may not. Fertility awareness-based methods, barrier methods, and emergency contraception do not prevent ovulation. Discuss with a healthcare professional to find a suitable method for you.
Do you ovulate on birth control?
The hormones in combination birth control pills – estrogen and progestin -- effectively prevent ovulation, making sure there is no egg available for sperm to fertilize, thus preventing pregnancy. Additionally, these hormones thicken the cervical mucus, creating a barrier that helps keep sperm from reaching the egg. Consistent pill usage as prescribed each month, including during the placebo week, offers reliable protection against pregnancy.
How effective is birth control?
Most birth control methods, including birth control pills, the implant, IUDs, and the Depo shot have as high as a 99% efficacy rate when used perfectly9. This means for every 100 women using this method over the course of a year, only 1 will become pregnant. However, if not used correctly or taken at the same time consistently, the efficacy decreases significantly.10
How can I get birth control online?
It is possible to get birth control online by seeing a doctor for a prescription. Our board-certified doctors can prescribe birth control after a quick visit. During an online consultation, you'll discuss your health history, lifestyle, and preferred method of contraception.
If contraception is right for you, your doctor will recommend a birth control method. If prescribed, the birth control prescription of your choice will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup. If you are interested in the birth control implant or IUD, our physicians will refer you to a local specialist for insertion.
How can I refill my birth control prescription online?
To refill your prescription online, book a virtual appointment with one of our top-rated, board-certified doctors. Our physicians can send your prescription to a local pharmacy, and birth control appointments can take as little as 15 minutes. If you are interested in the birth control implant or IUD, our physicians can refer you to a local specialist for insertion.
How late can a period be on birth control?
People may miss periods or stop getting periods altogether while on birth control, depending on the type of birth control. This can be due to how your body responds, a change in birth control methods, stress, changes in diet or exercise, or possibly pregnancy. If you’re worried about a missed period on birth control, book an appointment with a doctor to get clarity.
What happens if you take birth control while pregnant?
Most studies have shown that there is little increased risk of harm to an unborn baby due to most forms of birth control.11 However, some research suggests that there may be a slightly increased risk of low birth weight or urinary tract concerns in newborns if birth control pills were taken near conception.12 It’s important to know that taking birth control when pregnant will not cause a miscarriage or abortion.
Can I get birth control without a doctor?
Birth control options such as pills, the implant, and IUDs usually require a prescription from a doctor. However, there is now a progestin-containing birth control pill that is available over the counter without a prescription. In addition, you can get contraception methods such as condoms, spermicide, and emergency contraception without a doctor.
Can you get pregnant while on the pill?
Although it is possible to get pregnant while on the pill, the chances of getting pregnant are less than 1% with perfect use, meaning taking the pill at the same time every day. The chance of pregnancy increases when the pill is taken inconsistently.13
Does birth control make you moody?
While some people find that their mood improves with hormonal contraceptives, others experience mood changes. However, there are non-hormonal birth control options. Everyone responds differently to hormonal contraceptives, and you may need to try a few options until you find the one that suits you best.
Can you buy birth control over the counter?
You can buy contraception methods such as a progestin-only pill, condoms, spermicide, and emergency contraception (Plan B) over the counter. Other options, such as combined contraceptive pills, require a prescription. Some birth control methods, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), must be placed by a doctor during a clinic visit. If you're interested in birth control options, book an appointment with a physician to learn more about online birth control options.
Can I get birth control online without an exam?
To get a birth control prescription online, you must see a doctor for an evaluation. However, this appointment can take as little as 15 minutes and be done from the comfort of your phone or computer. If you're interested in birth control, book an appointment with one of our trusted physicians to learn more about your options.
Getting birth control online: 3 simple steps
Step 1
Book a birth control appointment online.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your doctor online regarding your birth control options.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your birth control prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Online birth control pricing details
To get a new or refill on a birth control prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
30 days of free membership
- Same-day appointments 7 days a week
- Unlimited messages with your Care Team
- Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
- Exclusive discounts on lab tests
- Free memberships for your family
- Cancel anytime
Paying with insurance
Membership
$19.99
First month free
+
Visits
Copay
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$19.99
First month free
+
Visits
$129
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
- National Library of Medicine "Oral Contraceptive Pills" Accessed on February 22, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/#:~:text=Currently%2C%20there%20are%20three%20types,continuous%20or%20extended%20use%20pill.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention “ Current Contraceptive Status Among Women Aged 15–49: United States, 2017–2019”, Accessed on February 22, 2024 at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db388.htm
- National Library of Medicine “ Depo-Provera” Accessed on February 22, 2024 at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8492647/
- National Library of Medicine “Medroxyprogesterone” Accessed on February 22, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559192/
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention “U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2013”, Accessed on February 22, 2024 at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr62e0614.pdf
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention “Contraception” Accessed on February 22, 2024 at https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
- National Library of Medicine “Contraception: Do hormonal contraceptives cause weight gain?” Accessed on February 22, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441582/
- National Library of Medicine “Extended regimen combined oral contraception: A review of evolving concepts and acceptance by women and clinicians” Accessed on February 22, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4841029/
- The University of Arizona, “ Birth Control Prescriptions” Accessed on February 22, 2024 at https://health.arizona.edu/birth-control-prescriptions
- National Library of Medicine, “ Which birth control pills can help reduce acne?", Accessed on February 22, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279209/
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.