How to get prescription birth control online

Key Points:

1. You can get a birth control prescription online for hormonal methods like the pill, patch and ring. Others require an in-office visit, like the implant or injection.
2. Online health consultations are private and confidential. Your health information won’t be shared with anyone—including your partner or family.
3. You don’t need to have insurance to get birth control online. But some methods are more costly than others.

Birth control remains legal in all 50 states. (Although some states allow physicians and pharmacists to deny prescriptions.) But with recent changes in abortion laws, some people worry that access could be banned or limited.

Given this concern, a growing number of online providers are making sure that anyone who needs birth control can get it. And many can be sent directly to your pharmacy of choice.

If you’re ready to prevent pregnancy with a birth control prescription, start a discreet $15 online consultation with Dr. B. Here’s more about how birth control and the online process works.

What birth control methods do not require a prescription?

Male and female condoms and spermicides do not require a prescription. You can find these over-the-counter options at local pharmacies. Some health clinics and community centers provide condoms for free.

What birth control methods do require a prescription?

Methods of birth control that contain hormones (like estrogen and progestin) are a form of medication. Some forms require an in-office visit, like a hormonal or copper IUD, implant or injection. Others, like the pill, ring and patch, can be prescribed through an online consultation.

All healthcare appointments—online and in-person—are entirely private. Both options protect your health information and won’t share it with anyone.

No hormonal method is 100% effective at pregnancy prevention—and they don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So use a barrier method like condoms with a hormonal method for top pregnancy and STI protection.

How to get birth control online with insurance

Some insurance companies cover the cost of reproductive care. This means you may be able to get birth control online for free.

Many online health providers like Dr. B do not submit claims to health insurance companies. But you can use insurance plans at your pharmacy for any resulting prescription cost.

How to get birth control online without insurance

You don’t need insurance to get birth control online. But the out-of-pocket medication cost will depend on the type you choose.

Birth control pills online without insurance can be as low as $20 - $50 per month ($240-$600 per year). Intrauterine devices (IUDs) or implants are more expensive. They cost $800-$1000 each without insurance—but last for several years.

Can you get birth control online without parental consent?

Condoms and spermicides are available over-the-counter to anyone, regardless of age or parental consent.

Some providers can prescribe hormonal birth control treatment to teens without parental consent. (There may be places that do require a parent’s permission.) Such teens can contact their local Planned Parenthood or choose a non-hormonal method like condoms. In some states, pharmacists can prescribe birth control directly.

Note that hormonal birth control (like the pill) is only appropriate for people who have started their periods.

Can you get birth control online without a doctor?

Non-hormonal birth control, like condoms and spermicides, is available over the counter without a prescription. Some types of hormonal birth control (like IUDs and implants) require a visit to a provider’s office.

Other hormonal options like the pill, patch and ring can be prescribed online and sent directly to your pharmacy. Those require an online consultation with a healthcare provider, where you’ll complete a health questionnaire. In some states, you’ll also need to video chat with a provider before they can prescribe medication.

Talking options out with a provider is always a smart choice. Not all forms of birth control are safe or appropriate for everyone. Some contain side effects that may dissuade you from taking it. And some help ease other conditions—like acne or heavy bleeding during your period.

A licensed provider can help you find the most beneficial method for you.

Dr. B can help you get birth control online

Dr. B provides discreet and confidential support for anyone looking for online birth control. Just fill out a $15 online consultation to connect with a licensed healthcare provider. They’ll guide you through your options. If appropriate, they’ll send a prescription to your chosen pharmacy.

Dr. B offers 150+ birth control options, including the pill and the ring. Whether or not you have insurance, we’ll show you the lowest prescription costs at your local pharmacy. And we’ll send you a drug discount card to secure the low cost at the pharmacy you choose.

Licensed providers often review consultations within 3 business hours. So with Dr. B, you can get on the safest + most effective path to pregnancy prevention. Get started today!

Sources:

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Arowojolu, A. O., et al. (2012). Effect of birth control pills on acne in women. Cochrane.

Barbieri, J. S., et al. (2020). Influence of contraception class on incidence and severity of acne vulgaris. Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Barr, N. G. (2010). Managing adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives. American Family Physician.

Britton, L. E., et al. (2020). CE: an evidence-based update on contraception. The American Journal of Nursing.

Cooper, D. B., et al. (2022). Oral contraceptive pills. StatPearls Publishing.

Horvath, S., et al. (2018). Contraception. Endotext.

Kosova E. (2017). How much do different kinds of birth control cost without insurance? National Women’s Health Network.

Stock, N., et al. (2022). Is birth control still legal in the U.S.? The New York Times.

Wong, W. S.F., et al. (2011). Hormonal treatment for endometriosis associated pelvic pain. Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine.