How do I get birth control prescribed online without a doctor visit?

Yes, it's definitely possible to get birth control prescribed online without an in-person doctor visit! Many telehealth services offer this convenience.

Here's how it generally works and some specific brands to consider:

How It Works

1. Choose a Service: Select an online platform that provides birth control prescriptions.
2. Complete a Health Questionnaire: You'll fill out a detailed medical history form, including information about your current health, past conditions, medications, allergies, and sometimes your blood pressure (you might need to take it at home or at a pharmacy).
3. Virtual Consultation: A licensed doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant will review your information. This consultation might be via secure messaging, phone call, or video chat. They'll assess if birth control is safe and appropriate for you and help you choose the best option.
4. Prescription & Delivery: If approved, the prescription will either be sent to a local pharmacy for you to pick up, or mailed directly to your home (often with free shipping).

Recommended Services

Here are some popular and reliable options that offer online birth control prescriptions:

1. Nurx:

   • Why: One of the most well-known and comprehensive services for birth control. They offer a wide variety of birth control pills, patches, and rings. They also provide emergency contraception, STI testing, and other women's health services. Prescriptions are mailed directly to your door in discreet packaging.
   • What you'll need: Medical history, blood pressure reading.

2. Planned Parenthood Direct:

   • Why: A highly trusted name in reproductive health. Their app allows you to get birth control pills and emergency contraception prescribed and delivered or picked up at a local Planned Parenthood health center or pharmacy. They often have options for those with limited income.
   • What you'll need: Medical history, blood pressure reading.

3. The Pill Club:

   • Why: Similar to Nurx, The Pill Club focuses specifically on birth control delivery. They offer a variety of pills, patches, and rings, and are known for sending packages with fun little extras alongside your birth control. They aim to make the process easy and enjoyable.
   • What you'll need: Medical history, blood pressure reading.

4. Lemonaid Health:

   • Why: A broader telehealth platform that includes birth control as one of its services. They offer birth control pills after an online consultation. You can choose to have it mailed to you or sent to your local pharmacy.
   • What you'll need: Medical history, blood pressure reading.

5. Hers (by Hims & Hers):

   • Why: Offers discreet, affordable access to various types of birth control pills, patches, and rings. You complete an online assessment, consult with a licensed provider, and your prescription is mailed to you monthly.
   • What you'll need: Medical history, blood pressure reading.

Important Considerations:

• Blood Pressure: Most services require a recent blood pressure reading because high blood pressure can be a contraindication for certain types of hormonal birth control. You might need to take it at home with a personal cuff, at a local pharmacy, or at a grocery store with a blood pressure machine.
• Cost: Many services accept insurance, and some offer affordable cash-pay options. Delivery is often free.
• State Availability: Services vary by state, so always check if the platform operates where you live.
• Annual Check-ups: While convenient for prescriptions, online services don't replace the need for regular in-person physicals, including gynecological exams and STI screenings, which are important for your overall health.

By using one of these platforms, you can typically get your birth control prescription quickly and conveniently without a traditional doctor's office visit.