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You don’t have to visit a doctor in person for a birth control prescription anymore. Instead, companies like Nurx allow you to order birth control online and get it shipped straight to your door.
CDC statistics show that birth control pills are one of the most commonly used forms of contraception, with about 14% of women ages 15–49 using them.
With typical use, birth control pills have about a 7% failure rate, meaning they’re effective 93% of the time. That makes them a relatively reliable choice for pregnancy prevention. And, thanks to the abundance of online resources and delivery companies, they’re fairly accessible.
Birth control pill services are companies from which you can order birth control online. This can be a discreet, convenient way to get the consultation and protection you need.
The best online birth control website services have different offerings and prices, so it’s important to do your research to find the best one for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for free birth control pills online or cheap options, you need a reliable birth control service that accepts insurance. If there’s a specific type of birth control you’re seeking, here are some top options to consider.
The services that made our list are those that are the most reliable and offer a positive overall experience, according to online reviewers. They also offer other types of contraception, in addition to pills, in case you want to explore more options.
To choose these services, we:
researched what options are available
dug into each service we ultimately list here
spoke with medical professionals
read reviews to find which birth control delivery services were most reliable and offered customers a positive overall experience
Each service on our list has been vetted to ensure it aligns with Healthline’s medical standards and approach to well-being. Read more about our vetting process.
The birth control pill is a highly effective, inexpensive hormonal birth control method. It typically has few side effects.
The pill is a good birth control option for those looking for easy-to-take birth control and perhaps also looking for other healthcare solutions. For instance, some pills help clear up acne, as well as prevent pregnancy.
Birth control pills have a 93% effectiveness rate with typical use.
Patches
The contraceptive patch has the same hormones as other birth control types, but it’s more convenient as a compact patch that’s easy to apply to the skin. This method is a good pick for anyone who doesn’t want to (or cannot) remember to take a pill each day.
Patches have a 93% effectiveness rate with typical use.
Rings
The discreet, low maintenance hormonal birth control ring is worn for 3–4 weeks in the vagina and can easily be changed at home. This method works well for anyone who doesn’t want to remember to take a pill each day and may not like the feeling of a patch on their skin.
Rings also have a 93% effectiveness rate with typical use.
Intrauterine devices
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a tiny device that goes inside your uterus for a long period of time to prevent pregnancy. The small device is shaped like a T.
There are two types: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs (with progestin). Both types of devices work by altering the way sperm moves inside the uterus so that it can’t reach an egg.
This type of birth control is great for those wanting a reversible but long-term way to prevent pregnancy.
IUDs have a 99.2%–99.9% effectiveness rate, depending on the type.
Gel
A newer type of nonhormonal birth control, vaginal gel, prevents pregnancy by lowering the vagina’s pH level when sperm is present. This means sperm can’t move around as easily, which decreases the odds it will meet with an egg and result in pregnancy.
A gel is a great birth control method for those who can’t tolerate or choose not to take hormonal birth control. It has about an 86% effectiveness rate.
Condoms
External (or “male”) condoms are worn around the penis and prevent semen from making contact with an egg. They’re often made from:
very thin latex
polyisoprene
polyurethane
Since condoms also protect against some STIs, they’re great for anyone looking for a single method of protection.
Internal (or “female”) condoms protect against pregnancy and STIs in a similar way that external condoms do. These soft plastic (nitrile) pouches are inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy by creating a barrier that stops sperm from contacting an egg, or into the vagina or anus to prevent STIs.
Like external condoms, this type of birth control is a good choice for those wanting a single method of protection.
With typical use, internal condoms have a 79% effectiveness rate, while external condoms have an 87% effectiveness rate.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception comes in two forms:
IUD: Emergency IUDs are available within 5 days after sex without a condom or another barrier method. This is the most effective emergency contraception type.
Emergency contraception pill: There are two different types of what’s sometimes called “the morning after pill”:
Plan B:Plan B contains levonorgestrel. It should be taken within 3 days of sex without a condom or other barrier method. Effectiveness begins to decrease after 3 days.
Ella:Ella contains ulipristal acetate. It can be taken within 5 days of sex. Ella tends to be more difficult to find than Plan B, as not as many pharmacies carry it.
With the surge of on-demand delivery companies, getting birth control is more convenient than ever. You can now order contraceptives with a few clicks without having to visit a doctor or a clinic.
When shopping online, you want to make sure that the online birth control delivery is legitimate and features medical professionals who specialize in birth control.
“Look for companies that list their doctors’ first and last names, education, and experience,” Yen suggests. “You want expert care by expert doctors, so it’s worth taking the time to do some research before choosing a birth control or telemedicine company online. Look at the Google reviews for how reliable the service is.”
Seeing a healthcare professional for in-person birth control prescriptions can be beneficial for discussing your medical history, taking and monitoring your blood pressure, and administering any needed exams.
In-person visits can provide an opportunity for a more thorough health evaluation, which can be particularly important if you’re starting birth control for the first time or the first time in a long time.
For health concerns
Consulting a healthcare professional before starting birth control is very important if you have specific health concerns.
Like with other medications, birth control comes with potential risks and side effects that might be heightened in those with certain health conditions, past or present.
For example, those who have had breast cancer may be advised against hormonal birth control methods. Other medications you might be taking for a health condition could interfere with your birth control.
Also, your lifestyle can influence how your body might react to birth control. For example, smoking can raise someone’s chances of developing blood clots while on the birth control pill.
And although birth control will come with known side effects, like spotting and cramping, if you’re concerned about any of them, an app or automated service can’t provide the same medical support an in-person doctor can.
Birth control pills are safe for most people, but they do have some side effects and risks. Each person reacts differently, so you may or may not experience side effects associated with the pill.
Common side effects include:
spotting between periods
nausea
headaches
sore breasts
Side effects typically go away after the first few months, but it’s wise to reach out to a doctor if your discomfort exceeds the 3-month mark. Birth control shouldn’t make you feel sick, and a doctor can help you find the best method for you.
While rare, there are some more serious health risks associated with oral contraceptives. Blood clots are a serious but rare risk of using birth control pills, particularly combination pills.
Blood clots signify a clotting condition called deep vein thrombosis or can cause:
If you have high blood pressure or a higher body weight, talk with a doctor about the risk of using combination birth control.
Additionally, because of safety risks associated with combination pills, you can let a doctor know if you have a personal or family history of blood clots or migraine with aura.
Fake pills
Fake pills are produced to deceive consumers. They’re rampant, sold online every day, and are contaminated. They also:
don’t have the right ingredient
lack the active ingredient
they contain the wrong dose of the right ingredients
They could seriously harm you or result in an unplanned pregnancy.
For these reasons, it’s very important to practice due diligence — you can do your research and be careful where you buy birth control online. The packaging of many fake pills looks almost identical to the real thing, but you can see the difference when you compare the actual pills.
Yes, buying birth control online from reputable retailers is safe and easy. Whether you’re looking to receive your existing prescription by mail or need to get a prescription virtually, birth control online services can help.
However, if you have certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure, it’s best to opt for in-person care.
Can I get birth control without a doctor?
Birth control will require a prescription, but you don’t need to visit a doctor’s office to get one. You can receive a prescription over the phone or through an online birth control service.
In some areas, including California, you can also get a prescription from your local pharmacist.
Which online birth control subscription is best?
There are many birth control services online. Finding the right one for you involves understanding which features you’re looking for and choosing a prescriber who best meets your needs.
For example, if you want your prescription ready ASAP, Lemonaid may be best.
Is Nurx birth control safe?
When taken as prescribed and directed by a physician, birth control delivered by Nurx should be safe.
Its website states: “Drugs prescribed and sent through Nurx are prescribed using the same rules and medical standards as your family physician. A Nurx medical professional will only prescribe a medication if it is safe to do so based on the information provided by the patient.”
How much is birth control?
Many of the services on our list provide birth control pills for around $10 to $15 a month if you pay out of pocket.
There’s no set pricing for birth control as it depends on different factors like if and how much your insurance covers it, where you obtain it, and the type of contraceptive you’re getting. For example, you may be eligible for free birth control with Medicaid, depending on where you live and your birth control needs.
Do I need insurance to get birth control?
No, you don’t need insurance to get birth control. You can pay for it out of pocket. Some clinics may offer free birth control without insurance, depending on your needs and location.
While many employers and private health plans must include family planning and birth control coverage at no additional cost, the type and amount of coverage can vary by plan.
Birth control pills treat a variety of health issues and can even help prevent endometrial and ovarian cancer.
Online birth control delivery companies help remove barriers to access by offering a convenient and affordable way to obtain birth control — with or without insurance coverage.
When shopping online, it’s best to apply caution and research companies before ordering.
While not suited for people with certain health conditions, online birth control delivery programs are an easy and time-saving way to get birth control.
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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