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Birth control pills available online

Learn how birth control pills can help prevent pregnancy and treat other conditions with a consultation from one of our board-certified doctors online. Get a new prescription for birth control pills or refill an existing prescription today. 

Book an appointment

Online same-day doctor appointment booking

Available nationwide, with licensed medical providers

Medications available for pharmacy pickup*

*Prescriptions provided at the doctor’s discretion

Most major insurance plans accepted

Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Paying without insurance? New patient visits are $129, and follow-ups are only $99 for members.

Don’t see your provider listed? Email [email protected]  or call  (888) 564-4454  to talk to a PlushCare specialist.

3 simple steps to getting birth control pills online 

Step 1

Book an appointment to discuss birth control pills.

Book a same-day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your doctor online.

See a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3: pick up at local pharmacy

Step 3

Pick up your birth control pills prescription from your online doctor.

We can send birth control prescription to any local pharmacy.

Birth control pills pricing details

How it works

To get birth control pills online, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

Paying with insurance

Membership

$14.99/month

First month free

First visit

Copay

For all 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

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:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$14.99/month

First month free

First visit

$129

Repeats only $99

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

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

Birth control pills FAQs

  • How should I take birth control pills? 

    How you should take birth control pills depends on the type. Ideally, you should take combination birth control pills at the same time every day. That way, it’s easier to make it your habit to take them and avoid forgetting to take a combination pill.

    The number of days in a row to take these pills depends on the brand and dosing packs. They come in packs ranging from 21 to 365 days. If you take a 21-day pill pack, you will need to take one pill a day for 21 days and wait a week before starting with the new pack.

    On the other hand, if you take a 28-day pack of combination pills, you will need to take a pill for 28 days and start a new pack on day 29. The pills for the last seven days contain no hormones. They are known as inactive pills or placebo pills. Inactive pills usually contain sugar, but some brands may opt for vitamins too. The main purpose of inactive pills is to maintain your habit of taking the active pill regularly. Since you're not forgetting to take inactive pills, it becomes easier to take active pills regularly too.

    In cases of a 91-day pill pack, it’s necessary to take one pill a day for 84 days. If you take a 365-day pack of combination pills, you will need to take one pill a day for an entire year.

    Progestin-only pills are more strict, meaning it’s absolutely crucial to take them within the same three hours every day in order to ensure their effectiveness. If you take a progestin-only pill at 9 a.m. taking it after noon the next day increases the pregnancy risk. You usually need to take all the pills without a break. In progestin-only contraception, all pills are active pills.

  • Who shouldn’t take birth control pills?

    Women with health conditions such as high blood pressure, blood clots, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and breast cancer, or endometrial cancer shouldn’t take birth control pills because they are at an increased risk of unwanted complications. Also, women who are pregnant, obese, smoke, and are older than 35, may not be suitable candidates for oral contraceptives. Inform your doctor about any underlying medical conditions you may have before you start taking birth control pills.

  • How long does it take for birth control pills to work?

    It depends on the type of birth control you’re taking. If you start with combination pills on the first day of your menstrual period, you will be protected from pregnancy immediately. But, if you start with a birth control pill pack after the period has started, it is necessary to wait seven days before engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse to avoid pregnancy. Women who are taking progestin-only i.e. mini-pills will need to wait for two days before they can start having unprotected sex.

  • What should I avoid with birth control pills?

    When taking the birth control pill, you may need to avoid certain medications because they could make oral contraceptives less effective. Make sure to inform the healthcare professional about other medications you’re taking so they can adjust your dosages or prescribe safer alternatives.

    Besides prescription medications, you may need to avoid some herbal remedies and supplements such as St. John’s wort. Avoid forgetting the pill or taking it irresponsibly. Always adhere to the instructions.

  • Which pill is best for birth control?

    Best birth control depends on the specific needs of each person. Combination birth control pills contain higher doses of hormones, and they are more effective at managing acne and PCOS. They can also relieve PMS, reduce heavy bleeding, and more. On the other hand, progestin-only pills contain lower doses of progesterone. Low-dose pills are safer for cardiovascular health. However, to ensure the pill works, it’s crucial to take it almost at the same time every day. The doctor will recommend the best birth control option for each patient. All types of birth control have their advantages. In the beginning, the doctor may recommend combination pills, which regulate both hormones.

  • What are the types of pills for birth control?

    Types of pills for birth control are combined estrogen and progestin pills, progestin-only pills or minipills, and continuous or extended cycle pills. The latter refers to pills that you need to take during a specific timeframe without breaks. Some pills are administered in an extended cycle manner, whereas others are more beneficial with continuous use.

  • Do all birth control pills require a prescription?

    Yes, if you choose pills as a birth control method, you need a prescription. The prescription is necessary because the pills are hormonal contraceptives and also influence a patient’s hormone balance and menstrual cycle. While it may be easy to find websites that claim it’s possible to get medications without a doctor’s prescription, doing so is unsafe because it puts you at risk of more serious side effects and getting fake or potentially dangerous pills.

  • What form of birth control requires a prescription?

    Types of contraception that require a prescription include combined and progestin-only birth control pills, patches, diaphragms, and rings. A vaginal patch releases hormones into a person’s bloodstream. Their main goal is the same as for birth control pills – to suppress ovulation. On the flip side, a vaginal ring is a small, soft, plastic ring that a woman places into the vagina, where it releases continuous doses of hormones. In a nutshell, every birth control method in the form of hormonal contraceptives requires a prescription.

  • What is the most common birth control pill prescribed?

    The most common birth control pill prescribed is a combination pill, which delivers both estrogen and progestin. The most common type is monophasic pills, which are single-phase, meaning they provide a stable dose of hormones throughout the whole pack.

  • What does birth control do to your body?

    Birth control pills can lead to hormonal changes, mood changes, and migraines. Also, this type of birth control can reduce acne and lead to breast changes such as tenderness and enlargement. People may also notice changes in their appetite and weight. Other effects of oral contraception on the body include bloating and nausea, hair growth or reduction, formation of blood clots, and higher blood pressure.

    All medications can lead to some changes in the body’s shape and composition or in a person’s health and well-being. Sticking to the recommended intake and focusing on a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the impact of these pills on weight gain and health.

  • How long does the pill take to work?

    The answer depends on the type of pill you're taking. Generally speaking, it takes seven days for pills to become effective. That's why you may want to consider using another form of birth control during this time. Having a backup form of contraception or a different type of birth control is always much better than having unprotected sex.

  • What happens if you miss one of your birth control pills?

    If you miss one pill:

    • Take the pill you missed as soon as you remember, even if this means taking two on the same day.

    • Continue on your daily schedule.

    • Check the packaging of your pill pack for additional information.

    If you miss two pills, your protection against pregnancy may be compromised. Ask your doctor for more information.

  • When do you get your period on birth control pills?

    The timing of your period will depend on the specific pill you take. Since different brands contain different quantities of hormones, this can affect the flow, timing, and side effects that come with your monthly period.

    • If you take a 28-day pack of combination pills, you'll get your period during the last week of the cycle (when you're taking inactive pills).

    • Depending on the minipill your doctor prescribes, your period may be longer or shorter than normal, or it may stop completely.

About birth control pills

Birth control pills are medications designed for pregnancy prevention. They’re often prescribed to help treat polycystic ovary syndrome, but they’re used for other conditions as well. There are three types of prescription birth control pills. 

What birth control pills treat

Birth control pills are most commonly used to prevent pregnancy. The drugs are designed to stop the body from ovulating. At the same time, they alter the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from joining with an egg. Additionally, pills for birth control can change the lining of the womb so the fertilized egg can’t implant.

Acne

Other conditions are also treated with birth control pills. Acne, for example, results from excess sebum produced by higher levels of androgens in the body. Taking birth control pills containing both estrogen and progestin can decrease the concentration of androgens. Sebum production becomes lower, which results in less acne. When it comes to the use of birth control for acne, it’s important to keep in mind only those containing both hormones are effective. Pills that contain progestin alone won’t work for acne treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Birth control pills can also help with PCOS and ovarian cysts. Polycystic ovary syndrome is an imbalance of hormones that causes irregular menstrual bleeding and menstrual periods to be missing and heavy in terms of flow. Oral contraceptive pills manage PCOS through three mechanisms of action. First, they decrease excessive levels of androgens (especially testosterone), then they protect the uterus by ensuring a regular menstrual cycle, and the pills also protect against unwanted pregnancy. Since these pills work to block ovulation, they can suppress the development of ovarian cysts.

Types of birth control pills available online

The three types of birth control pill medications are called combined estrogen-progestin, progestin-only, and continuous or extended use pill.

How birth control pills work

Birth control pills function by not allowing sperm to reach and join with an egg. The pills contain hormones that can safely stop ovulation and thereby minimize pregnancy risk. By acting on hormones, birth control pills can also aid the management of problems that are caused by hormone imbalances. These problems include PCOS and acne.

  • Side effects of birth control pills

    When taken as prescribed, birth control pills are generally well tolerated. However, they can still cause some side effects.

    The more common side effects of birth control pills include:

    • Intramenstrual spotting

    • Tender or sore breasts

    • Nausea

    • Headaches

    • Mood changes

    • Weight gain

    • Reduced libido

    • Missed menstrual periods

    • Vaginal discharge

    • Vision changes (with contact lenses)


    In rare cases, birth control pills may cause serious side effects. These can include:

    • Abdominal pain

    • Severe headaches

    • Increased risk for chest pain and shortness of breath

    • Severe pain in legs

  • Birth control pills risks

    Birth control pills are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.

    Before you take prescribed pills for contraception, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or issues:

    • Blood clotting problems or history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)

    • Coronary artery disease

    • History of heart attack or stroke

    • Migraines with aura

    • Liver tumor

    • Lupus

    • Unmanaged diabetes or high blood pressure

    • Known or suspected pregnancy

    • Planning to undergo surgery that requires prolonged bed rest

    • Being a smoker and over the age of 35

    • History of breast cancer or endometrial cancer

  • Birth control pills, drug interactions 

    When you begin a new medication, tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbs you take. Some medications that might interact with birth control pills include:

    • Diabetes medications

    • Antibiotics

    • Anti-HIV drugs

    • Pulmonary hypertension medication

    • Anticonvulsants

    • Antifungal medications

    • Anti-nausea medications

Birth control pills you can get online

Yaz is a prescription medication that acts as contraception, but it can also manage acne like other pills of this kind. In a nutshell, Yaz is a brand name for the medication drospirenone-Ethinyl-estradiol. The generic name stands for both hormones included in this contraception: synthetic forms of progestin and estrogen.

The doctors prescribe it after careful patient evaluation. Inform the doctor about coexisting medical conditions you may have or medications you're taking because YAZ can interact with many of them.

Yaz is available in blister packs. each pack contains 28 tablets, most of which are active pills and others are not. For 24 days, it's necessary to take one pink tablet followed by one white tablet a day for four days per a person's menstrual cycle.

PlushCare online birth control pills ratings and reviews

Our online doctors have treated over 555,000 patients.