Buzz
If you're tired of scheduling doctor appointments just to renew your birth control prescription or if you're ready to begin but struggle to find a trustworthy provider, these apps and websites can help you.
Experts like the American Association of Family Physicians and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists believe that oral contraceptives are safe enough to be available without a prescription. In some states like California, Washington, and Oregon, you can get birth control over-the-counter. However, availability in local pharmacies may still vary. While regular checkups and finding a reliable healthcare provider are important, getting your birth control prescription doesn’t always need to happen during an in-person visit, which is where these online services come into play.
Before signing up for online birth control prescriptions, note that these services differ from typical telemedicine platforms like Teladoc. The process is somewhat similar to making an online purchase. Requirements may vary depending on the platform and your state’s laws, but you’ll likely need to complete a questionnaire with basic medical details and provide a blood pressure reading (usually from a kiosk), along with a photo of yourself. In some states, a video consultation with an online doctor may be necessary before they can issue a prescription.
Prjkt Ruby (Web) is available in the most states, as shown in our chart below, but it offers only a limited selection of birth control brands. After completing your questionnaire or video consultation, your pills will be mailed to you. Please note, they do not accept insurance. Bonus: Prjkt Ruby also provides emergency contraception.
Lemonaid
(Web/iOS/Android) provides birth control along with other medications, including treatments for acid reflux and erectile dysfunction. They charge a $15 visit fee for the prescription, and you can pick up the pills at your local pharmacy using your insurance.Nurx (Web) mails prescriptions and accepts insurance, making it the most affordable option here. (Keep in mind, contraception is free under most insurance plans). For a sneak peek at the process, read this woman's experience, which she found very simple.
Virtuwell (Web) offers online visits for $45 and accepts insurance, so your total may be lower. Virtuwell sends prescriptions directly to your local pharmacy.
Planned Parenthood Care (Web/iOS/Android) offers video consultations, with medications sent directly to your home.
Planned Parenthood Direct (iOS/Android) charges a $15 visit fee, and you can pick up your prescription from your local pharmacy.
These services remove the need for an in-person doctor visit, but not all of them provide pharmacy services, so you might still need to leave your home to pick up the prescription from a pharmacist. If you're avoiding face-to-face interactions with judgmental pharmacists, you're only halfway there.
Once you have your prescription, consider using an online pharmacy like PillPack to have your medications delivered to your door. Be sure to confirm that your prescription service, pharmacy, and insurance are compatible, and you may never have to deal with an unfriendly pharmacist again.
Some of these services might be more selective when it comes to who they prescribe to. For example, they may set age restrictions. Be sure to review the service’s policies thoroughly and allow some extra time when completing the questionnaire, in case the service isn't able to assist you and you need to explore another option.
A State-by-State Guide to Where You Can Get an Online Prescription
Each state has its own regulations regarding whether a provider can prescribe without an in-person visit. As of December 2016, only Arkansas, Louisiana, and North Carolina prohibit online prescriptions entirely. If you live in one of those states, you'll still need an in-person visit to see your doctor, but after that, you'll be able to get your prescription delivered by mail.
Due to the varying laws between states and the requirement for prescribing providers to be licensed in the patient’s state, companies must choose which states they can operate in, ensuring they meet all legal requirements. Take a look at our chart for which services are available in each state:
If you're in California, you're in luck—numerous prescription services are available there, such as Pandia and Pill Club, in addition to the ones listed in our chart. Other states offer fewer options, but 47 out of 50 states have access to Prjkt Ruby, at the very least. This means that for most of the U.S., refilling your birth control is just a few clicks away.
Illustration by Angelica Alzona.
