Do you really need a doctor’s appointment to get birth control?

Is it really safe to get a prescription without seeing a healthcare provider in person?

In many cases, yes. Thanks to telehealth, it’s often possible to get birth control safely and conveniently without an in-person medical visit. Depending on your health history and the type of birth control you’re interested in, a licensed medical provider can evaluate your needs and prescribe a method that works for you, all through a secure online platform. It’s a smart, accessible option for many people, especially when time, travel, or clinic availability are barriers to care.

How does telemedicine work when it comes to birth control?

Telemedicine is a safe, effective way to access birth control without needing to visit a medical office in person. For many people, it’s a game-changer, especially when juggling work, childcare, or transportation makes it tough to get to a clinic.

At Nurx, the process is simple. You complete a detailed dynamic online health assessment, which is reviewed by a licensed medical provider. Based on your health history, needs, and preferences, they may ask some follow up questions to find and l prescribe a method that’s right for you—whether that’s the pill, patch, ring, shot, or another option. Your prescription is then delivered to your door or sent to a local pharmacy for pickup. You will receive ongoing support from the Nurx medical team online or through the Nurx app.

Is it safe to get a birth control prescription online without an in-person exam?

Yes—for most people, it’s completely safe to get a birth control prescription online without needing an in-person physical exam because the provider can get to know you through your telemedicine visit. Many contraceptive methods, like the pill, patch, and ring, don’t require a pelvic exam, Pap smear, or STI screening before they can be prescribed. What matters most is your medical history, your lifestyle, and finding out what is right for you and your body.

Of course, routine screenings like breast exams, Pap smears, and STI testing are still important parts of preventive healthcare, but they’re not required before starting birth control in most cases. The exception is for certain methods, like an IUD, which do require an in-person placement by a provider.

What happens during an online birth control consultation?

When you request birth control through a telehealth provider like Nurx, your consultation is designed to be simple, personalized, and thorough, without needing an in-person visit.

You’ll start by completing a dynamic  health consultation that asks about your medical history, family history, menstrual cycle, any previous experiences with birth control, etc. You’ll also be asked about lifestyle factors—like smoking or migraines—and whether you’re currently breastfeeding, have plans to get pregnant in the future, or are hoping to manage symptoms like acne or cramps.

Your responses help the provider understand what’s safe and effective for your individual needs. For example, if you have certain health conditions or risk factors, a provider may recommend progestin-only options instead of combination birth control with estrogen.

Once your information is reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider, they may ask you some follow up questions. If you’re a good fit for our service, your provider will either prescribe your requested method of birth control or suggest a better fit based on your health profile. If you have questions, you can message the medical team directly through your Nurx account.

The goal is to give you the same thoughtful, personalized care you’d receive in person, just and from the comfort of home.

How can women make sure they’re getting the right birth control for their needs?

Getting the right birth control is really about getting what is right for your body. There are so many great options that, if used correctly, are almost equally effective. First, it’s important for women to know what their goals are in regard to a reproductive life plan. Do they plan to get pregnant at some point? When? If they don’t desire pregnancy at all or don’t plan on getting pregnant for at least a year, a long-term contraceptive option like an implant or IUD might be better for them. If they do plan on getting pregnant within a year, then a short-term option like pills, the ring, or the patch might be better.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages, too. The pill, patch, and ring are equally effective in preventing pregnancy, and they all contain the same hormones, so the side effects for each are similar. The difference is in the administration. The pill has to be taken orally every day. The patch is changed weekly, and the ring is changed monthly. For some women, it’s easier to remember to do something every single day than to remember to do something once a month.

Another important factor in choosing a contraceptive method is cost. If you have insurance, you may be able to access birth control for as low as $0. In most cases, pills are the least expensive option without insurance coverage, often just $15/month. 

Who should see a gynecologist instead of using telemedicine?

For many people, telemedicine is a safe and convenient way to get birth control. But there are some cases where it’s best—or necessary—to see a gynecologist or in-person provider.

If you have a complex medical history—such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or migraines with aura—an in-person visit may be necessary before starting birth control that contains estrogen. These conditions can increase the risk of complications with certain hormonal methods and may require in-person assessments, like blood pressure checks. At Nurx, we  assess whether someone is a good fit for our virtual service. . and may  refer you to in-person care if necessary to ensure you receive the most appropriate and safe treatment.

You’ll also need to visit a provider in person if you’re considering a long-acting method, such as an IUD or contraceptive implant, since these options require a physical exam and insertion by a trained clinician.

And if you’re experiencing symptoms like pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, or abnormal discharge, it’s a good idea to get checked out in person. These symptoms could point to underlying issues that need further evaluation.

What are some of the biggest benefits of getting a birth control prescription online?

One of the biggest benefits of getting online birth control is convenience. With a service like Nurx, you can save time by skipping a visit to the medical office and pharmacist. You can connect with a provider to get your prescription online and continue to message them as needed through the site. You also may have the option to have your prescription delivered right to your door.

Birth control options you can get online

Thanks to telemedicine, many safe and effective birth control options are available without needing to visit a medical professional in person. If your health history doesn’t call for additional screening, you can often get a prescription for hormonal birth control through an online consultation.

Here are the methods you can typically access online through services like Nurx:

• Birth control pills: Both combination pills (which contain estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills are available. Your provider will help you choose the right type based on your health and lifestyle.
• Birth control patch: A once-weekly option that delivers hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy.
• Birth control ring: A flexible ring you insert into the vagina once a month. It works similarly to the pill and patch but doesn’t require daily attention.
• Emergency contraception: Also known as the “morning-after pill,” it can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure.

For longer-term methods like the IUD or birth control implant., you’ll need to see a provider in person, as these require insertion or a procedure.

Get your birth control, your way

Getting the right birth control doesn’t have to mean waiting weeks for an appointment or sitting in a waiting room. For many people, safe and effective contraceptive care is just a few clicks away. Whether you’re exploring your options for the first time or looking to switch methods, telehealth makes it easier than ever to access expert guidance and ongoing support.

At Nurx, licensed providers review your health history, ask and answer questions, and help you find the best method for your needs—all from the comfort of home. We offer a range of birth control options, from the pill to the patch to emergency contraception, and deliver directly to your door with discreet, affordable care.

Ready to get started? Start your birth control consultation with Nurx today. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): 

What kind of appointment do you need for birth control?

It depends on the type of birth control you’re interested in. For pills, the patch, ring, or emergency contraception, a telehealth dynamic consultation is often all that’s needed. Long-acting methods like IUDs or implants typically require an in-person visit for insertion.

Can you get birth control online safely?

Yes—many people can get safe, effective birth control online. Telehealth providers assess your health history and medical needs to determine what’s right for you and prescribe the best option, similar to an in-person visit.

How to ask a provider for birth control?

Be open about your needs and goals—whether it’s preventing pregnancy, regulating your cycle, and/ or managing symptoms like acne or cramps. You can also share preferences about hormone types, side effects, or ease of use. Your provider is there to help you make the best choice for your body and lifestyle.

Do you need a pelvic exam for birth control?

Not usually. Most birth control methods—like the pill, patch, or ring—don’t require a pelvic exam or Pap smear as part of your medical review unless there are specific health concerns. In-person procedures like IUD insertion do involve a pelvic exam.

What birth control can you get without an in-person medical  visit?

You can access hormonal birth control (pills, patch, ring) and emergency contraception through a telehealth consultation—no in-person visit required. Some pharmacies also offer certain methods over the counter or with a pharmacist consultation, depending on your location.

The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.

Services not offered in every state. Medications prescribed only if clinically appropriate, based on completion of  required consultation. Individual results may vary. 

The pricing above is indicative of the lowest prices currently available for Nurx birth control products advertised and is subject to change. Pricing is subject to applicable insurance coverage, prices not guaranteed. Not all insurance plans are accepted. Final pricing may vary depending on products, customizations, and other factors. Costs apply.  See Nurx.com for details.