In most of the United States, you will need to obtain a prescription for combination birth control.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
An Overview of Birth Control
Hormonal birth control prevents pregnancy in several ways.
One such method is by reducing, or stopping,ovulation.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Ovulation is the process of releasing the egg from the ovary.
There are both hormonal and non-hormonal methods.
Each method varies in effectiveness,side effects, and whether or not a prescription is needed.
Benefits and Risks
Hormonalbirth controlhas several associated benefits beyond preventing unwanted pregnancy.
Some potential side effects oforal contraceptivesinclude:
How Can I Get OTC Birth Control?
Prices will vary based on the retailer.
OTC options have no age requirements.
These methods are also U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved.
Opill is the first and only birth control pill available without a prescription.
Where Can I Get a Prescription?
Typically, pelvic exams are not necessary for birth control pills.
Based on your examination, your doctors will help determine the best method for you.
In some states, it’s possible for you to obtain a prescription from a pharmacist or through telehealth.
When you use telehealth, you talk to a licensed healthcare provider on a video or live chat app.
Which Option Is Right for Me?
There are many choices of hormonal contraceptives available, and these are not one-size-fits-all.
Everybody is different, and sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the correct method for you.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what will be right for you based on your specific situation.
Factors to take into account include:
Are There Low-Cost Birth Control Options?
This includes hormonal options like birth control pills.
For those who do not have health insurance, there are still ways to find low-cost birth control.
Some options include enrolling in government assistance programs or Medicaid, depending on your legal status and income level.
Healthcare clinics may also be able to provide low-cost birth control.
A Word From Verywell
Taking control of your reproductive health is important.
Remember, you are your own advocate.
However, there are certain situations where a parent will need to provide approval.
The best bet is to discuss your options with your insurance and healthcare provider to fully understand their policies.
Oral contraceptions can be used prior to in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
It can take up to seven days for birth control pills to be effective in preventing pregnancy.
You should use other contraception, such as condoms, during this time.
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University of Michigan Health.Hormonal birth control: risk of blood clots.
MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives).
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception and birth control methods.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center.A new birth control pill is available over the counter.
Who is it for?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Opill (0.075mg oral norgestrel tablet) information.
Kennedy CE, Yeh PT, Gonsalves L, et al.Should oral contraceptive pills be available without a prescription?
A systematic review of over-the-counter and pharmacy access availability.BMJ Global Health.
2019;4(3):e001402.
