Birth control pills Online
Brand names: Opill, Slynd, Yaz, Sprintec, Lo Loestrin Fe
Birth control pills are daily oral hormonal contraceptives. Combined pills contain an estrogen and a progestin; progestin-only pills ("minipills") contain a progestin alone. Most are inexpensive generics, and telehealth services can prescribe and mail them after an online questionnaire, often with no video visit. Opill, a progestin-only pill, became the first daily birth control pill sold over the counter in the US in 2024.
Prices last checked · each provider's date is under its price
* Prices are based on our most recent research and may not reflect current pricing. Verify directly with the provider.
How Birth control pills Works
Combined pills mainly prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus so sperm can't reach an egg. Progestin-only pills work mainly by thickening cervical mucus, and some also suppress ovulation. Typical-use failure rates are about 7% per year, mostly from missed or late pills, and under 1% with perfect use.
What to Expect
Protection depends on when you start. Combined pills started within 5 days of your period begin working right away; started at other times, they need 7 days of backup contraception. Progestin-only pills need 48 hours of backup unless started at the beginning of a period. Spotting is common for the first 2–3 months.
Birth control pills Pricing Comparison
Sorted by lowest starting price.
Prices shown are based on our most recent research and may not reflect current pricing. Telehealth providers update their pricing frequently. Always verify pricing directly with the provider before purchasing.
| Provider | Score | Product | Price/mo | Includes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisp | 74 | Birth Control | $5–$29 15% off first order (code WELCOME15) checked | ● Consults● Shipping○ Labs | Visit |
| Pandia Health | 73 | Birth Control Pill Delivery | $15 $35 one-time prescription consult checked | ○ Consults● Shipping○ Labs | Visit |
| Nurx | 71 | Birth Control (generic) | $15–$25 $15/pill pack cash, or as low as $0 with insurance; a $28 annual consult fee and a $3 monthly support fee are charged on top checked | ○ Consults● Shipping○ Labs | Visit |
| Twentyeight Health | 75 | Birth Control Pill | $16 checked | ○ Consults● Shipping○ Labs | Visit |
| TelyRx | 72 | Birth Control Pills (generic) | $22.99–$139.99 One-time $22 provider review fee checked | ○ Consults○ Shipping○ Labs | Visit |
| TeleDirectMD | 67 | Birth Control Refill Visit | $79 checked | ● Consults○ Shipping○ Labs | Visit |
| Tuyo Health | 67 | Birth Control | Quoted after consult checked | ● Consults● Shipping○ Labs | Visit |
| Push Health | 61 | Birth Control Prescription | Quoted after consult checked | ● Consults○ Shipping○ Labs | Visit |
Common Side Effects
- •Irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the first months
- •Nausea
- •Breast tenderness
- •Headaches
- •Mood changes
Serious Side Effects
- !Blood clots in the legs or lungs (combined pills; still rare)
- !Stroke or heart attack, mainly in women over 35 who smoke (boxed warning on combined pills)
- !High blood pressure
Birth control pills Is Not For
- ✗Women over 35 who smoke (combined pills)
- ✗Anyone with a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease (combined pills)
- ✗People who get migraines with aura (combined pills)
- ✗People with current or past breast cancer
Birth control pills — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get birth control online without seeing a doctor?
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Usually you complete an online health questionnaire that a clinician reviews, and many states don't require a video visit. Opill, a progestin-only pill, needs no prescription at all and is sold over the counter.
What is the difference between combined pills and the minipill?
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Combined pills contain estrogen and a progestin, and they have a more forgiving timing window. Progestin-only pills avoid estrogen, so they suit people who can't take it, such as smokers over 35 or people who get migraines with aura. Traditional minipills, though, must be taken at the same time every day.
Do birth control pills protect against STIs?
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No. Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Does insurance cover birth control pills?
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Under the Affordable Care Act, most private health plans must cover FDA-approved contraceptives prescribed for you with no copay, though a plan may only cover generics in a given category. Many telehealth birth control services bill insurance for the pills.
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.Birth control pills requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Side effects, risks, and suitability vary by individual. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Telehealth Match is not a healthcare provider.
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