Birth control prescription

Question 1

How do I choose a birth control method?

Answer

To choose a birth control method, healthcare providers recommend that you research your options and consider what's most important to you. For example, some women might value a type of contraception that's easy to remember, while others might be more interested in additional benefits, like regular periods or help clearing up hormonal acne.

Here's more information about the types of birth control prescribed through Amazon One Medical On-Demand Care:

Birth control pills

Birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives, are the most common form of reversible contraception in the U.S. You take birth control pills every day, ideally at the same time. These pills contain hormones that prevent pregnancy when taken as directed.

There are 2 main types of hormonal birth control pills:

• Combination pills. These birth control pills contain a progestin hormone and an estrogen hormone (usually ethinyl estradiol). The estrogen can help produce a regular menstrual bleeding pattern. Commonly prescribed combination pills include Sprintec, Junel, Loestrin, and Yasmin.

• Progestin-only pills, also known as minipills. These birth control pills contain only a progestin hormone (norethindrone or drospirenone). Commonly prescribed progestin-only pills include Camila, Errin, Heather, and Micronor. As of 2024, a progestin-only birth control pill (Opill) is also available over the counter (without a prescription) at many pharmacies.

Most hormonal birth control pills are prescribed monthly, but some extended cycle pills like Seasonale are designed for continuous dosing.

Hormonal patches

Birth control patches are hormonal patches that you wear on your skin (usually on the arm or lower abdomen) and change once a week. These transdermal patches contain both estrogen and progestin hormones. Birth control patches aren't as effective at preventing pregnancy if your BMI is 30 or higher. Common prescriptions include Xulane, Ortho-Evra, and Twirla.

Vaginal rings

Vaginal rings are placed in the vagina every 3 weeks. A vaginal ring releases combination hormones that prevent pregnancy when used as directed. Some vaginal rings (like Annovera) can be washed and reused for up to a year, while others (like NuvaRing and EluRyng) are replaced every month.

Question 2

What do I need to get birth control online?

Answer

To request an online birth control prescription through Amazon One Medical On-Demand Care (formerly Pay-per-visit), your provider will need to know your blood pressure. This is because combination birth control (containing estrogen) can affect blood pressure levels.

If you've gotten a blood pressure reading within the last 12 months, you can use that. To get a new blood pressure reading, you can visit your local pharmacy or primary care doctor, or use a home blood pressure monitor.

Your Amazon One Medical provider will also need to know additional health information, like your smoking history and the medications you're taking. Certain medications (like some seizure medications and blood thinners) can make hormonal birth control less effective.

Question 3

Will my birth control still work if I'm taking GLP-1 medication for weight loss?

Answer

Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) and orforglipron (Foundayo) can make oral contraceptives (birth control pills) less effective. Your provider may suggest an alternative contraception method such as the patch or ring. People who do use oral contraceptives and tirzepatide or orforglipron together should use a barrier method (e.g., condoms) to prevent pregnancy for 4 weeks after starting tirzepatide or orforglipron and 4 weeks after each dose increase. If you’d like to learn more about other options for contraception, you can read more on our birth control comparison guide blog.

Question 4

Can I get a birth control prescription to treat acne?

Answer

Your provider may be able to prescribe estrogen-based birth control to help with acne. If you're looking for non-contraceptive treatment options for acne—including topical medications, oral antibiotics, or spironolactone—we recommend that you request treatment for acne or see a primary care provider.

Question 5

Can I get a prescription for birth control shots through On-Demand Care?

Answer

No. If you're interested in self-injecting birth control, you'll need to see a primary care provider for your prescription.

Birth control shots contain a progestin called depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). You typically inject yourself in the arm or butt once every 3 months with prefilled syringes. This type of birth control can delay a return to fertility. Depo-Provera SQ is a common prescription.

Question 6

Can I get emergency contraception through On-Demand Care?

Answer

Yes. To request a prescription for ella, a medication that can prevent pregnancy when taken within 5 days of having unprotected sex or experiencing a contraceptive failure, we recommend that you request care for emergency contraception.

Question 7

I'm older than 55. Why can't I get birth control through On-Demand Care?

Answer

Hormonal contraceptives can have health risks when taken beyond the primary reproductive years. If you're interested in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopausal hormones, you'll need to see a primary care provider for guidance.

Question 8

Clinical sources

Answer

1. Teal, S., & Edelman, A. (2021). Contraception Selection, Effectiveness, and Adverse Effects: A Review. JAMA, 326(24), 2507–2518.

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Birth control prescription

How it works

Common birth control prescriptions

Birth control pills

Hormone patches

Vaginal rings

Can I still get birth control if I have high blood pressure?

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