How to Get Birth Control

You’ve done your research and have chosen a birth control method that best fits your needs. Now, the next step is to get the birth control. Luckily, birth control is now accessible to get and can be done discreetly if you have any concerns about others finding out that you’re taking it. Clinics and doctors are under a patient confidentiality agreement and cannot disclose information to other people, including parental guardians.

If you’re wondering how to get birth control, you should know that there are no age restrictions to get it. But you will need to have a prescription from a healthcare professional to get any form of hormonal birth control. You can get a prescription from your doctor, walk-in clinic, and sometimes pharmacists. If you’re looking for non-hormonal birth control such as condoms, diaphragms, or vaginal sponge, then you do not need a prescription. You can get any of these birth control methods at your local drug store and some health clinics.

With all the side effects, costs, effectiveness, and other things to consider, finding a method of birth control that’s right for you can be somewhat overwhelming. To explain how to get birth control, we’ll discuss what you will need to purchase it, where to get it, and the average cost below.

What You Need to Buy Birth Control 

Like other prescription medications, hormonal birth control needs to be prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, birth control is not available over the counter and must be obtained through a licensed physician. To get a prescription from your doctor, you will need to setup an appointment with them to discuss your specific needs and to determine what the best method of birth control is for you.

In some areas, you can get medications like birth control at online pharmacies and have the product shipped directly to you. While this simplifies the process of how to get birth control, you will still need a prescription from your doctor before you can buy your birth control online. Most online websites will require the original copy of your prescription to process your order. If you get your birth control from an online, it will simply be mailed directly to your door. If you stumble upon a website that doesn’t require a prescription, then there is a good chance that the company is operating illegally and should not be trusted.

The Cost of Birth Control

The price of hormonal birth control will vary depending on where you get it and if you have medical coverage. The cost will also depend on the brand of birth control and the method of birth control itself.

Typically, birth control pills are the most cost effective (between $7 – $20 per package. If you have an insurance plan or qualify for government funding, then the cost of birth control pills will most likely be covered. IUD’s are the most effective form of birth control in terms but can cost upwards of $800 without any coverage. Interested in learning about the cost of all birth control methods? Check out this article here with a full price breakdown.

And if you’re still wondering how to get birth control, you should speak with your doctor and they can direct you to the most cost-effective route!