Prescription for birth control pills, rings and patches
- Even a 15-minute extension of the birth control pill prescription when you need it.
- A consultation with a doctor and help choosing a method of contraception.
- Hormonal contraception - without unnecessary questions and explanations.
Extend or start contraception
You have not been using contraception for at least 3 months? Choose to start contraception.
Which consultation should I choose?
Select “Extend birth control” if you are taking medication on a regular basis and have a previous prescription.
Select “Start contraception” if you want to start therapy with the medication in question.
How does it work?
Select a consultation option
Decide whether you want to extend your prescription or talk to your doctor (e.g. to start therapy with a new drug). In the case of psychotropic drugs or strong painkillers, it is necessary to provide data from your IKP or a certificate from your doctor.
Complete the medical questionnaire
Answer a few questions that will help the doctor assess your health. If you are continuing treatment, attach your previous prescription.
Wait for the doctor to contact you
If you have chosen a teleconsultation/videoconsultation, the doctor will call you on the selected date to conduct a consultation. If you have chosen to extend your prescription and are a new patient, the doctor will call to confirm the data from the questionnaire.
Receive your documentation
After the doctor's decision, you will receive a prescription and/or recommendations via text message and e-mail - without leaving your home.
Contraceptives - Questions & Answers
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Preparations used in hormonal contraception:
Contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy. One of the most effective methods of preventing conception is oral contraception. Birth control pills are chosen by many women and recommended by doctors. However, remember that in order to start taking birth control pills, you must consult a specialist who will choose the right medication for you. A prescription for birth control pills is required to purchase them.
Birth control pills – what are they?
Contraceptive pills are taken to prevent unwanted pregnancies. There are at least two types of contraceptive pills: single-ingredient and two-ingredient. They differ mainly in their hormone content.
Since both are hormonal contraceptives, the substances in the composition are designed to stop ovulation and make certain changes to the woman's mucus and endometrial layer. All this is intended to effectively hinder, and in fact even prevent, the formation and implantation of an embryo in the uterus.
Why is a prescription for birth control pills necessary?
Birth control pills are the most popular method of contraception, but before deciding to start the treatment, it is necessary to visit a specialist - a gynaecologist. If you are wondering whether birth control pills are available on prescription, the answer is: of course they are. A prescription for birth control pills is necessary to purchase them. In addition to the range of positive effects that their use can bring (including protection against unwanted pregnancy), there may also be side effects. In addition, the specialist will recommend a specific preparation, taking into account your health and life situation. Always consult a doctor before starting to use oral contraception, including deciding when to start taking birth control pills.
Birth control pills – how do they work?
The effect of birth control pills is multi-faceted and is based on the oral administration of hormones that:
inhibit ovulation, so that the egg cell cannot be fertilized,
increase the viscosity of the uterine mucus, making it difficult for sperm to move,
make the endometrial layer thinner, so that the egg cell should not implant in the uterus.
Regular intake of birth control pills is crucial for the method to be almost 100% effective.
When do birth control pills start working?
Birth control pills, although effective, must be properly dosed. They are most effective when the correct intake schedule is followed.
Before writing a prescription for birth control pills, a doctor should thoroughly instruct the patient on how they work and give precise dosage instructions. One of the most important pieces of information, which has a huge impact on the effectiveness of the protection, is that it does not always work immediately.
You should take the first pill within the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle. If you do this, the chances of getting pregnant are minimal and the birth control pills will protect you from the start. However, if you decide to start the treatment at a different point in your menstrual cycle, you must take into account that the contraceptive pill will not be effective immediately. In this case, abstain from sex for the first 7 days of taking the pills, or use condoms as an additional measure to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Taking birth control pills regularly is very important for their effectiveness. It is important not to skip any doses and to follow the doctor's instructions. It may be possible to start taking birth control pills without waiting for the first day of your period, but it requires consulting a doctor to discuss the safest method of contraception and potential side effects.
How to choose the right birth control pills?
Choosing the right birth control pills is not easy. There is a wide range of companies on the market and birth control pills differ in type and composition. That is why a gynecologist should offer you the best option for you after an interview and consultation.
A visit to the doctor is necessary because a prescription for contraception can only be issued by a qualified medical professional. Instead of visiting a doctor in person, you can also consider an online consultation where you can get an e-prescription for your birth control pills. Online contraception can save you a lot of time, especially if you have been taking hormonal contraception for a long time and need another prescription.
The use of birth control pills is very effective in preventing pregnancy, provided they are taken regularly. In addition, it is worth discussing the benefits and health risks associated with their use with your doctor.
Contraceptive pills - effectiveness
The effectiveness of birth control pills is determined by the Pearl Index. This is the number of women who have become pregnant despite using a specific method of contraception for at least one year. In the case of OCPs (oral contraceptive pills) and an ideal pill-taking model (i.e. no missed doses, taking the medication at the right times, etc.), the Pearl Index is 0.3. Unfortunately, in practice it is higher due to the lack of regularity and mistakes made by women using birth control pills.
What reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills?
The ineffectiveness of a given method can be due to several factors:
the method itself is ineffective and does not work properly on the woman's body (less common),
a doctor's mistake, who chose the wrong method of contraception or misled the patient, e.g. by giving incorrect dosage,
inconsistent use and mistakes made by women taking birth control pills.
There are also several external factors that can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, such as the consumption of certain herbs, such as:
Chinese angelica,
St. John's wort,
psyllium,
buckthorn.
When do birth control pills not work?
Hormonal contraception is an effective form of protection against pregnancy. However, it sometimes fails. Even under ideal conditions, taking birth control pills at the same time every day, there is a small chance of becoming pregnant. However, birth control pills are especially ineffective when they are not taken regularly. Even one missed dose can lead to pregnancy.
Therefore, to avoid fertilization, you must pay close attention to the times when you take your birth control pills. Also, don't let yourself be caught off guard by an empty package - try to get a prescription for birth control from your doctor in advance, e.g. online.
In addition to irregularity, other factors can also affect the effectiveness of contraception. Birth control pills may not work effectively for women with too high a BMI. Vomiting or diarrhea can also be a problem, as can some medications you take, such as:
antibiotics (especially tetracycline, amoxicillin, and cotrimoxazole),
medications for depression,
laxatives,
antiviral medications,
antifungal medication,
antiepileptic medication.
During your appointment, whether online or in person, always remember to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking and any chronic illnesses you may have. The effectiveness of your treatment, as well as your life and health, depend on it.
Birth control pills: how to use them?Take birth control pills as prescribed by your doctor. In most cases, they are taken for 3 weeks (every day at the same time), followed by a one-week break. One pack contains 21 birth control pills containing hormones.
The first tablet with the active ingredient should be taken within the first 5 days of your cycle. If you plan to take it at a different time, you must remember that birth control pills will not protect you from unplanned pregnancy during the first week. In that case, use another form of protection or refrain from having sex.
Types of birth control pillsThere are two types of birth control pills on the market: monophasic and biphasic. They differ in their active ingredients. [...]
Monophasic contraceptive pills only contain progestogens in a low dosage. They work by affecting the mucus and endometrium. The hormones in these types of contraceptive pills do not affect ovulation. They are particularly recommended for women who are breastfeeding or cannot take oestrogen for health reasons.
[...] [...]
Some medications contain 21 active contraceptive pills and 7 placebo pills, which are taken in the week when you would not normally take hormones. The placebo contraceptive pills do not contain any active ingredients and are included in the pack so that you can stick to your routine.
[...]
Before deciding to start taking birth control pills, it is absolutely necessary to visit a gynecologist. The doctor may order additional tests before prescribing medication. These may include:
[...] Furthermore, they can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce PMS symptoms. In some cases, doctors prescribe birth control pills as part of the treatment for diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis. Thanks to their properties, birth control pills can also alleviate the symptoms of these conditions, improving the quality of life of patients.
Contraindications to the use of birth control pillsBirth control pills are not suitable for every woman. There are certain contraindications to their use, such as breast cancer, diabetes with complications, uncontrolled arterial hypertension, as well as pregnancy and breastfeeding. Before starting to take birth control pills, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will assess whether this form of contraception is safe for you. The doctor will conduct a health interview and may order additional tests to make sure there are no contraindications to the use of birth control pills.
Indications and contraindications for the use of birth control pillsBirth control pills are most commonly used by women who are sexually active but not necessarily ready for children. However, sometimes, due to the hormones they contain, the pills are also prescribed in other cases. [...]
blood count,
blood clotting test,
lipidogram,
thyroid tests,
gynecological tests.
thrombosis,
complicated diabetes mellitus,
concomitant risk factors such as heavy tobacco addiction (more than 15 cigarettes a day) and obesity,
high, uncontrolled hypertension.
Contraceptive pills – side effects
Every medication carries the risk of unpleasant side effects. This is also the case with birth control pills. After starting the treatment, carefully observe your body and consult a doctor in case of any worrying symptoms.
What side effects can birth control pills cause? These include:
deep vein thrombosis,
heart attack,
high blood pressure,
dry vagina and decreased libido,
digestive system problems (stomach ache, nausea, diarrhea),
changes in appetite and weight gain,
fatigue and mood swings,
headaches and dizziness,
baldness,
acne, erythema and rash,
cancer (breast and cervical).
Birth control pills and pregnancy
When taking birth control pills, the chance of getting pregnant is small, but it does exist. Therefore, observe your body. If you notice symptoms such as breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea, sensitivity to odors or lack of bleeding when you stop taking the pills, consult a doctor immediately.
How can you tell if you are pregnant while taking birth control pills?
It is difficult to recognize pregnancy while taking birth control pills because some symptoms of pregnancy can be perceived as side effects of the pills. To be sure, it is best to take a pregnancy test and contact your gynecologist, who will conduct tests and confirm or rule out pregnancy.
Birth control pills and breastfeeding
Hormonal birth control is possible after giving birth. Women who are breastfeeding are advised to choose monophasic birth control pills. Taking birth control pills is usually recommended only 4–8 weeks after giving birth (unless your doctor advises otherwise).
How do I stop taking the contraceptive pill?
It is best to consult your doctor about stopping the contraceptive pill. If you are unsure how to stop taking the contraceptive pill, make an appointment to find out how the process should be carried out and what to expect after stopping.
Contraceptive pills and stimulants
When taking birth control pills, be careful when taking any stimulants. Some of them may affect the pills' effect, and others may affect a woman's health.
Birth control pills and alcohol
Alcohol itself does not affect the effectiveness of the pills, but it does affect the woman's consciousness, which can lead to missing a dose. In addition, vomiting caused by excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the effect of birth control pills.
Birth control pills and smoking
Smoking a lot of tobacco has a huge impact on a woman's health. It is particularly dangerous when combined with hormonal contraception. The substances in cigarettes thicken the blood, which in turn can lead to blood clots.
Contraceptive pills and cannabis
There are no specific studies that confirm the negative effects of cannabis on the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Contraceptive pills – pros and cons
Contraceptive pills are the most popular form of hormonal contraception. Over 20 percent of women who use contraception choose them. Far fewer women opt for contraceptive patches, vaginal rings or contraceptive implants.
Contraceptive pills are divided into one-ingredient and two-ingredient pills. One-ingredient contraceptive pills only contain progestogen, while two-ingredient pills also contain estrogen. Most contraceptive pills on the market contain two ingredients – progestogens and estrogens, which are found in the pills in different proportions.
Contraceptive pills can also be divided into monophasic, biphasic and triphasic. Monophasic contraceptive pills have the same composition, while biphasic and triphasic pills have different hormone concentrations depending on the day of the cycle.
Another method of hormonal contraception is the contraceptive injection, which should also be considered in consultation with a doctor, taking into account individual health factors and the patient's preferences.
Contraceptive pills - disadvantages
The most frequently mentioned disadvantages of birth control pills are the various side effects they can cause. Some women who use oral hormonal contraceptives complain of weight gain. This is usually related to water retention in the body. Mood swings are also a common negative side effect of birth control pills. Headaches are also mentioned as a disadvantage of hormonal contraception.
Contraceptive pill – advantages
What are the main advantages of the contraceptive pill? On the one hand, it can cause weight gain, but on the other hand, it can enlarge the mammary glands, which many women perceive as an advantage of oral hormonal contraception. Sometimes birth control pills are used to regulate the menstrual cycle or to reduce PMS symptoms. The advantages of birth control pills also include a lower risk of anemia and osteoporosis.
Birth control pills prescription online
Contraceptive pills can be prescribed online. Contraceptives are subject to sales restrictions, but you will have no problem buying them if you provide your prescription code and social security number when you visit the pharmacy.
Contraceptive pills are an effective method of preventing pregnancy. Consult a doctor to help you choose the right medication for your life and health situation. Remember - to buy birth control pills, a prescription is required.