What to know about buying birth control patches online

The birth control patch is a type of contraception that contains synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progestin. Two brands of birth control patches are available in the United States: Xulane and Twirla.

Buying birth control patches online provides an easy and discreet way to access contraception, especially if you’re living in a hard-to-reach or remote area. However, with this ease of accessibility comes a need to be more aware of the safety and legal precautions surrounding contraception. 

Specifically, it’s important to be aware of the following:

• local regulations surrounding birth control
• whether the online pharmacy is licensed and accredited
• whether the platform provides a customer support system

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How can I buy birth control patches online?

There are several ways to buy birth control patches online, including:

• Finding an online store: Many online stores, like Optum Store, have an easy process that begins with a quick online questionnaire, typically about your medical history. A healthcare professional will review your answers within 24 hours before shipping your birth control patch out to you.
• Telehealth: It’s possible to get a prescription online by visiting another online retailer, such as Planned Parenthood, and requesting an order through telehealth. They’ll ask you to answer a short questionnaire. A healthcare professional will then review the prescription and prescribe the contraception.
• Alternative options: Some online stores may allow you to use a prescription from a doctor, health clinic, or a place like your local Planned Parenthood health center.

During a visit to an in-person clinic, a healthcare professional will speak to you about your medical history, check your blood pressure, and give you any exams you might need. If necessary, they may also do a pelvic exam.

Need to refill a birth control medication? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks. For $29, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

Is it legal to buy birth control patches online?

All reputable online healthcare marketplaces will require some form of prescription from a healthcare professional when buying the birth control patch.

If you’re under 18 years old, you can still purchase birth control patches online in several states without restrictions.

However, this varies between states, as the definition of a minor changes. For example, 25 states allow all minors access to contraceptive services. But two states allow minors access only if a physician determines they would face health hazards if they don’t receive the services.

When buying birth control patches online, it’s important to check your state’s local guidelines.

Is it safe to buy birth control patches online?

If the online service you use requires a form of prescription, buying birth control patches online is typically safe.

This is due to the review process online retailers go through to check your suitability for the medication after receiving your request.  

A healthcare professional may recommend that certain people do not use birth control patches. According to the American Pregnancy Association, these include people who have a medical history of:

• blood clots
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• certain cancers, such as breast cancer
• certain types of migraine headaches, such as with aura (seeing flashing zigzag lines)
• diabetes
• liver disease
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• heart attacks
• stroke

There are also certain lifestyle factors a healthcare professional may recommend you avoid while wearing birth control patches, such as smoking.

The online questionnaire you fill out when buying the birth control patch collects information on health conditions that may place you at risk of serious side effects. The questionnaire can help determine whether the birth control patch is the right treatment for you.

A 2019 study on online prescriptions of oral contraceptives noted that this process provides the correct prescription 93% of the time.

How to find a reputable platform when buying birth control patches online

Choosing a reputable provider is essential if you buy your birth control patches online. Several things to look for will indicate whether an online provider is safe to use.

These include:  

• License and accreditation: Look for certifications from recognized organizations that indicate compliance with healthcare standards.
• Prescription stage: Avoid websites that offer prescription medications without a questionnaire.
• Location of the online pharmacy: Safe platforms usually provide a valid address and contact information, so avoid websites that don’t disclose their location or lack contact details.
• Secure payment process: A secure payment process is essential to protect your financial information. Reputable platforms often partner with trusted payment gateways.
• Privacy policy: Review the platform’s privacy policy before you purchase to understand how they’ll handle your personal and medical information. A transparent privacy policy is a good indicator of a reputable and trustworthy online pharmacy.
• Customer reviews: Genuine feedback from other buyers can provide insights into the reliability and service quality of the online pharmacy.
• A customer support system: Legitimate online pharmacies are clear about how customers can reach them for assistance.

If you’re unsure, speak with a healthcare professional before making a purchase. They can point you to reputable online sources and help you understand the potential risks associated with online purchases of prescription medications.

What are the potential risks of buying birth control patches online?

It’s generally safe to buy birth control patches online as long as you use a reputable provider with a reviewing process in place as you order. This process acts like an in-person consultation and includes a review by a healthcare professional.

However, there are still potential risks in buying birth control patches online, such as:

• being unaware of an underlying medical condition
• missing diagnoses
• missing opportunities to talk about your general health, vaccines, fertility, and family planning
• being unaware of more suitable birth control options that are available  

What alternatives can you consider?

If you don’t have access to buying birth control patches online, there are alternatives such as a telehealth consultation. Many online providers include telehealth as part of their process, and it’s an alternative to filling out an online questionnaire.

Teleconsultation, also known as telemedicine or virtual consultations, offers the chance to talk with a healthcare professional virtually via video calls.

Instead of visiting in person, it’s possible to receive a consultation from a healthcare professional over the phone, via video call, or using a messaging platform. These are especially useful if you’re unable to attend an in-person consultation. They only require basic technology, such as a computer and internet connection.

Summary

Choosing a suitable online service for birth control patches requires careful consideration.

By checking for verification requirements, understanding potential risks, and exploring alternative options such as telehealth consultations, you can make an informed choice for secure access to this type of contraception.

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