How to get a birth control refill in person and online

You can usually contact your prescribing physician or pharmacy to request a refill or a new prescription. Many pharmacies also offer automatic refills, which you can request through their

website or app. Some telehealth services also allow for online consultations and prescriptions. If your prescription has expired or you have run out of refills, you may need to make an

appointment with your healthcare professional for renewal. If you can, start with your prescribing physician It’s best to start with your prescribing physician for a birth control refill.

They can review your medical history to ensure the prescription is still appropriate for you. If your prescription is current, they can send a refill request directly to your pharmacy.

However, if it has expired, a follow-up visit or consultation may be required to renew it. Sometimes, your healthcare professional might offer telehealth services, like a phone or video

call, for a quick prescription renewal. Some pharmacists can prescribe or refill certain birth control methods Many states allow pharmacists to supply hormonal birth control — including

combination pills, progestin-only pills, skin patches, and vaginal rings — without requiring a doctor’s prescription. Pharmacists may also be able to directly prescribe the emergency

contraceptive pill Ella. To learn about the specific regulations in your area, check with your local pharmacy or visit your state’s health department website. Some pharmacies also provide

consultations to help determine the best options for you. You may be able to find a walk-in clinic or health department in your area You can typically get a birth control refill at a walk-in

clinic or your local health department. These facilities often provide free or lower cost family planning services, including prescribing birth control. You may need to bring your current

prescription information, and some clinics may require a brief consultation to ensure that the birth control method is still appropriate for you. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm

their services and any specific requirements. Consider making an appointment with an online provider To make an appointment with an online provider for a birth control refill, follow these

steps: * RESEARCH ONLINE PROVIDERS: Look for telehealth platforms or online clinics that offer birth control services. Ensure they are licensed and have good reviews. * CREATE AN ACCOUNT:

Sign up on the provider’s website or app. You may need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, and medical history. * SELECT A SERVICE: Choose the service for a

birth control refill. Some platforms may have a specific option for this. * SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT: Pick a convenient date and time for your appointment. Some services offer immediate

consultations, while others may require booking in advance. * PREPARE FOR THE CONSULTATION: Have your current prescription details ready, along with any questions or concerns you might have

about your birth control. * ATTEND THE APPOINTMENT: Join the appointment at the scheduled time, usually via video call or chat. The provider will discuss your prescription and may issue a

refill if appropriate. * FOLLOW-UP: After the appointment, the provider will send the prescription to your pharmacy or provide instructions on obtaining it. »MORE:Get a refill for your birth

control medication in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Perks Online Care. Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more. Certain

methods can be purchased or refilled over the counter (OTC) Although there are five birth control methods available without a prescription, only three are widely available at

brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers. This includes: * EXTERNAL CONDOM: A latex, synthetic, or lambskin sheath worn over the penis to prevent ejaculation from entering the vaginal

canal. * NORGESTREL (OPILL): A progestin-only pill that helps reduce the risk of fertilization and implantation by thickening cervical mucus, thinning the uterine lining, and preventing

ovulation. * SPERMICIDE: Gels, foams, films, and suppositories — usually containing the chemical nonoxynol-9 — that are inserted deep into the vaginal canal to prevent sperm from entering

the cervix. The Today sponge, which is the only contraceptive sponge approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been out of production since late 2019. It was available without

a prescription at limited drug stores and online. It’s unclear if the Today sponge will be re-introduced to the U.S. market or if the FDA will approve an alternative. Canadian and European

agencies have approved Protectaid and Pharmatex, while Israeli agencies have approved Safe-T. You may be able to purchase these alternatives online. The FC2, which is the only FDA-approved

internal condom, is no longer available in stores. However, you can still get it without a prescription at your local Planned Parenthood. Health agencies outside of the US have approved

alternatives, such as the VA W.O.W, that may be available online. The bottom line Refilling your birth control is a fairly simple process. If possible, contact your prescribing physician,

who can review your medical history and send a refill request to your pharmacy. If your prescription has expired, you may need to schedule a new visit. Many walk-in clinics and online

providers offer quick consultations for refills.