Care that fits your life – no video calls, no appointments
Care that fits your life – no video calls, no appointments
Prescriptions without the waiting room –
Choose from combination or progestin-only options, with personalized care from a real clinician.
You can choose between:
Combination pills (estrogen + progestin): A daily pill taken to prevent pregnancy, regulate periods, and ease PMS symptoms.
Progestin-only pills (a.k.a. “mini-pill”): A daily option without estrogen, ideal for those sensitive to hormones or breastfeeding.
Birth control pills work by changing how your body naturally cycles — safely and temporarily.
Stops ovulation: Most pills prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg, so there’s nothing for sperm to fertilize.
Thickens cervical mucus: This makes it harder for sperm to reach the uterus.
Thins the uterine lining: Which reduces the chance of implantation and helps lighten periods.
These effects are fully reversible. Once you stop taking the pill, your natural cycle gradually returns — usually within a few weeks.
Birth control pills may be a good fit if:
You want reliable pregnancy prevention
You experience irregular or painful periods
You’re not planning to become pregnant in the near future
You prefer discreet, low-maintenance contraception
You’re looking for hormonal support for acne or PMS
You’re sensitive to estrogen or breastfeeding (progestin-only pills may be better)
Combination pills have active pills for 3 weeks, followed by a week of inactive pills or a scheduled break.
Progestin-only pills have no break — take them daily with no missed days.
If you start the pill within 5 days of your period, you’re protected right away. Otherwise, use backup contraception for 7 days.
You should not use combination birth control pills (which contain estrogen) if you:
Are over age 35 and smoke cigarettes
Have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack
Experience migraine with aura
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Have active liver disease or liver tumors
Have a history of breast or estrogen-sensitive cancers
Are currently pregnant
Have been advised by your provider to avoid estrogen-containing medications
Progestin-only pills (mini-pills) may still be an option for many of these cases.
Yes. If you start within the first 5 days of your period, it starts working right away. If you start at any other time, use backup protection for 7 days.
If you miss 1 combination pill: Take it as soon as you remember, even if that means taking two pills in one day.
If you miss 2 or more: Keep taking your daily pill and use backup protection for 7 days.
If you miss a progestin-only pill by more than 3 hours: Take it as soon as possible and use backup for 48 hours.
For combination pills: It’s recommended, but a few hours off is usually okay.
For progestin-only pills: Timing matters more. Try to take it within the same 3-hour window daily.
No. The pill temporarily changes your hormone cycle, but your natural fertility returns quickly once you stop — often within a few weeks.
Not at all. There’s no medical reason to take breaks unless you want to become pregnant or switch methods. It’s safe to stay on the pill long-term if it works for you.
Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin and are most commonly used.
Progestin-only pills don’t contain estrogen and are better for people who are breastfeeding, have migraines, or can’t tolerate estrogen.
Most side effects are mild and go away within the first few months of use. Common side effects include:
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding (especially in the first 1–3 months)
Headaches
Mood changes
Bloating or mild fluid retention
Changes in menstrual flow or cycle timing
Slight changes in sex drive
These side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the hormones. If they persist or become bothersome, we can help you switch to a different formula that may suit you better.
Mild headaches can sometimes happen when starting birth control, especially in the first few months, as your body adjusts to the hormones. Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and using over-the-counter pain relief may help. If headaches are mild and improving over time, you may continue your current pill. However, if headaches persist, worsen, or are accompanied by symptoms such as vision changes, nausea, or an aura, contact a healthcare provider immediately. In some cases, you may need to switch to a different birth control pill or a non-hormonal method that’s better suited for you.
In most cases, yes — especially with progestin-only pills, which have fewer systemic effects. However, always check with your provider to review your full medical history.
Most antibiotics do not reduce the effectiveness of birth control. The main exception is rifampin (used for tuberculosis and some infections), which can lower hormone levels and make birth control less reliable. Other medications that can interfere with birth control include certain anti-seizure medications (like phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate), some HIV medications, and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort. Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, so they can check for potential interactions and recommend additional protection if necessary.
Most people do not experience significant weight gain. Some may notice mild fluid retention or bloating at first, but true long-term weight gain is uncommon.
Serious adverse reactions are rare, but important to recognize. If you’re using a combination birth control pill (which contains estrogen), watch for signs of a possible blood clot or stroke using the acronym ACHES:
A – Abdominal pain (severe)
C – Chest pain or shortness of breath
H – Headache (sudden or severe, especially if different from usual)
E – Eye problems (blurred or loss of vision)
S – Swelling or pain in the legs
These may be signs of a rare but serious adverse event, like a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop the medication and seek medical care immediately.
