Can I get birth control pills without a doctor?
Starting in 2024, people in the United States began to notice an over-the-counter birth control option called Opill in pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, and online. Opill is an FDA-approved daily birth control pill, and just like ibuprofen, condoms, or emergency contraception, all ages and genders can buy it in stores or online without receiving a prescription from a doctor first. This video explores what exactly happens when you take Opill, why you don’t need to see a doctor first, and how it is different than other birth control pills. [AMZ-163]
Just like other over-the-counter medicine, the FDA determined that an average person can read the label and understand how to take Opill, monitor for any side effects, and decide for themselves if this is the best medicine for them.
Remember, Opill is just one option for birth control, and people can still go to the doctor and receive a prescription for daily birth control pills if they prefer. In fact, the video recommends talking to a healthcare professional about contraception, even if you do decide to use Opill.
Youth
Daily birth control pills, sometimes called ‘the pill’, are medicines that a person takes every day to prevent pregnancy. In many places, you need a prescription to get the pills. Pills come in packs, and there are many different brands and varieties. Your medical provider will talk to you about your needs to determine which pill type is right for you.
It’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor or healthcare professional before starting hormonal birth control. But if that’s not possible for you, there is a product you can buy at a pharmacy or online called Opill that is just as effective in preventing pregnancy. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) went through an intense, years-long process to evaluate the safety of Opill, receiving testimony and reviewing research from top-notch scientists and doctors before approving Opill for sale. In fact, the FDA Advisory Committee voted unanimously (17-0) to approve Opill for all ages. If you choose to use Opill, be sure to read the directions and follow them exactly.
We always strongly recommend talking to your parents about birth control options, but just like condoms and Emergency Contraception (like Plan B), you do not need an I.D. or anyone’s permission to buy Opill.
All birth control pills contain hormones that our body naturally makes. Taking birth control pills change the menstrual cycle (your period) and prevents pregnancy in two main ways. First, the pills prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (called ovulation). If there is no egg, then a sperm has nothing to fertilize and a pregnancy can’t happen. Next, taking the pills create a layer of mucus over the cervix (opening of the uterus) that makes it difficult for sperm to get through.
Opill contains only one type of hormone, progestin, whereas many prescription birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin. People are often prescribed a progestin-only pill if they can’t take estrogen for some reason. There are fewer conditions that would prevent someone from being able to take a progestin-only pill like Opill.
In order for Opill to work, the person needs to take it every day at the same time, even if they aren’t planning on having sex. It takes 48 hours after you take the first pill to start working, so if a person is having sexual intercourse, they should use a back-up method (like a condom) until they’ve been consistently taking Opill for a few days. Also, if you miss the exact time you’re supposed to take a dose every day, it is suggested to take the pill within a 3-hour window of your normal time. If you miss a pill or go past that 3-hour window, you should use a backup form of birth control such as condoms for at least 48 hours until you are back to taking it regularly again.
If you aren’t able to take the pill at the same time each day, or you are worried you might forget to take them, another form of contraception might be better for you. Some other options that work similar to the pill are the patch and the shot. Talk to your medical provider to decide what is best for you — the birth control method that you will actually use, will be the most effective.
Like any medication, there can be side effects when using Opill. One side effect that is more common with Opill is called breakthrough bleeding and spotting. That just means a small amount of bleeding when you don’t expect your period. Other common side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches. These side effects are generally mild and often resolve on their own. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, it is important to seek medical advice.
Opill can be used by people of any weight, and it will not make you gain weight or affect your ability to have children in the future. In fact, these are myths about birth control pills in general! The research is clear: there is no link between taking birth control pills and weight gain, and birth control has zero (yes ZERO!) impact on your ability to have kids later in life.
Opill costs around $20 for a one-month pack, $50 for a 3-month supply, and $80 for a 6-month
supply. In some states, Medicaid or private insurance can cover the cost of over-the-counter birth control, but for the vast majority of people, Opill will not be covered. If that’s too much money, there is also a cost assistance program available online at OpillCAP.com
FAQs
There are a lot of myths out there about if, how and when someone can or can’t get pregnant. The truth is, once you start to go through puberty, it’s possible to get pregnant or get someone pregnant. That’s why it’s so important to know how pregnancy happens and how to prevent it if you or your partner are not ready.
Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV. Using a barrier method like an internal or external condom AND birth control pills is the best way (besides abstinence) to protect against STIs and pregnancy.
Birth control pills are an effective form of birth control when taken correctly; at the same time each day and never missing a pill. If they are taken perfectly, they are 99% effective…however, people aren’t perfect, so the pills are typically about 93% effective. That means that 7 in 100 people might get pregnant each year on the pill. This is why it is important to take your pills at the same time each day, and to never miss a pill. There are some medications that can make the pill less effective (like some antibiotics). Talk to your medical provider any time you take a new medicine. Using a second method like an internal or external condom will also decrease the chances of unwanted pregnancy (and prevent STIs).
Parents
Your kids may be seeing Opill in stores or hearing about it on TV, online, or from friends. As with any sexual health topic, we encourage you to try to be the first person who talks to them about it, especially because they can buy and use it right now.
That’s right, just like other over-the-counter medicine, the FDA determined that an average person can read the label and understand how to take Opill, monitor for any side effects, and decide for themselves if this is the best medicine for them. Therefore, there is no age restriction on who can purchase Opill — just like there is no age restriction on who can purchase condoms or Emergency Contraception (such as Plan B).
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) went through an intense, years-long process before coming to this decision. In fact, after decades of research in the U.S. and across the globe, the FDA Advisory Committee (made up of scientists, doctors, and researchers who specialize in this field) held a two-day hearing where they publicly reviewed all available research and recent studies. The committee voted unanimously (17-0) to approve Opill for all ages, and a few months later, the FDA voted to accept their recommendation.
Birth control pills, sometimes called ‘the pill’, are medicines that a person takes every day to prevent pregnancy. You do not need a prescription to get daily birth control pills in more than 100 countries around the globe – including the U.K., Portugal, South Korea, China, South Africa, and nearly all of South America. In 2024, the United States joined the majority of nations in the world who allow this.
It’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor or healthcare professional before your child starts hormonal birth control. But if that’s not possible, there is a product available at a pharmacy or online called Opill that is just as effective in preventing pregnancy.
Birth control pills contain hormones that our body naturally makes. Taking the pill changes the menstrual cycle (the period) and prevents pregnancy in two main ways. First, the pill prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg (called ovulation). If there is no egg, then a sperm has nothing to fertilize and a pregnancy can’t happen. Next, taking the pill creates a layer of mucus over the cervix (opening of the uterus) that makes it difficult for sperm to get through.
Opill contains only one type of hormone, progestin, whereas many prescription birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin. People are often prescribed a progestin-only pill if they can’t take estrogen for some reason. There are fewer conditions that would prevent someone from being able to take a progestin-only pill like Opill.
In order for Opill to work, the person needs to take it every day at the same time, even if they aren’t planning on having sex. It takes 48 hours after taking the first pill to start working, so if a person is having sexual intercourse, they should use a back-up method (like condoms) until they’ve been consistently taking Opill for a few days. Also, if they miss the exact time they’re supposed to take a dose every day, it is suggested to take the pill within a 3-hour window of their normal time. If they miss a pill or go past that 3-hour window, they should use a backup form of birth control such as condoms for at least 48 hours until they are back to taking it regularly again.
If they aren’t able to take the pill at the same time each day, or they are worried they might forget to take them, another form of contraception might be better. Some other options that work similar to the pill are the patch and the shot. Talk to your child’s medical provider to decide what is best for them – the birth control method that they will actually use will be the most effective.
Like any medication, there can be side effects when using Opill. One side effect that is more common with Opill is called breakthrough bleeding and spotting. That just means a small amount of bleeding when they don’t expect their period. Other common side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches. These side effects are generally mild and often resolve on their own. However, if they experience severe or persistent side effects, it is important to seek medical advice.
Opill can be used by people of any weight, and it will not make the user gain weight or affect their ability to have children in the future. In fact, if your child asks you questions like that, use this opportunity to ask where they heard that information, and discuss birth control misinformation that is rampant on social media.
Opill costs around $20 for a one-month pack, $50 for a 3-month supply, and $80 for a 6-month
supply. In some states, Medicaid or private insurance can cover the cost of over-the-counter birth control, but for the vast majority of people, Opill will not be covered. If that’s too much money, there is also a cost assistance program available online at OpillCAP.com
FAQs
It’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor or healthcare professional before starting hormonal birth control. But if that’s not possible for you, there is a product you can buy at a drug store or online called Opill that is just as effective in preventing pregnancy. Be sure to read the directions and follow them exactly.
The medication in Opill (Norgestrel) was first approved for use in the U.S. in 1973. Opill is the same formulation that has been studied and proven safe for over 50 years, just available over-the-counter. Taking Opill once a day at the same time everyday will thicken cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching an egg. It takes 48 hours after your first dose for Opill to start being effective, but when taken as directed, Opill is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. But remember, birth control pills do NOT protect against STIs, so it’s important to use both birth control pills and condoms.
Yes, Opill should be taken at the same time every day for it to be most effective. If the exact time is missed, it is suggested to take the pill within a 3-hour window of your normal time. If you miss a pill or go past that 3-hour window, you should use a backup form of birth control such as condoms. With perfect use, Opill is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.
No! Not at all. Opill is a birth control pill you take every single day to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception is a single pill taken after unprotected sex, but before you are pregnant.
No. The FDA determined that Opill is so safe that it should be treated just like condoms, Advil or
Emergency Contraception like Plan B. The store should not ask for your ID when buying it. But of course, it’s often a good idea to talk to a parent or trusted adult before you decide to use birth control.
No. While it’s often a good idea to talk to a parent or trusted adult before you decide to use birth control, Opill can be purchased online or at drug stores just like condoms or Emergency Contraception – no prescription, no I.D. check. Although if you’d like, someone else can buy it for you, such as a parent, grandparent, partner, or trusted friend.
Opill costs around $20 for a one-month pack, $50 for a 3-month supply, and $80 for a 6-month
supply. In some states, Medicaid or private insurance does cover the cost of over-the-counter birth control, but for the vast majority of people, Opill will not be covered. If that’s too much money, there is also a cost assistance program available online at OpillCAP.com
Opill is a progestin-only pill, so it contains only one type of hormone, progestin, whereas many
prescription birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin. There are fewer conditions that would prevent someone from being able to take a progestin-only pill like Opill. People are often prescribed a progestin-only pill if they can’t take estrogen for some reason.
Opill is only approved to prevent pregnancy. If there are other issues you’ve heard birth control pills may help with, it’s better to ask a healthcare professional first.
No! These are myths! The research is clear: there is no link between taking birth control pills and weight gain, and birth control has zero (yes ZERO!) impact on your ability to have kids later in life, if you choose to.
Absolutely not! People can still go to the doctor for a prescription just like always, and insurance will cover the cost. Opill is simply one more option in case visiting the doctor for a prescription is difficult, burdensome, or impossible.
Conversation Starters
Parents or guardians can start talking with their children about pregnancy and how to prevent it before their children become sexually active. When parents and guardians
talk with their children about these topics, children learn that they can come to their parents if and when they have questions. Below are some ways to start these conversations:
“Do you think those two characters are ready to deal with a pregnancy?” You could also ask, “How do you think they could have prevented the pregnancy?”
If your child is asking questions, that means they trust you. Avoid shaming them, and answer openly and honestly. It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know’, take some time to watch AMAZE videos together, and talk about what you have learned. You can also say, “why do you think some people use birth control?” or “I’m so glad you asked me, I don’t know a lot, but let’s find out together”. Discuss your family values around pregnancy and birth control, and give your young person space to ask questions and be curious.
Educators
Your students may be seeing Opill in stores or hearing about it on TV, online, or from friends. It is important to know that young people can buy and use Opill right now. Just like other over-the-counter medicine, the FDA determined that an average person can read the label and understand how to take Opill, monitor for any side effects, and decide for themselves if this is the best medicine for them. Therefore, there is no age restriction on who can purchase Opill — just like there is no age restriction on who can purchase condoms or Emergency Contraception (such as Plan B).
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) went through an intense, years-long process before coming to this decision. In fact, after decades of research in the U.S. and across the globe, the FDA Advisory Committee (made up of scientists, doctors, and researchers who specialize in this field) held a two-day hearing where they publicly reviewed all available research and recent studies. The committee voted unanimously (17-0) to approve Opill for all ages, and a few months later, the FDA voted to accept their recommendation.
Advocates for Youth put together this FAQ document to help you answer young people’s questions about Opill.
Birth control pills, sometimes called ‘the pill’, are medicines that a person takes every day to prevent pregnancy. You do not need a prescription to get daily birth control pills in more than 100 countries around the globe – including the U.K., Portugal, South Korea, China, South Africa, and nearly all of South America. In 2024, the United States joined the majority of nations in the world who allow this.
Tell students that it is always a good idea to talk to a doctor or healthcare professional before starting hormonal birth control. But students may know that there is a product available at a pharmacy or online called Opill, and you do not need to get a prescription to buy it. They should be aware that if they choose to use Opill, that it is just as effective as other daily birth control pills in preventing pregnancy.
Birth control pills contain hormones that our body naturally makes. Taking the pills change the menstrual cycle (the period) and prevent pregnancy in two main ways. First, the pills prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (called ovulation). If there is no egg, then a sperm has nothing to fertilize and a pregnancy can’t happen. Next, taking the pills create a layer of mucus over the cervix (opening of the uterus) that makes it difficult for sperm to get through.
Opill contains only one type of hormone, progestin, whereas many prescription birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin. People are often prescribed a progestin-only pill if they can’t take estrogen for some reason. There are fewer conditions that would prevent someone from being able to take a progestin-only pill like Opill.
In order for Opill to work, the person needs to take it every day at the same time, even if they aren’t planning on having sex. It takes 48 hours after taking the first pill to start working, so if a person is having sexual intercourse, they should use a back-up method (like condoms) until they’ve been consistently taking Opill for a few days. Also, if they miss the exact time they’re supposed to take a dose every day, it is suggested to take the pill within a 3-hour window of their normal time. If they miss a pill or go past that 3-hour window, they should use a backup form of birth control such as condoms for at least 48 hours until they are back to taking it regularly again.
Emphasize to students that if someone is unable to take the pill at the same time each day, or they are worried they might forget to take them, another form of contraception might be better. Some other options that work similar to the pill are the patch and the shot. The birth control method that someone will actually use will be the most effective.
Like any medication, there can be side effects when using Opill. One side effect that is more common with Opill is called breakthrough bleeding and spotting. That just means a small amount of bleeding when they don’t expect their period. Other common side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches. These side effects are generally mild and often resolve on their own. However, if anyone experiences severe or persistent side effects, it is important to seek medical advice.
Opill can be used by people of any weight, and it will not make the user gain weight or affect their ability to have children in the future. In fact, if your student asks you questions like that, use this opportunity to ask where they heard that information, and discuss birth control misinformation that is rampant on social media.
Opill costs around $20 for a one-month pack, $50 for a 3-month supply, and $80 for a 6-month
supply. In some states, Medicaid or private insurance can cover the cost of over-the-counter birth control, but for the vast majority of people, Opill will not be covered. If that’s too much money, there is also a cost assistance program available online at OpillCAP.com
National Sex Ed Standards
List at least four methods of contraception that are available without a prescription (e.g., abstinence, condoms, emergency contraception, withdrawal)
Develop a plan to eliminate or reduce risk of unintended pregnancy or STDs (including HIV)
International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education
More than 100 countries around the world allow access to daily birth control pills without a prescription, but Opill is only available in the United States.
Discussion Questions
After watching the video with your class, process it using the following discussion questions:
- What are some of the ways people in the U.S. can get birth control pills?
- What are some of the differences between Opill and other birth control pills? (Answers include: Available over-the-counter, progestin-only, and a particular emphasis on needing to take it at the same time every day)
- What is the most effective way for someone to prevent pregnancy if they are not ready or don’t want to have a baby?
- What is the most effective way for someone to prevent pregnancy and STIs if they are sexually active?
- What are some things you hear about birth control pills on social media? (Take this opportunity to debunk common myths by saying directly, “birth control pills do not cause you to gain weight” or “birth control pills have no impact on your ability to have children in the future”)
- Where could you get more information if you still have questions about birth control (contraceptives)?