In the United States, you do not have to go to a gynecologist for birth control. People can get contraception from pharmacies, walk-in clinics, and drug stores.
Another option is telehealth platforms, which can also provide certain types of contraception after a consultation with a health professional online.
Read on to learn more about where to get birth control, when to speak to a gynecologist, and more.
Gynecologists can be a valuable source of guidance around birth control and can check a person’s reproductive health, too. But people can get contraception from various other places, including:
Drug stores and pharmacies
Drug stores and pharmacies often sell barrier methods of contraception, such as internal and external condoms. Some may also sell spermicide gels, which kill sperm in the body.
According to Planned Parenthood, anyone can purchase these over the counter without ID. Condoms have the added benefit of protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are the only form of contraception that can do this.
Walk-in clinics
Walk-in health clinics can have a wider range of birth control options than drug stores and may be able to provide:
- condoms
- caps or diaphragms
- the birth control pill
- the vaginal ring (NuvaRing)
- the patch
- the contraceptive injection (Depo Provera)
- intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- implants
Some clinics may also have free condoms available.
Another advantage to going to a walk-in clinic is that a person can get advice from a qualified medical professional. This can be helpful if a person is not sure which method is right for them or they have other questions about sex.
Telehealth platforms
Telehealth platforms are a newer way to get contraception. They have similar benefits to a walk-in clinic, allowing people to speak with health professionals online or over the phone. Telehealth may also be a good option for people who cannot easily access a walk-in clinic.
However, telehealth platforms cannot provide birth control methods that require insertion inside the body, such as IUDs or implants.
If a person is interested in a long-acting type of contraception, they may find it more helpful to have an in-person appointment.
Gynecologists can be a valuable source of expertise on birth control. They can fit or prescribe any type of birth control, including permanent forms of birth control, such as tubal ligation. They can also monitor a person over time for any side effects.
They also provide care beyond contraception. They can:
- perform pelvic check-ups
- test for STIs
- perform cervical screenings (Pap smears)
- investigate symptoms, such as pain during sex, unusual discharge, and heavy periods
People with unexplained symptoms or who have other medical conditions should consider speaking with a doctor or gynecologist before using birth control that contains hormones.
This is because hormonal birth control can interact with some health conditions. For example, some types may worsen migraine or mask the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Below are some answers to common questions about getting birth control.
Can you just ask your doctor for birth control?
Yes, people can ask their primary care doctor for birth control. Other types of health professionals, such as nurses, may also be able to provide it.
Do you need a consultation before getting birth control?
For any birth control method that requires a prescription, a person will need to speak to a healthcare professional first. Planned Parenthood notes that this includes any method that contains hormones or goes inside the body, such as an IUD.
Condoms and some other barrier methods do not require a consultation.
Do you need a pelvic exam before getting birth control?
No, not always. Anyone can buy condoms over the counter. People also do not have to undergo pelvic exams to get noninvasive types of contraception, such as the pill or patch. If a person wants an IUD, diaphragm, or cap fitted, they will require a pelvic exam.
While some people may feel embarrassed to have a pelvic exam, it is an important procedure that can help identify any unexplained symptoms. People should consult a doctor if they have any concerns or notice anything unusual.
There are many places people can go to get birth control, ranging from drug stores to online platforms. People do not always have to see a gynecologist to get birth control.
However, it can be helpful to speak to a gynecologist or doctor if a person has questions or concerns about their health, more complex medical needs, or if they have conditions that may interact with birth control.