Is Online a Safe Way to Obtain Birth Control?

These days so many services are available online. Everything from groceries and meal prep kits to goat rentals and professional potty trainers, you can pretty much order anything these days without ever having to leave the comforts of your own home. But what about birth control? Is it smart or even safe to tap into this latest online fad?

WHO ARE THESE COMPANIES?

There are a handful of companies circling the web and probably even your primetime TV commercial slots advertising the ease and cost efficiency of obtaining birth control and other women’s health related pharmaceuticals through the internet. But who are the people behind these companies? While most of them do have at least a nurse practitioner on their staff, many are founded and run by people with no medical training or background. For many of these companies, the online screening will permit you to receive three months of birth control then report back to them a self-reported blood pressure to extend your prescription for the year. But what if you don’t get an accurate blood pressure reading on your own terms?

WHAT’S THE TRADE-OFF FOR CONVENIENCE?

While innovation is great, we believe safety is paramount. Birth control requires a prescription for a reason. Not every person is an ideal candidate for hormones. This is why it is so important to establish and maintain a relationship with a qualified health care professional that you trust. Keeping with the blood pressure example, say you are not aware you have chronic elevated blood pressure. Did you know that for some people, taking birth control pills can increase your blood pressure? You potentially put yourself at risk of developing a blood clot that can lead to stroke if you take birth control in this scenario. Making sure to receive an annual physical and exam with a qualified, trained health care professional can help you avoid these potentially harmful situations. During an annual exam, the provider will not only check your blood pressure, but he/she will listen to your heart, feel for any possible abnormalities or masses, and thoroughly ensure you are healthy enough to be prescribed birth control.

IS IT WORTH IT?

We all love the convenience that online services can provide, however convenience should not be a reason to forgo safety. If you or a blood-related family member have history of high blood pressure, clotting disorders, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, heart attack, or certain cancers; or if you are a smoker or could possibly be pregnant, you will want to ensure you see a trained medical professional before starting any hormonal contraception.

The highly trained and compassionate providers are North Atlanta Ob/Gyn are ready to help you determine which contraception is right for you. Call our office at 404.255.0621 to schedule your appointment today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

We're Turning 50!

July 2023 will mark 50 years since North Atlanta Ob/Gyn first opened our doors and began to provide the personalized, thoughtful, and cutting-edge obstetrical and gynecological care to the women of Atlanta.

Q&A With The NP - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, more commonly referred to as PCOS, is a hormonal imbalance and metabolic issue that affects nearly 1 in every 10 women. Our WHNP, Erin Mabile, takes a moment to break down the facts of this prevalent health issue.

Menopause & Women in the Workplace

Does menopause affect women in the workplace? The answer – a resounding “YES.” A survey, commissioned by Biote, found that women ages 45-65 make up 17.5% of the U.S. workforce and, for many, menopause is negatively impacting their work lives.

Pregnancy Pulse - Self-Care During the Holidays

The holidays are an exciting time full of magic, excitement, and a to-do list that seems to grow longer by the day. If you're pregnant, read on to learn some quick, affordable ways to care for yourself and your baby during this holiday season.

Q&A With The NP - Abnormal Bleeding

On most occasions, your period comes and goes each month like the phases of the moon, but did you know that nearly all women experience at least one episode of abnormal bleeding during their lifetime?

Pregnancy Pulse – Break A Sweat or Take A Break?

While your body is busy creating a life inside you, it may seem like the perfect time to kick your feet up; however, experts around the world agree that in most cases, making daily exercise a priority during pregnancy is good for both you and baby.