Photo: Getty
You’ll never wait in long pharmacy lines again.
By Shannon Ullman — Written on Apr 16, 2019
Today I took a good, long look at my cell phone and thought, "What a fabulous time to be alive".
I bought a week’s worth of groceries from an app, found a dress for my BFF’s wedding, and figured out how to get birth control pills online using a service called Nurx, all without ever leaving the couch.
Technology — it’s a beautiful thing.
Okay, so ordering online grocery delivery might be old news, but the ability to access birth control pills and other prescription contraception methods from an app is pretty revolutionary.
If ordering online birth control pills means I don’t have to miss work to be cranked opened and prodded by my gynecologist, sign me up.
Let’s face it, getting a hold of your perferred prescription birth control options can be like navigating an obstacle course.
You have to deal with insurance companies, awkward doctor visits, trips to the pharmacy, and maybe even a mob of angry protesters outside the clinic.
And some women have it even harder than that. If you don’t have any insurance or your company insurance doesn’t cover birth control (yup, companies can legally do this!) the cost can be a barrier.
Plus, Power to Decide (formerly known as The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy) states that nearly 20 million American women are living in a "contraception desert," meaning a county where there are not enough clinics to meet the demand for birth control.
Without a clinic nearby, this leaves many women wondering how to get birth control at all.
This is where using a birth control app like Nurx come in to make things a whole lot easier for us ladies.
Is Nurx legit?
Yes!
Nurx is often referred to as the ‘Uber of Birth Control,’ as they make it super convenient and easy to get the birth control pill and other contraceptives from your phone, prescribed by real doctors and delivered free to your door.
"Nurx turns this inconvenient, sometimes impossible, process into an easy and affordable one, by letting you conveniently obtain this everyday healthcare need from your phone, on your own terms. By connecting women to affirming healthcare providers who can prescribe their birth control and providing delivery of birth control, whether you have insurance or not, Nurx gives power to the patient to take control of their reproductive choices,” says Jessica Horwitz, Director of Clinical Development at Nurx.
Curious? Skeptical?
Check out these reviews and real life experiences shared by six women who used Nurx to get birth control online and learn how it worked out for them:
1. I’m able to get birth control when I’m in between insurance coverage
“Nurx was how I was able to access birth control when I quit a stressful job that was compromising my health this past January. I had no coverage, and still haven’t been able to afford or access regular insurance coverage yet until open enrollment comes around. However, I am able to get my prescription via Nurx reliably and it makes a huge difference for me.” — Kate, Nurx Patient
2. I’m able to get birth control conveniently despite my busy schedule
“I'm a 30-year-old workaholic who has never prioritized self-care or annual doctor visits. As a busy digital marketer often working long days, the thought of taking a few hours out of my weekday to go to the doctor seemed daunting and frankly not in reach (we have a very small team).
I have been off birth control for about 5 years, but my fiance and I can't imagine caring for a baby right now with our busy schedules. In the past, I always felt a little uncomfortable or judged for not prioritizing my own personal health when I'd tell the doctor how infrequent my visits were. It was also stressful, and the waiting room time was never convenient.” — Lauren, Nurx Patient
3. I can afford birth control, even while paying back student loan debt
“I use the Pill not only to avoid having children, but to put my body into a regular cycle. Without the Pill my periods can be erratic as well as include pretty bad nausea and cramps. Without the Pill I'd have to find ways to duck out of work to be sick between meetings.
I came to Nurx after a period of struggling to find the Pill elsewhere easily after moving to a new city. I tried Planned Parenthood, but they insisted I go in for an exam before they'd provide me birth control. I wasn't going hungry or anything like that, but there definitely wasn't money left over after student loans.
I've kept Nurx because of how simple it is. Nurx is potentially the most impactful money I spend every month (outside rent) on my personal quality of life. I've told every woman that will listen to me about it.” — Reggie, Nurx Patient
4. I can get birth control without the hassle of going to the clinic.
“When I had insurance I would get my birth control through a women’s clinic. So you call, you get there early, but you still end up sitting there for hours because there are so many people, it’s crowded, they’re behind--it’s just a hassle. When I lost my insurance, I called [the women’s clinic], and they told me it was going to be between $150 and $250 for them just to see me.
So just because I lost my insurance means that I don’t have access to this medicine that is a necessity. I was so frustrated. I couldn’t believe it. It just so happened that I saw a Nurx ad on Instagram. I filled out all the information, and a nurse got back to me immediately. Three days later I got my birth control for only $45 for a three-month supply in comparison to $250!! This was a great deal.” — Melissa, Nurx Patient
5. I can get convenient birth control services that are tailored to me
“When I started on the pill, it was actually a really big disappointment because I had bad side effects and had to stop taking it about two or three days after I started. I didn’t even bother going back to see my doctor to discuss any options just because I was frustrated, and just in part because I didn’t have time to go since I was in school.
Looking back, it was all entirely too difficult and time consuming. This is why I love, love, love Nurx because the process is just a lot more convenient and tailored to the patient experience.
The access I had to doctors and nurses on the app 24/7 is something that I highly value. When I had a problem, I could just send a message and within 24 hours get an answer back. I did all of this without leaving my house, or making a doctor's appointment. It’s so much easier.” — Adrianna, Nurx Patient
6. I am able to afford birth control for the first time
“This is actually the first time I have ever taken birth control pills, or used any kind of contraception. I have been taking care of myself on my own since I was 18. I actually had to drop out of college to take care of my mom after she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. That means I have not had easy access to health insurance, so I have never tried to get birth control. I work so much and never find time to prioritize my needs or healthcare.
When I saw the add for Nurx online I was so excited to give it a try. It was easy and inexpensive for someone who doesn't have a lot of free time or extra income. I have been taking my pills now for a few weeks and I am extremely pleased with the results as well as the customer service experience. I would recommend Nurx to anyone. It has made a big impact on my life!” — Carrie, Nurx Patient
All you have to do is fill out a free health survey on their site or through the Nurx app, wait for it to be reviewed by a real doctor, and then get ready for your supply.
Ordering online birth control can’t get much easier than that.
Nurx offers different types of birth control like the pill, the ring, the patch, or the shot. A medical professional will help match you with one of the 50 generic and name brand options and be available for ongoing medical advice and support.
If you’ve been wondering how to get birth control without a doctor, or how to get free birth control, the Nurx app has got you covered. For women with insurance, these contraceptives are free, and for those without, a month’s supply starts at is only $15.
Talk about disrupting the women’s (broken) healthcare system!
The ability to order birth control pills online is changing the game for women in contraception deserts, and making life even better for the rest of us too.
When women have access to birth control, they become empowered. They can take back control of their lives, family planning, career, and their relationships.
Using a birth control app can put the power back in your hands. If you’d like to get free or cheap birth control online, check out Nurx today.
Shannon Ullman is an editor for YourTango who focuses on women's health, wellness, lifestyle and relationships.
— Created in partnership with Nurx