How to Get Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills offer a convenient method of preventing unwanted pregnancies. A sexually active woman can take a pill each day to effectively prevent conception. Birth control pills are readily available, although they require a prescription. They can also be expensive for women who don't have medical insurance that covers birth control. But there are certain steps that will give most women access to birth control pulls at a reasonable cost.

Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss whether birth control pills are your best option. Although birth control pills are generally safe, they can pose risks for some women. For example, if you are older than 35 and are a smoker, your doctor might recommend a different birth control method.

• 2

  Ask for sample packs of birth control pills. If your doctor agrees birth control pills are right for you, ask her for some free sample packs to cover the first two or three months before you get your prescription. This will allow you to try the pills and make sure they don't have severe side effects before you start paying for them.

• 3

  If the sample birth control pills are working well for you, get a prescription from your doctor. This will allow you to get your pills from a drug store because birth control pills are not available over the counter. Some Internet sites might offer birth controls directly to consumers, but you should avoid them because there is no guarantee as to the purity of the pills or whether they are genuine.

• 4

  Fill your prescription at a drug store. If you have medical insurance, make sure it will be accepted by the store you choose. This will allow you to get your birth control pills with a small co-pay amount instead of having to pay the entire cost.

• 5

  If you don't have medical insurance, find a family planning clinic that will fill your prescription at a reduced rate. These clinics often charge much less than pharmacies. If you're not sure where to find a low-cost clinic, contact your local Planned Parenthood chapter.