Ease Your Symptoms With Online Birth Control for Endometriosis

Birth control might be helpful in reducing your endo symptoms. These online telemedicine providers will help you decide if it's right for you.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that causes abnormal growth of the uterine lining on other reproductive organs, like the fallopian tubes or ovaries. The condition affects about 11% of menstruating people in the U.S. and can cause painful, heavy periods, severe pelvic pain, infertility, and digestive issues. While there is no cure for endometriosis, hormonal birth control can help manage the condition. These forms of contraception use synthetic hormones to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding and pain associated with endometriosis. Research suggests progestin-only pills, like the minipill, may offer the most benefit in reducing pain associated with endometriosis. But other forms of hormonal birth control, like combination estrogen and progestin pills, can also help manage symptoms. In most cases, hormonal birth control requires a prescription, which means consulting with a healthcare provider. 

Consulting a medical provider to confirm you are a good candidate for birth control and discuss formulation options is especially important for people with underlying health conditions like endometriosis. Thankfully, online birth control companies make this process simple and convenient. Many offer benefits like discreet packaging, flexible payment options, and telehealth consultations. So to help you find the best online birth control providers, we evaluated dozens of providers to determine which ones offered the best features for people with endometriosis. To do this, we consulted a nurse and medical doctor to help us vet each company and we had this article medically reviewed for factual accuracy. Here are the companies we recommend.

Our 7 Picks for Online Birth Control for Endometriosis of 2023

Ease Your Symptoms With Online Birth Control for Endometriosis
Ease Your Symptoms With Online Birth Control for Endometriosis

Most Comprehensive Service : Hers


Hers Online Therapy

Hers Online Therapy

Key Specs
  • Cost: Free consultation, plans start at $12 a month plus the cost of the medication, free shipping 
  • Medical Consultation Required? Yes
  • Accepts Insurance? No
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Providers available to answer follow-up questions

  • Free shipping for prescriptions

  • Consultation is free

  • Follow-up appointments only $5

Cons
  • Does not accept insurance

  • Only one progestin-only pill option

  • Does not accept FSA or HSA payments

Why We Chose It

Hers is a telehealth company offering a wide selection of services and products. In addition to prescribing birth control, its providers can address other sexual and reproductive health concerns, mental health, skincare, hair loss, and even primary care concerns like migraines or digestive issues.

At Hers, a medical consultation with a licensed healthcare provider is free when requesting birth control. This gives you the chance to talk with a doctor about your health history and medical needs to determine the right birth control option to address your endometriosis symptoms. Follow-up telehealth appointments are only $5 if you want to discuss persistent symptoms or troubling side effects. 

Hers only offers birth control pills; it cannot prescribe the patch, ring, or shot. It currently has a dozen combination birth control pill options available and one progestin-only pill, so it may not be the best fit for someone with endometriosis looking for several progestin-only pill options. But combination pills that contain both estrogen and progestin can still thin the uterine lining and help ease endometriosis pain. 

Hers is a great option if you’re also interested in accessing telehealth care for digestive issues related to endometriosis or mental health issues stemming from your chronic health condition. Primary care telehealth appointments are $39 and online counseling is $99 per session.

For Progestin-Only Pills : Lemonaid Health


Lemonaid Health logo

Lemonaid Health

Key Specs
  • Cost: $25 consultation fee, birth control start at $15 a pack, free shipping 
  • Medical Consultation Required: Yes
  • Accepts Insurance: No
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Free shipping

  • Offers a three-month supply of birth control in each shipment

  • Can have prescription sent to a local pharmacy

Cons
  • $25 consultation fee

  • Does not accept insurance, unless you have prescription sent to local pharmacy

  • Birth control prescriptions only available to those ages 18 and older

Why We Chose It

Lemonaid Health offers a variety of different progestin-only pills, like Errin and Jolivette, making it a great resource for those looking for this type of birth control to manage endometriosis symptoms. Research indicates progestin-only birth control pills may be most effective at managing pain associated with endometriosis. Progestin is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone that works to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. By preventing ovulation, progestin-only pills can also reduce the frequency of painful periods or stop them altogether.

Lemonaid Health requires a $25 medical consultation for those new to the platform. This fee is waived for those already using Lemonaid Health who need to refill a prescription. The cost of birth control starts at $15 for a 30-day supply. Lemonaid Health does not accept insurance, but if your insurance plan covers the medication you are prescribed, you can request that the prescription get sent to a local pharmacy instead of receiving it in the mail. 

For Teens : Nurx


Nurx

Nurx

Key Specs
  • Cost: $25 consultation fee, birth control starts at $15, free shipping
  • Medical Consultation Required: Yes
  • Accepts Insurance: Yes
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Automatic refills

  • Provides prescriptions for teens starting at 13 years old (within state laws)

  • Unlimited messaging for questions regarding your prescription

Cons
  • $25 consultation fee

  • Only available in 35 states

Why We Chose It

While endometriosis is typically more common during your 30s and 40s, anyone who menstruates can develop the condition. As many as 38% of people with endometriosis experience symptoms before age 15, yet on average, it takes nine years to receive a diagnosis. The good news for teens who’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis: Nurx is one of the few online birth control companies that accepts patients as young as 13. And with over 50 medication options and a page with more than 250 FAQs about birth control, teens and adults alike can easily find answers to their questions and get the best birth control for their endometriosis symptoms. 

The minimum age requirement to receive a birth control prescription independently varies by state. Nurx will work with teens as young as 13, but some states have age restrictions that prohibit younger teens from accessing prescription birth control. Other states may require parent/guardian consent for minors to access birth control.

Nurx is a telemedicine company that offers several different services, including home testing kits, emergency contraception, and birth control. Nurx requires a $25 medical consultation, but this cost also includes unlimited messaging with providers should you have follow-up questions about your birth control.

Nurx is currently available in 35 states, so it may not be an option for you depending on where you live. Currently, Nurx is unavailable in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Vermont, and West Virginia. But if you do live in a state where Nurx is available, it is one of few online birth control companies that provides prescriptions to younger teens.

For Affordable Prices : Amazon Pharmacy


Amazon Pharmacy

 Amazon Pharmacy

Key Specs
  • Cost: $30-$35 consultation; with a $5/month RxPass, Prime members can get as many generic meds as they’re prescribed from a list of 50; other prescription prices vary; free delivery
  • Medical Consultation Required: Yes
  • Accepts Insurance: Yes
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Accepts prescriptions from outside doctors

  • Available in all 50 states

  • Accepts insurance

Cons
  • Only available to people ages 18 or older 

  • Difficult to compare drug prices

  • Can message pharmacists, but not prescriber to ask questions

Why We Chose It

At Amazon Pharmacy, there’s no guessing when it comes to cost: the prescription prices with and without insurance are clearly outlined. It offers over 100 types of birth control, both generic and name brand, with flexible payment options, including health saving account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) payments. If you have insurance, you can use it with Amazon Pharmacy, but even without insurance, you may still be able to save up to 80% on prescriptions with an Amazon Prime subscription. 

If you need a prescription, you can request one from a licensed clinician on the Amazon website by filling out an intake form and choosing a partner clinic from the listed options available in your state. Consultations range from $30 to $35. 

If you already have a prescription from a provider, you can send it to Amazon Pharmacy and receive your birth control in the mail. If you have other medications you’re prescribed to help manage your endometriosis, you can have those transferred to the service as well to get all your prescriptions from one place. Amazon pharmacists are available to answer questions 24/7.

For Insurance Coverage : Twentyeight Health


Twentyeight Health

Twentyeight Health

Key Specs
  • Cost: $26 health consult fee, birth control starts at $16 a pack, free shipping  
  • Medical Consultation Required: No, but you do have to fill out a questionnaire
  • Accepts Insurance: Yes 
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • More than 100 birth control options

  • Accepts major insurance carriers, including Medicaid in some states

  • Also offers emergency contraception

Cons
  • Only available in 34 states

  • Cannot send prescriptions to local pharmacy

Why We Chose It

Twentyeight Health is a telehealth company offering more than 100 different birth control options to choose from, both generic and brand name. With insurance, you can expect to pay a $0 copay for your prescription in most cases. If you’re interested in trying something other than a daily pill, Twentyeight Health can also prescribe the patch, shot, or ring. Having so many pill types and delivery methods is great if you’re still trying to figure out what works best to lessen your endometriosis symptoms.

While Twentyeight Health is a great fit for those with insurance, it also offers affordable options for those without insurance—$16 per pack on more than 60 different brands. 

Getting started with Twentyeight Health is quick and easy. First, fill out a medical questionnaire detailing your personal information and medical history and pay the $26 annual consult fee. After that, you’ll have the option to talk with a doctor via video call or messaging. Once a provider approves your prescription, you’ll receive your birth control in the mail.

With Subscription : GoodRx Care


Key Specs
  • Cost: $19 consultation fee with Gold membership, $59 without membership, $10 per month membership individual plan or $20 for family plan, $7+ prescriptions, free shipping 
  • Medical Consultation Required: Yes
  • Accepts Insurance: No
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Telehealth appointments address a variety of concerns

  • Will ship to home or send to local pharmacy

  • Membership comes with consult and prescription discounts

Cons
  • Shipping can take as long as 10 days

  • Unable to browse brands before consultation

Why We Chose It

With GoodRx Care, you can book an online medical consultation and receive a birth control prescription, with refills for one year. The GoodRx Gold membership means that for $10 a month, you get $19 medical consultations that can address a variety of concerns, from birth control to urinary tract infections, prescription skincare, or even general care. In addition, you have access to over 1,000 prescriptions for less than $10. For someone with endometriosis who wants regular access to virtual medical providers and prescriptions without breaking the bank, a GoodRx Gold membership is a solid investment.

GoodRx has been helping people afford prescription drugs since 2010 and its low prices for birth control fall in line with that mission. The GoodRx website and the company’s free mobile app allow users to search for discounted drugs and find coupons to use at pharmacies. You don’t need a membership to use GoodRx or to access telehealth and prescribing or refill services, but without it, a single consultation will cost you $49 to $59. 

For Medical Support : PlushCare


PlushCare

PlushCare

Key Specs
  • Cost: $15/month or $99/year membership fee; consultation $30 with insurance, without insurance initial visit $129 and follow-ups $99; $0 to $50 per month for birth control
  • Medical Consultation Required: Yes
  • Accepts Insurance: Yes
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Same-day appointments seven days a week

  • Unlimited messaging with providers

  • Accepts insurance

Cons
  • Can be pricey if paying out-of-pocket

  • Must purchase a membership to use service

  • Prescriptions only sent to pharmacy, not your home

Why We Chose It

PlushCare's network of licensed physicians are available to answer your questions and discuss your medical history in depth. It offers many different services, including telehealth visits with licensed clinicians, virtual urgent care services, and online therapy. PlushCare is essentially a full-service online doctor’s office, making it an easy choice for those looking for a birth control prescription with additional medical support. As with any chronic condition, managing endometriosis (and treating it with birth control) requires consistent communication with a doctor who understands your medical history and needs. With PlushCare, you can establish that relationship from the comfort of your home.

What’s more, PlushCare’s wide network of providers means short wait times for patients. In fact, you can often schedule a same-day appointment with a provider from your phone or computer. After your consultation, your provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy of your choice.

PlushCare requires a membership, costing $15 a month or $99 per year, to use its services. It accepts many major insurance carriers, and if you are planning to use insurance, you can expect to pay about $30 for a birth control consultation and prescription. If you are paying out of pocket, an initial visit is $129 and follow-up visits are $99. Limited access to PlushCare’s services is available without membership by calling 1-800-221-5140.

Compare Online Birth Control for Endometriosis

Company Cost Medical Consultation Required  Accepts Insurance Free Shipping 
Hers Most Comprehensive Service $0 for consultation, plans start at $12 a month plus the cost of the medication Yes Yes Yes
Lemonaid Health For Progestin-Only Pills $25 consultation fee, birth control starts at $15 Yes No Yes
Nurx For Teens $25 consultation fee, birth control starts at $15 Yes Yes Yes
Amazon Pharmacy For Affordable Prices $30-$35 consultation; with a $5/month RxPass, Prime members can get as many generic meds as they’re prescribed from a list of 50; prescription prices vary Yes Yes Yes for Prime members
Twentyeight Health For Insurance Coverage $26 health consult fee, birth control starts at $16 a pack No, but do have to fill out a questionnaire Yes Yes
GoodRx Care With Subscription $19 consultation fee with Gold Membership, $59 without membership, $10 per month membership individual plan or $20 for family plan, $7+ prescriptions Yes No Yes
PlushCare For Medical Support $15/month or $99/year membership, consultation $30 with insurance, without insurance initial visit $129 and follow-ups $99 , $0 to $50 per month for birth control Yes Yes Yes (to pharmacy)

How to Choose an Online Birth Control Provider for Endometriosis

There are various factors to consider when deciding which online birth control service is best for you. These factors include:

  • Cost: The cost of a prescription itself is just one part of the overall cost of a birth control service. Some companies require a subscription or membership to use their services or to receive discounts. When it comes to consultations, free doesn’t always mean the service will prove to be cheaper overall or a good value for money. And while most online birth control companies offer free shipping, some may not, so this is another potential cost to be aware of. 
  • Insurance: If you plan to use insurance for your birth control, you’ll want to make sure the online service you choose accepts your plan. Another consideration is whether the company you choose accepts health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) payments, which could help bring down out-of-pocket costs. Few services accept insurance for the cost of consultations. If you are uninsured, you’ll want to pay attention to the out-of-pocket price for consultations and prescriptions. 
  • Ability to connect with doctors: “Endometriosis can be complex, so a thorough evaluation with a physician is important,” nurse Lindsay Modglin told Health. In most cases, an online birth control company will require a health questionnaire (at the least) to learn more about your medical background before giving you a birth control prescription. But if your health history is complicated or you’d rather talk with an actual person about your options, you’ll want to find a birth control service that offers telehealth video or phone appointments. Some birth control companies also offer unlimited messaging with a healthcare team after you’ve received your birth control so you can reach out with any questions or concerns. That additional support can make all the difference when managing endometriosis, said Modglin. 
  • Shipping: Most online birth control companies will send your prescription directly to your home in the mail. But some will allow you to request your prescription be sent to a pharmacy, and some (like PlushCare) require it. You might prefer your prescription be sent directly to you for privacy or you might like the idea of picking it up at a pharmacy so you can talk with a pharmacist. Either way, make sure the company you are considering offers your preferred shipping or pickup method. 

Key Considerations

Should You Take Birth Control If You Have Endometriosis?

Whether or not you should take birth control depends on your personal health history and the severity of your endometriosis. For some people with mild endometriosis symptoms, hormonal birth control may be a good option to help manage painful periods. 

But birth control isn’t suitable for everyone, said Modglin. There are risks and side effects associated with all types of contraception, so it’s important to discuss your options with a healthcare provider. For individuals using birth control to treat endometriosis, connecting with providers who can offer personalized care is important for managing symptoms, said Modglin.

It’s also important to understand that while birth control may help manage or lessen some of the symptoms of endometriosis, it’s not a cure. Sometimes, in more severe or long-term cases, other treatments, such as surgery, may be needed.

What Should You Know Before Treating Endometriosis With Birth Control? 

Hormonal contraception comes with risks and side effects that are important to discuss with your doctor before treating endometriosis with birth control, said Modglin. Hormonal birth control may also interact with other medications you are taking, so it’s important to discuss your medical history with a healthcare professional before using birth control to manage symptoms. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Happens If Endometriosis Is Untreated?

    Endometriosis can cause serious long-term health problems, including infertility and chronic pain, said Modglin. As with any chronic condition, there’s also a mental health component. Without proper treatment, the symptoms of endometriosis can become worse. Some research suggests those with endometriosis may be more likely to develop ovarian cancer, so comprehensive treatment is crucial.

  • Are There Downsides to Taking Birth Control for Endometriosis?

    The potential downside to taking birth control for endometriosis is that it may not be effective in treating all symptoms, or it may even cause side effects, said Modglin. Some people experience headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms when taking hormonal contraception, but these should largely stop after the first few months. It’s also not an option if you’re actively trying to get pregnant.

  • What Types of Birth Control Help With Endometriosis?

    Research on how birth control can help manage endometriosis is still emerging, but many people with have had success with progestin-only birth control pills, also known as the minipill. These pills contain a synthetic version of progesterone (progestin) that can help limit or stop the growth of endometrial tissue, and thus reduce the pain affiliated with endometriosis. Other types of birth control, like combination pills, contraceptive rings or hormonal IUDs may also help with endometriosis symptoms. Talk with your doctor about the right option for you.

  • What Are Common Side Effects of Taking Birth Control With Endometriosis?

    Common side effects of hormonal birth control include:

    • Breast tenderness
    • Headaches
    • Nausea
    • Bloating
    • Mood changes
    • Irregular periods or no periods at all

Methodology

In creating this list, we examined dozens of online birth control providers to determine which ones offered the most medical support at the most affordable prices. We also consulted an expert to assist in our evaluation of each company. Our primary focus was on the ease with which users could connect with doctors as well as whether the birth control options include the forms most used to treat endometriosis, like the minipill and high-progestin combination birth control pills. 

Other factors we considered include cost, payment options, insurance, shipping, and privacy. We also took consumer reviews into consideration to determine how easy it is to use the platform and whether users were satisfied with the online birth control service.

woman experiencing pelvic discomfort, she is grimacing in pain

Fertnig / Getty Images

Article Sources
  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. Endometriosis.

  2. Casper RF. Progestin-only pills may be a better first-line treatment for endometriosis than combined estrogen-progestin contraceptive pills. Fertil Steril. 2017;107(3):533-536. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.01.003

  3. Endometriosis Association. Endometriosis outreach.

  4. Guttmacher Institute. Minors’ access to contraceptive services.

  5. Brilhante A, Augusto K, Portela M, et al. Endometriosis and ovarian cancer: an integrative review (Endometriosis and ovarian cancer). Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2017;18(1). doi:10.22034/APJCP.2017.18.1.11

Related Articles