Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
The combined pill contains oestrogen and progestogen and mainly works by preventing ovulation. It may also help regulate periods and reduce menstrual pain.
If you want to start contraception, review your current method or discuss a repeat prescription, Contraception Treatment Online through TelehealthDr allows you to speak with an Australian-registered doctor by phone or video. Your doctor can review your contraceptive needs, medical history, current medicines and possible side effects, then discuss suitable options, prescription requirements or further assessment.

Many non-urgent contraception concerns can be assessed through telehealth, including starting or reviewing the contraceptive pill and requesting a repeat prescription. Your doctor can discuss your preferred method, medical history, blood pressure, current medicines and relevant health risks, then consider prescribing where clinically appropriate. Some people may need a blood-pressure check, pregnancy test or in-person assessment, while methods such as implants and intrauterine devices require a procedure.
Speak with an Australian-registered doctor.
Phone or video consultation.
Individual clinical assessment.
Testing may be recommended.
In-person care when needed.
Contraception, also called birth control, includes hormonal and non-hormonal methods used to prevent pregnancy. The most suitable option depends on your health, preferences, how often you want to manage contraception and whether you need an in-person procedure.
The combined pill contains oestrogen and progestogen and mainly works by preventing ovulation. It may also help regulate periods and reduce menstrual pain.
The progestogen-only pill, sometimes called the mini-pill, contains no oestrogen. It may suit some people who cannot use combined hormonal contraception, including certain breastfeeding patients.
A small, flexible rod is inserted beneath the skin of the upper arm. It releases progestogen to prevent pregnancy and provides long-acting contraception.
A hormonal IUD is a small device placed inside the uterus by a trained healthcare professional. It provides long-term contraception and may reduce menstrual bleeding.
A copper IUD is a hormone-free device inserted into the uterus. It provides long-acting pregnancy prevention and can also be used for emergency contraception.
The contraceptive injection contains a progestogen hormone and is generally given every three months. It requires an in-person appointment with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Choose an available TelehealthDr phone or video consultation and have details of your current contraception, medicines and medical history ready.
Discuss your contraception needs, previous methods, possible side effects, blood pressure and any health conditions that may influence treatment.
Your doctor may discuss suitable contraception, an eScript where clinically appropriate, follow-up or an in-person assessment. A prescription is not guaranteed.
Choosing or continuing contraception requires more than knowing which pill you currently take. Your doctor may review your reproductive health, medical history and factors that could affect the safety or effectiveness of different contraceptive methods.
Be prepared to discuss:
Providing this information helps the doctor decide whether your current method remains suitable or whether another option may be appropriate. A recent, reliable blood-pressure reading may be required before prescribing combined hormonal contraception.
Contraception suitability depends on your medical history, blood pressure, age, smoking status and risk of blood clots. Combined hormonal contraception may not be appropriate for people with migraine with aura, certain cardiovascular conditions or a previous blood clot. Some medicines, including particular epilepsy treatments, can also reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception. A doctor can review these factors before discussing suitable options.
Your contraception needs may also change after childbirth, during breastfeeding or when planning a pregnancy. Side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, headaches or irregular bleeding may influence whether a method remains suitable. If you have recently missed pills or had unprotected sex, emergency contraception may need to be considered promptly. The appropriate approach depends on the method used and your individual circumstances.
If you are seeking a contraceptive pill prescription online for the first time, your doctor will review your medical history, preferred method and relevant health risks. They may ask for a recent blood-pressure reading, discuss possible side effects and explain how to use contraception correctly. Depending on your circumstances, further testing or an in-person appointment may be recommended before treatment begins.
If you already use the pill and need a repeat pill script online, your doctor will check whether your current contraception remains appropriate. This may include reviewing side effects, missed doses, blood pressure, new medicines and changes in your health. A repeat prescription or eScript may be provided following an appropriate clinical assessment, but renewal is not automatic.
Most contraceptive side effects are not emergencies, but some symptoms need prompt medical assessment. New or worsening migraines, unusual vaginal bleeding, persistent pelvic pain or significant side effects should be reviewed, particularly after starting or changing contraception.
Hormonal contraception containing oestrogen carries a small risk of serious blood clots in susceptible people. Sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, new weakness or speech difficulties may indicate a serious complication. New pain and swelling in one leg also require urgent assessment. Severe abdominal pain, fainting or heavy bleeding when pregnancy is possible may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or another emergency.
Call Triple Zero (000) for severe chest pain, serious breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms or collapse. Seek emergency care for severe abdominal pain with suspected pregnancy or heavy bleeding.
Speak with Australian-registered doctors for your healthcare needs.
Access consultations from home, work or wherever suits you.
Your health information is handled securely during consultations.
Get medical support without travelling to a clinic.
Many non-urgent contraception concerns can be assessed through telehealth. An Australian-registered doctor can review your health history, current contraception and individual needs before discussing suitable options or further assessment.
A doctor may prescribe the contraceptive pill following an individual phone or video assessment if it is clinically appropriate. Your medical history, blood pressure, current medicines and other health factors may need to be reviewed before prescribing. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
A repeat prescription may be considered if you already use the contraceptive pill and your doctor determines that it remains suitable. Your current health, possible side effects and any changes since your previous prescription will be reviewed. If approved, an electronic prescription may be issued.
Book a TelehealthDr consultation and discuss your contraception needs with an Australian-registered doctor. The doctor assesses whether prescribing is appropriate and whether additional information or testing is required. If a prescription is issued, an eScript may be sent electronically for dispensing at a participating Australian pharmacy.
Hormonal contraceptive pills generally require a prescription in Australia. Other methods, such as condoms, are available without one. Emergency contraceptive pills are also available from pharmacies without a prescription, while implants and IUDs require care from a trained healthcare professional.
The combined oral contraceptive pill contains oestrogen and progestogen, while the progestogen-only pill contains no oestrogen. Both help prevent pregnancy, but they differ in how they work, their possible side effects and who can safely use them. Your medical history helps determine which may be suitable.
Some health conditions make combined hormonal contraception unsuitable. Migraine with aura, uncontrolled high blood pressure and a history of blood clots are particularly important to discuss. Your doctor may recommend another method or further assessment depending on your circumstances.
A recent, reliable blood-pressure reading is important when assessing combined hormonal contraception. Your doctor may request an updated reading before prescribing. If this information is unavailable, follow-up or an in-person appointment may be recommended.
Missed-pill advice depends on the type of pill, how many doses were missed and where you are in your pill packet. Check your product instructions and speak with a pharmacist or doctor promptly. You may need additional contraception or emergency contraception, particularly if you have recently had unprotected sex.
The contraceptive pill is highly effective when taken correctly, but missed tablets, vomiting, severe diarrhoea and certain medicines can reduce protection. Family Planning NSW reports approximately 93% effectiveness with typical use of the combined pill. Long-acting methods such as implants and IUDs do not depend on remembering a daily tablet.
Yes. Several contraceptive methods may be suitable during breastfeeding, including certain progestogen-only methods and IUDs. The appropriate choice depends on your medical history, how recently you gave birth and your preferences. A doctor can discuss options suitable for your circumstances.
A telehealth doctor can discuss the available options and whether an implant or IUD may suit you. However, insertion and removal require an appointment with a trained healthcare professional. Telehealth may help with an initial assessment or referral, but the procedure cannot be completed online.
No. The contraceptive pill, implants, injections and IUDs prevent pregnancy but do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can help reduce the risk of STIs and may be used alongside another contraception method.
Emergency contraception is time-sensitive, so speak with a pharmacist or appropriate healthcare service as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Some emergency contraceptive pills can be used up to five days afterwards, depending on the product. A copper IUD may also be an option. Do not delay seeking emergency contraception while waiting for a routine telehealth appointment.
If you want to review your contraceptive options, discuss side effects or assess whether your current pill prescription remains suitable, book a phone or video consultation with an Australian-registered doctor through TelehealthDr.
Phone or video consultation · Australian-registered doctors · Not an emergency service

Speak with an Australian-registered doctor.
Phone or video consultation.
Individual clinical assessment.
Testing may be recommended.
In-person care when needed.
Choose an available phone or video appointment and provide the information requested for the consultation.
Discuss your symptoms, medical history, current medicines and any relevant risk factors.
The doctor may discuss treatment, testing, follow-up, regular GP care or an in-person assessment depending on your circumstances.
Speak with Australian-registered doctors for your healthcare needs.
Access consultations from home, work or wherever suits you.
Your health information is handled securely during consultations.
Get medical support without travelling to a clinic.
If you have non-urgent urinary symptoms and want medical advice, you can speak with an Australian-registered doctor through a TelehealthDr phone or video consultation.
Phone or video consultation · Australian-registered doctors · Not an emergency service