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Contraception & Birth Control Online

There's no one right method — choice depends on your health, life stage, and preferences. A NewDoc GP can review options with you and arrange referrals for long-acting contraception where appropriate.

Can I get contraception prescribed online via telehealth?

Yes — for the pill. An AHPRA-registered GP at NewDoc can review your medical history, prescribe the combined oral contraceptive pill or progestogen-only (“mini”) pill where clinically appropriate, advise on emergency contraception, and switch you between methods. The eScript arrives by SMS within minutes.

Long-acting reversible contraception (implants and IUDs) requires in-person insertion by a trained GP or gynaecologist; your telehealth GP can refer you and help with planning. The consultation, eScript, and referrals are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders.

Contraception options in Australia

Per Healthdirect Australia and Family Planning Australia, contraception use is widespread in Australia — around two-thirds of women of reproductive age use some form of contraception. The combined oral contraceptive pill is the most commonly used method, followed by condoms, hormonal IUDs, and the contraceptive implant. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are increasingly used because they offer continuous cover without daily action.

Healthdirect Australia notes: Many different methods of contraception are available. A NewDoc GP can talk through the options and prescribe a method that suits you, with the eScript sent to your phone.

A range of contraceptive options are available in Australia, including short-acting methods (combined and progestogen-only pills), long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs, implants, injections), barrier methods (condoms), and permanent methods. Choosing the right option depends on medical history, preferences, lifestyle, and future plans.

Many contraceptive medications are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and can be prescribed via telehealth. LARCs require a procedural visit with a trained GP or gynaecologist.

How a telehealth GP can help

A NewDoc GP can take a full contraceptive history, check for any medical reasons to avoid certain methods (for example migraine with aura, blood clot history, or current breast cancer), and discuss the pros and cons of the options available to you. If you are starting, switching, or continuing a method, your GP can issue an eScript during the consultation.

For LARCs, your GP can provide a referral to a suitable provider. They can also arrange pathology tests if needed, discuss sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and refer you to our sexual health telehealth service for broader sexual health care.

Contraception medications: pills, LARCs, and emergency options

The Family Planning Australia guidelines and the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines recommend choosing a method based on effectiveness, suitability for medical history, and personal preference. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) have the highest typical-use effectiveness.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs)

  • Yaz, Yasmin (drospirenone + ethinylestradiol) — favoured for acne and PMS; slightly higher VTE risk than levonorgestrel-containing pills
  • Microgynon 30, Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) — long-established workhorse with the lowest VTE risk of the COCs; PBS-listed
  • Loette, Logynon — low-dose levonorgestrel options
  • Estelle, Brenda (cyproterone + ethinylestradiol) — anti-androgenic; used for moderate-to-severe acne and hirsutism alongside contraception (higher VTE risk — typically time-limited)
  • Zoely (nomegestrol + estradiol) — newer combined pill using estradiol instead of ethinylestradiol
  • Norimin (norethisterone + ethinylestradiol) — alternative progestogen option

COCs are 91% effective with typical use, 99% with perfect use. Contraindicated in migraine with aura, smokers over 35, VTE history, and uncontrolled hypertension.

Progestogen-only pills (mini pill)

  • Cerazette (desogestrel 75 mcg) — 12-hour window for missed pills (more forgiving than older mini pills)
  • Slinda (drospirenone 4 mg) — newer 24-hour window mini pill
  • Micronor (norethisterone 350 mcg) — older 3-hour window mini pill

Mini pills are safe while breastfeeding, after VTE, in migraine with aura, and in smokers over 35 — situations where the combined pill is contraindicated.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)

  • Mirena (52 mg levonorgestrel IUD) — 8 years contraception; reduces menstrual bleeding by 90%, common option for heavy periods and endometrial protection during MHT
  • Kyleena (19.5 mg levonorgestrel IUD) — 5 years; smaller insertion device, useful for nulliparous patients
  • Jaydess (13.5 mg levonorgestrel IUD) — 3 years
  • Copper IUD — 5–10 years non-hormonal; also effective as emergency contraception within 5 days
  • Implanon NXT (etonogestrel 68 mg implant) — 3 years subdermal
  • Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone 150 mg IM) — 12-weekly injection

LARCs require insertion by a trained GP or gynaecologist. Your telehealth GP can refer you for insertion and provide the script for the device in advance.

Emergency contraception

  • Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (Postinor-2) — most effective within 72 hours, less effective up to 96 hours; available OTC
  • Ulipristal 30 mg (EllaOne) — effective up to 120 hours; also OTC
  • Copper IUD — most effective method (>99%); effective up to 5 days and continues as ongoing contraception

Your telehealth GP can also arrange STI screening alongside contraception decisions where appropriate.

Choosing a method and things to consider

Different methods suit different life stages and circumstances. Convenience, frequency of dosing, side-effect profiles, reversibility, and effect on periods all influence which option may be preferred. Long-acting methods offer continuous cover without daily action, while shorter-acting methods allow more day-to-day control. Barrier methods such as condoms remain the only contraceptive option that also reduces the risk of most sexually transmitted infections.

If you have underlying conditions such as PCOS, heavy periods, or are approaching menopause, your GP may factor these into the discussion. Future pregnancy plans, breastfeeding, and medication interactions are also relevant. No one method is right for everyone, and it is reasonable to review your choice over time.

Monitoring and follow-up

After starting a new method, a follow-up review in the first few months is often useful to check tolerance, side effects, and whether any adjustments are needed. Blood pressure checks are recommended periodically for people using combined hormonal contraception. Cervical screening and STI testing remain part of routine sexual health care, independent of contraceptive method. If you notice new symptoms such as severe headaches, chest pain, significant leg swelling, or unusual bleeding, contact your GP promptly. Repeat scripts and method reviews can often be completed through follow-up telehealth consults.

References

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 29 May 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get the contraceptive pill prescribed via telehealth?

Yes. A GP can assess your medical history, blood pressure history, and preferences, and prescribe a combined oral contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill during a telehealth consultation if clinically appropriate. The eScript is sent to your phone.

How long does the contraceptive pill take to work?

It depends on which type of pill and when in your cycle you start it. Per Family Planning Australia and the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines: a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) started on day 1 of your period gives contraceptive cover immediately; started at any other point in the cycle, it gives cover after 7 days of continuous correct use (use a condom or other backup in the meantime). A progestogen-only pill (mini pill — Cerazette, Slinda, or Micronor) needs 2 days of continuous use for cover. Emergency contraception (Postinor-2 or EllaOne) acts immediately but should still be backed up with regular contraception going forward. After Depo-Provera injection, cover starts within 7 days. After IUD or implant insertion, cover is typically immediate when fitted in the first 7 days of the cycle (your inserting clinician will advise). If a dose is missed or vomiting / severe diarrhoea occurs within 2 hours of taking a pill, backup contraception or emergency contraception may be needed — a telehealth GP can advise.

Can I get emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) online?

Certain emergency contraceptives are available over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription. For other options, or for advice on suitability, a GP can help during a telehealth consultation.

What about long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)?

Long-acting options such as contraceptive implants and IUDs (hormonal or copper) require insertion by a GP or gynaecologist trained in the procedure. A NewDoc GP can discuss options, provide a referral, and assist with planning.

Can I switch contraceptive methods via telehealth?

Yes, in many cases. Your GP will review your history, discuss the reasons for switching, and advise on timing and any required overlap between methods to maintain contraceptive cover.

Is the consultation bulk billed?

Yes. NewDoc bulk bills telehealth consultations for eligible Medicare cardholders. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the consultation, eScripts, or referrals.

How does online contraception consultation work in Australia?

You book a bulk billed telehealth appointment with an AHPRA-registered GP. During the call, the GP takes a contraception and medical history, checks for any reasons to avoid certain methods, and can issue an eScript to your preferred pharmacy if a method is suitable.

What should I have ready for my contraception consult?

It is helpful to know your last period date, a recent blood pressure reading if available, any current or past contraceptive methods and your experience with them, any relevant medical or family history, and current medications. This supports an accurate assessment.

Can a telehealth GP order STI testing alongside contraception?

Yes. A GP can arrange sexually transmitted infection screening via pathology as part of your contraception consult where appropriate. Your GP will discuss what testing is appropriate for your situation.

When does telehealth not work for contraception?

Telehealth is well suited to pill starts, repeats, method changes, and LARC referrals. Procedural care such as IUD or implant insertion requires in-person attendance with a trained clinician. Your GP will explain the pathway if this applies.

What is the best contraception option in Australia?

There is no single 'best' contraception — the right choice depends on your age, health, lifestyle, future pregnancy plans, and personal preferences. Family Planning Australia and Australian Therapeutic Guidelines both rank long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) — hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena), copper IUD, and the contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT) — as the most effective methods, with failure rates under 1% per year and the advantage of 'set and forget' use for 3-10 years. Combined oral contraceptive pills (Yaz, Yasmin, Levlen, Microgynon) and the progestogen-only pill (Slinda, Cerazette) are very effective when taken correctly but have higher real-world failure rates because they depend on daily adherence. Barrier methods (condoms) are the only option that also reduces STI transmission. Your GP can review your options against your individual situation in a bulk billed telehealth consultation.

What are the main types of contraception?

Per Family Planning Australia, contraceptive methods are typically grouped into 5-7 categories: (1) Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) — hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena), copper IUD, contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT). (2) Short-acting hormonal — combined pill, progestogen-only pill, vaginal ring (NuvaRing), patch. (3) Barrier methods — male and female condoms, diaphragm. (4) Permanent — vasectomy, tubal ligation. (5) Emergency contraception — Postinor-2 (levonorgestrel) up to 72 hours, EllaOne (ulipristal acetate) up to 120 hours, copper IUD up to 5 days. (6) Natural / fertility awareness — calendar tracking, basal body temperature, cervical mucus monitoring. (7) Lactational amenorrhoea (breastfeeding-based, very specific conditions). Effectiveness ranges widely — from over 99% for LARCs to 76-88% for fertility awareness with typical use.

What's the difference between Yaz and Levlen?

Both Yaz and Levlen are combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) on the Australian PBS, but they contain different progestogens and oestrogen doses, which affects side-effect profiles. Yaz contains 20 micrograms of ethinyloestradiol plus 3 mg of drospirenone, taken on a 24-active / 4-inactive schedule. Drospirenone has anti-androgenic and mild diuretic effects, which can help with acne, premenstrual symptoms, and bloating in some users — but it carries a slightly higher risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clots) than older progestogens, per current Australian Therapeutic Guidelines and TGA labelling. Levlen ED contains 30 micrograms of ethinyloestradiol plus 150 micrograms of levonorgestrel, on a 21-active / 7-inactive schedule. Levonorgestrel is one of the lowest-VTE-risk progestogens and is generally considered the standard first-line COC in Australia. Neither is universally 'better' — your GP will discuss which is more suitable for your specific health history (smoking, weight, migraine pattern, family history of clots, acne, mood, period symptoms) during a bulk billed telehealth consultation.

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