Online Regular Contraception

How does online regular contraception work with I-Prescribe?

You start by completing a private online consultation about your contraception needs, medical history, blood pressure, periods, current medicines, allergies, smoking status, migraine history and any pregnancy or breastfeeding considerations. Your answers are reviewed by an appropriate healthcare professional. Contraception is supplied only if it is clinically suitable, safe and appropriate.

Am I suitable for the contraceptive pill after an online consultation?

Suitability depends on the pill type, your age, blood pressure, BMI, smoking status, migraine history, clot risk, medical history, current medicines, breastfeeding status and whether you have any symptoms that need GP or sexual health clinic assessment.

Can I get the combined pill or mini pill through I-Prescribe?

The combined pill or progestogen-only pill, also called the mini pill, may be considered after an online consultation. Supply is not guaranteed. A clinician must confirm that the requested contraception is suitable for you before any medicine is supplied.

Is regular contraception available from I-Prescribe Bradford?

Yes. I-Prescribe is based in Bradford and can provide private online consultations for regular contraception. Treatment is supplied only where clinically suitable after professional review.

What information do I need to provide before contraception is considered?

You may need to provide your age, height, weight, blood pressure, smoking status, medical conditions, migraine history, period history, current contraception, missed pill history, pregnancy risk, breastfeeding status, current medicines and allergies.

Who reviews my contraception consultation?

Your consultation is reviewed by an appropriate healthcare professional who checks your suitability, medical risks, medicine interactions and whether the requested contraceptive option is appropriate.

Can my contraception request be declined?

Yes. Supply may be declined if the requested pill is not clinically suitable, if your blood pressure is high, if there is clot or stroke risk, if key safety information is missing, or if GP or sexual health clinic review is more appropriate.

Is the contraception service confidential?

Yes. Your consultation is handled confidentially. Information is used to assess suitability, support safe supply and provide appropriate aftercare advice.

Can I order contraception for someone else?

No. Contraception is patient-specific. The person who will use the medicine must complete their own consultation and provide their own medical information.

What is the mini pill?

The mini pill is a progestogen-only pill. It does not contain oestrogen and may be suitable for some patients who cannot use the combined pill.

Who may be suitable for the mini pill?

The mini pill may be suitable for some patients who cannot take oestrogen, including some people who are breastfeeding or have risk factors that make the combined pill unsuitable. A clinical assessment is still required.

How does the mini pill work?

The mini pill works mainly by thickening cervical mucus and, for some types, by stopping ovulation. It must be taken correctly and consistently to be effective.

How do I take the mini pill?

The mini pill is usually taken every day without a pill-free break. Timing matters, and the allowed late window depends on the type of progestogen-only pill supplied. Always follow the patient leaflet.

What is the difference between traditional mini pills and desogestrel pills?

Different mini pills have different missed-pill windows and may work slightly differently. Desogestrel-containing pills usually have a wider late-pill window than traditional progestogen-only pills, but you must follow the leaflet for your exact product.

Can I use the mini pill while breastfeeding?

The progestogen-only pill is often suitable during breastfeeding, but suitability still depends on your full medical history, timing after birth and any other risk factors.

Can the mini pill cause irregular bleeding?

Yes. Irregular bleeding, spotting, lighter periods or no periods can occur with the mini pill. New, heavy, persistent or unexplained bleeding should be reviewed.

What are common mini pill side effects?

Common side effects can include irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, headache, mood changes, acne or nausea. Seek advice if side effects are severe, persistent or concerning.

Can vomiting or diarrhoea affect the mini pill?

Vomiting or severe diarrhoea may reduce absorption and make the pill less effective. Follow the patient leaflet and seek advice if symptoms continue or unprotected sex has occurred.

Who may not be suitable for online contraception supply?

Online supply may not be suitable if you have high blood pressure, migraine with aura, clot risk, stroke history, certain heart conditions, severe liver disease, breast cancer history, unexplained bleeding, pregnancy risk or complex medical history.

When should I seek urgent medical help on the pill?

Seek urgent help for chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing blood, sudden severe headache, weakness, speech problems, vision loss, severe abdominal pain, or one-sided leg swelling or pain.

Can the combined pill increase blood clot risk?

The combined pill can slightly increase the risk of blood clots in some patients. Risk is higher with certain medical histories, smoking, obesity, immobility, some family histories and other factors. Suitability should be assessed clinically.

Can contraception affect mood?

Some people report mood changes with hormonal contraception. If you develop severe low mood, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or mood symptoms that concern you, stop and seek medical advice promptly.

Can contraception affect blood pressure?

The combined pill can increase blood pressure in some people. A recent blood pressure reading may be needed before supply and ongoing checks may be advised.

Can contraception interact with antibiotics?

Most common antibiotics do not reduce pill effectiveness, but some medicines can. Rifampicin-like antibiotics and certain enzyme-inducing medicines can reduce hormonal contraception effectiveness. Always declare all medicines.

Can epilepsy medicines affect contraception?

Some epilepsy medicines can reduce hormonal contraception effectiveness. You should declare epilepsy and all anti-seizure medicines so the clinician can assess suitable options.

Can St John's wort affect contraception?

Yes. St John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of some hormonal contraception. You should declare herbal products and supplements during the consultation.

Can I use contraception if I have liver problems?

Liver problems can affect suitability for hormonal contraception. You must declare liver disease, liver tumours, hepatitis, cirrhosis or abnormal liver tests during the consultation.

Can I use contraception if I have breast cancer history?

A current or previous breast cancer diagnosis can affect whether hormonal contraception is suitable. You should seek specialist or GP advice before using hormonal contraception.