 | With Insurance: $5-$40 a month |
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 | Without Insurance: $20-$50+ a month |
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| Combination birth control pills contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, while the "mini pill" contains only progestin. Both are designed to prevent pregnancy; the "mini pill" is slightly less effective but is tolerated better by some women. The pill is one of the most popular methods of birth control, but is sometimes prescribed to help stabilize irregular menstrual cycles, to lessen menstrual cramps, to decrease the risk of anemia associated with heavy periods, and for other medical reasons. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For patients not covered by health insurance, birth control pills typically cost $20 to $50 a month.
- For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a prescription drug copay. Most insurance plans offer the lowest copays on generic medication -- usually $5 to $15 -- and higher copays of $30 to $40 for non-preferred brands.
- Birth control pills, the most commonly covered contraceptive, are covered by more than 80 percent of health insurance plans, according to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. And in some states, it's mandatory; the Kaiser Family Foundation lists 33 states that require coverage of birth control.
What should be included: | - The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers an overview of how birth control pills work.
- Standard combination birth control pills -- for example, Yasmin and Ortho Tricyclen are taken on a 28-day cycle.
- Extended-cycle pills are designed to be taken continuously for three months; however, many women experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding while taking extended-cycle pills.
- There are more than 40 brands of birth control pills available in the United States, each with slightly different doses or forms of hormones. Because women's bodies can react to even slight changes in formulation, sometimes several brands will have to be tried, with the help of a doctor, to get the fewest negative side effects -- such as mood changes or weight gain -- or the desired positive side effects -- such as better skin and less menstrual cramping.
- Birth control pills are 98 to 99 percent effective when taken exactly as directed -- at the same time every day without missing a day. Vomiting before the hormones get into your system also can lower effectiveness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers a chart comparing risks and effectiveness rates of various forms of birth control.
Additional costs: | - Birth control pills are available only with a prescription; getting one requires visiting a doctor for a pelvic exam and sexually transmitted disease tests. This can cost $35 to $200, or a copay of $10 to $30 for patients covered by health insurance.
Discounts: | - Clinics such as those operated by Planned Parenthood offer discounted birth control pills to women who qualify. And most college campus health centers do the same for enrolled students.
- In most states, Wal-Mart, Target and Kroger pharmacies offer a limited selection of generic birth control pills for $9 per month.
Shopping for birth control pills: | - To get a prescription for birth control pills, make an appointment with your general practitioner, gynecologist or a clinic. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers a physician locator by state and Planned Parenthood offers a clinic locator by zip code. Or, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a local clinic locator by city or zip code.
- Birth control pills are not recommended for women who have had blood clots, have serious heart or liver disease, have had breast or uterine cancer, or are over 35 and smoke.
- According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, risks include dizziness, nausea, changes in cycle, changes in mood, weight gain, high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated August 2008 |
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