BIRTH CONTROL
Stop guessing. Get birth control that actually works for you.
Pill, patch, ring, or non-estrogen options. $30 online visit. No subscriptions. No upsells. No nonsense.
Get birth control that actually fits your body.
Tell us your goals. We’ll handle the rest. $30 visit, reviewed by a clinician, prescription sent if appropriate.
Same-day prescriptions sent to your pharmacy if appropriate.
Combined pills, progestin-only pills, and different “phases” use the same hormones in slightly different ways. Understanding estrogen, progestin, and pill types can help you choose what fits your body and goals.
Not all birth control is the same. That’s the point.
Different hormones do different things. Some help with acne. Some help with cramps. Some you shouldn’t take at all depending on your history.
We don’t push one option. We help you get the right one.
Estrogen: smoother cycles, fewer surprises
Estrogen is what makes combined pills more predictable and forgiving.
What it does:
- Helps stop ovulation
- Makes periods lighter and more regular
- Reduces spotting and breakthrough bleeding
- Can improve acne and mood stability
Reality check:
Not everyone should take estrogen.
Skip estrogen if this is you
Estrogen-containing pills are usually avoided if you have:
- Migraine with aura
- History of blood clots or stroke
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Smoking and age over 35
- Certain clotting or autoimmune disorders
There are great non-estrogen options. You’re not stuck.
Progestin: effective, flexible, and often safer
Progestin is the hormone in mini-pills, implants, hormonal IUDs, and some combined pills.
What it does:
- Thickens cervical mucus (blocks sperm)
- Thins uterine lining
- Sometimes stops ovulation
Tradeoffs:
- Must be taken consistently (for pills)
- More spotting at first
Upside:
Often the best choice if estrogen isn’t safe for you.
Common types of progestin
Norethindrone
Used in progestin-only and some combined pills.
Best for:
- You can’t take estrogen
- You want a straightforward, no-frills option
What to know:
- Estrogen-free mini-pill (like Errin)
- Must be taken at the same time every day
- Spotting is common at first
Translation:
Reliable and safe — just don’t be inconsistent with timing.
Drospirenone
Has anti-androgen effects, meaning it can help with skin and water retention.
Best for:
- Acne-prone or oily skin
- Bloating / water retention
What to know:
- Found in Slynd (estrogen-free) and Nikki (combined pill)
- Can improve skin and fluid balance
- Not ideal with certain kidney or adrenal conditions
Translation:
Great if you care about skin — not for everyone medically.
Norgestimate
A commonly used, well-tolerated option in combined pills.
Best for:
- First-time users
- Wanting predictable cycles without overthinking it
What to know:
- Good cycle control
- Often chosen for acne-friendly options
Translation:
Solid, middle-of-the-road choice that works for most people.
Other progestins exist (levonorgestrel, desogestrel, norgestrel), but you don’t need to memorize them.
We’ll choose based on your goals — acne, mood, cramping, lighter periods, or skipping periods entirely.
Monophasic vs. triphasic combined pills
Monophasic (recommended for most):
These have the same dose every day.
- Same dose every day
- Easier to use
- Better for skipping periods
Triphasic pills
Hormone levels shift each week to mimic a more “natural” monthly cycle.
- Hormones change weekly
- Harder to use continuously
- More “natural” cycle feel
Translation:
Most people do better with monophasic.
$30 flat visit. Real clinician review. Prescription sent to your pharmacy if appropriate. No subscriptions. No forced bundles. No upsell nonsense.
Ready to get your care started? ✨
Every visit is a flat $30 and reviewed by our licensed, certified and caring clinicians.
Start my $30 visit →The hormones and why they matter
Combined pills, progestin-only pills, and different “phases” use the same hormones in slightly different ways. Understanding estrogen, progestin, and pill types can help you choose what fits your body and goals.
What estrogen does in combined birth control 💡
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) contain both estrogen and progestin. Estrogen acts as a cycle stabilizer and:
- Helps stop ovulation (prevents the egg from releasing)
- Makes periods more regular and predictable
- Reduces spotting and breakthrough bleeding
- Decreases cramps and heavy bleeding
- Creates steadier hormones throughout the month
Additional benefits many people experience include:
- Improved acne through lower androgen levels
- Reduced excess hair growth (helpful in PCOS)
- Lighter, shorter, less painful periods
- More stable mood across the cycle
Because estrogen stabilizes hormone levels, combined pills are often more forgiving if a pill is taken late compared with progestin-only pills.
When estrogen may not be safe ⚠️
Estrogen-containing pills are usually avoided if you have any of the following:
- Migraine with aura
- History of blood clots or stroke
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Smoking and age over 35
- Certain clotting or autoimmune disorders
In these situations, estrogen-free (progestin-only) options are typically safer.
What progestin does in birth control 🧬
Progestin is used in progestin-only pills (POPs), combined pills, hormonal IUDs, the implant, and the shot. It:
- Thickens cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to pass
- Thins the uterine lining to reduce pregnancy likelihood
- Sometimes stops ovulation (varies by method)
- Helps reduce cramping and bleeding
In progestin-only pills:
- Safer for those who cannot use estrogen
- Must be taken at the same time daily
- Irregular bleeding or spotting is more common
If estrogen is not safe for you, POPs, the implant, shot, or hormonal IUD can still provide excellent pregnancy prevention, though cycle control may not be as predictable as with COCs.
Common types of progestin
Norethindrone
Used in many progestin-only and combined pills.
- Available in estrogen-free mini-pills (e.g., Errin)
- Often used when estrogen is not safe
- Requires consistent daily timing in POP form
- Spotting is common when first starting
Drospirenone
Has anti-androgenic effects, so it may help with acne and bloating.
- Used in Slynd (estrogen-free) and Nikki (combined pill)
- May improve acne and oily skin
- Can help with water retention
- Not ideal for those with kidney or adrenal issues
Norgestimate
A balanced, commonly used progestin in many well-tolerated combined pills.
- Good cycle control
- Frequently chosen for acne-friendly options
Other progestins include levonorgestrel, desogestrel, and norgestrel. Clinicians choose based on your goals: acne control, mood preferences, cramping, lighter periods, or skipping periods.
Monophasic vs. triphasic combined pills
Monophasic pills
These have the same dose every day.
- Consistent hormones—helpful for mood and symptom stability
- Easiest for skipping periods or taking packs continuously
- Predictable cycles and fewer surprises
Usually recommended if your goal is fewer periods or stacking packs.
Triphasic pills
Hormone levels shift each week to mimic a more “natural” monthly cycle.
- Some feel the phased approach matches their body better
- Not ideal for skipping periods
- Harder to use continuously
A good option if you want a predictable monthly bleed and don’t plan to skip periods.
Ready to choose a birth control option? ✨
Every visit is a flat $30 and reviewed by our dedicated clinicians. You can request a specific option or choose “Help me decide,” and we’ll help you find the best fit based on your goals and medical history.
Let's get started $30 visit →If you're unsure which pill type is safest or fits you best, choose “Help me decide” during your visit and a clinician will guide you. Please note, specific choice may not be appropriate; in that case a safe alternative may be chosen at the discretion of the provider.
