Birth Control: Get the Pill Quickly and Easily
If medically necessary, our team of doctors will write a prescription for the medication you need. This allows you to obtain your medication quickly and easily.
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Your Benefits
- Request a birth control pill prescription via a questionnaire in just a few minutes
- Medical response within 24 hours
- Various medications to choose from
- Pick up directly at a pharmacy near you
Request a prescription for birth control pills online
1 Fill out the questionnaire
In the Medgate app, you can answer a few short questions about your health and select the medication you want.
2 Medical Assessment
Our doctors will process your request within 24 hours and, if medically appropriate, issue a prescription.
3 Pick up medication
Pick up your medication as soon as possible at a pharmacy near you.
Costs
Prescription requests through Medgate are billed as part of statutory health insurance coverage (similar to a doctor’s office visit) and are recognized by all Swiss health insurers. A prescription request costs an average of CHF 20.
Furthermore, under certain insurance plans offered by our partner health insurers, there are no costs associated with the deductible or copayment.
Here's How Medgate Can Help
- Response from a doctor within 24 hours (on business days) via the app
- Prescription issuance
- If necessary: Issuance of referrals to a doctor’s office near you
- After diagnosis: Provision of a treatment plan in the app
- Experienced doctors licensed in Switzerland and trained in telemedicine
- Service available in 4 languages: German, French, Italian, and English
- High level of expertise thanks to over 25 years of experience in telemedicine
- Recognized by all Swiss health insurers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the service cost?
Could my prescription request be denied?
Where can I fill my prescription?
Do I need to talk to a doctor?
Is my data secure?
Everything in one place with the Medgate app
In addition to the “Prescription Request” feature, the Medgate app offers other practical options:
- Appointment booking: take advantage of last-minute openings
- Receive your treatment plan and other documents in the app
- Chat directly with the Medgate medical team
- Save your favorite doctors
- Digital symptom questionnaire with automated initial assessment
- Receive appointment reminders and health recommendations
With the Medgate app, you’re always prepared in case of an emergency. Download it for free now.
What is the birth control pill?
The “pill” is a form of oral contraception that consists mainly of hormones that affect the female menstrual cycle. It is taken daily and is known to be one of the safest methods for preventing unintended pregnancies when used correctly. The birth control pill comes in two main forms: the combination pill, which contains both estrogen and progestin, and the mini-pill, which contains only progestin.
How the Pill Works as a Contraceptive
The pill works by combining hormones that regulate a woman’s natural menstrual cycle. These hormones prevent the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle—a process known as ovulation. In addition, they thicken the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate, and alter the lining of the uterus, preventing a fertilized egg from implanting.
Prescription Birth Control Pills: An Overview of Ingredients and Composition
The hormones estrogen and progestin contained in birth control pills are synthetic forms of the naturally occurring female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. The exact composition and dosage of these hormones can vary depending on the brand and type of pill. Some newer pill formulations also contain other active ingredients that offer specific health benefits, such as improving skin conditions or reducing menstrual cramps.
At Medgate, you can request prescription medications containing the following active ingredients for the birth control pill
Desogestrel
- Anouk (estrogen-free)
- Azalia (estrogen-free)
- Cerazette (estrogen-free)
- Desofemono
- Desonur
- Diamilla
- Soffi (estrogen-free)
- Yolienne (estrogen-free)
- Zenzi (estrogen-free)
Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol
- Desogyn
- Desogynelle
- Desoren
- Dretine
- Dretinelle
- Elyfem
- Estinette
- Gracial
- Mercilon
- Mizzi
- Neogyn
- Sue
Chlormadinone acetate and ethinyl estradiol
- Belara
Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol
- Belarina
- Cemisiana
- Eloine
- Ladonna
- Tyarena
- Yasminelle
- Yaz
- Yira
Estetrol and Drospirenone
- Drovelis
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol
- Effilevo
- Femadiol
- Gerti
- Mavi
- Microgynon
- Milvane
- Miranova
- Myvlar
- Ologyn
- Ologynelle
- Sara
- Seasonique
Gestodene and Ethinylestradiol
- Gynera
- Gyselle
- Harmonet
- Meliane
- Minesse
- Minulet
- Mirelle
Dienogest and ethinyl estradiol
- Jeanine
- Valette
Cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol
- Juliette
- Madinette
Estradiol valerate and dienogest
- Qlaira
Nomegestrol acetate and estradiol
- Zoely
How to Take the Pill Correctly
To ensure the best protection against pregnancy, it is crucial to take the pill at the same time every day. It is important not to miss a day and to act quickly if you forget to take a pill. Package inserts provide specific instructions for this, which may vary depending on the type of pill. Some pills also have so-called “placebo days,” during which you take a pill without active ingredients to help maintain a regular menstrual cycle.
Possible Side Effects of the Pill
The most common side effects of the pill include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, weight gain, mood swings, and breakthrough bleeding. Although these side effects are often mild and improve over time, it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms persist or are severe.
Interactions of the Pill: How the Pill Interacts with Other Medications
The pill can interact with other medications, which may reduce its effectiveness. Particular attention should be paid to medications that induce the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as certain antiepileptic drugs and antibiotics. Some herbal supplements, such as St. John’s wort, can also reduce the effectiveness of the pill. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. We’re happy to help you choose the right birth control pill and provide advice on this matter.
Contraindications: Who Should Not Take the Pill?
The pill is not suitable for every woman. Women with certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, severe liver disease, or a risk of thrombosis, may need to consider other methods of birth control. Likewise, the pill is often not recommended for women over 35 who smoke.
Other Methods of Birth Control
In addition to the pill, there are a variety of other contraceptive methods, such as condoms, diaphragms, hormonal implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and natural family planning methods. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be based on personal needs, health status, and lifestyle.
How much does the pill cost?
The cost of the pill can vary depending on the brand, type, and whether it is covered by your health insurance. In Switzerland, the pill typically costs between CHF 10 and CHF 30 per monthly pack, depending on the specific formulation and manufacturer.
Does health insurance cover the cost of the pill?
In Switzerland, the cost of the pill is not usually covered by basic health insurance unless there is a medical indication. However, many supplemental insurance plans offer coverage for the cost of contraceptives. It is advisable to check with your health insurance provider to find out the exact benefits.
Forgot to take the pill? What to do if you took it too late or missed a dose
If you’ve missed a pill, it’s important to follow the instructions in the package insert. In general, you should take the missed pill as soon as possible and continue taking the following pills as usual. In some cases, additional protection, such as condoms, may be necessary for a certain period of time. If you have any uncertainties or questions, the doctors at Medgate will be happy to advise you.
Too much of a good thing? What to do if you’ve taken two pills
If you accidentally take two pills in one day, there’s usually no cause for concern. However, you may experience mild side effects such as nausea. Continue taking the following pills as scheduled, and if you’re unsure, consult the package insert or your doctor.
Is the birth control pill available without a prescription?
In Switzerland, the pill is not available without a doctor’s prescription. This ensures that the pill’s suitability is assessed individually for each patient and that the safety and effectiveness of the contraception are guaranteed.
Contact
If you have any questions, our medical team is available to assist you: +41 58 387 77 88 (Medgate patient reception, available 24/7).
Disclaimer
These articles are provided for informational purposes only and should not be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. They are not a substitute for personal medical consultation and treatment. Medgate has carefully compiled this information but cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Medgate assumes no liability for any damages that may result from the use of this information. Are you sick and need help? Our doctors are available to you around the clock via the Medgate app.