Contraception
Talk to an online GP about contraception
Start with the contraception question that matters to you. A HerDoc GP can talk through your goals, current method, side effects, health history and practical next steps in a private phone appointment.
Can I discuss contraception with an online GP?
Yes. A HerDoc GP is an appropriate starting point for most non-urgent contraception questions, including choosing an option, reviewing what you use now, discussing side effects or health changes, and considering whether to continue, change or stop. The GP can assess what can be managed through telehealth and explain if a measurement, test, examination or procedure needs local care.
Start with your question
You may have a particular option in mind, want to continue what you use now or have no idea where to begin. All are reasonable starting points. The appointment can focus on what you want contraception to do, what has or has not worked before and what would fit your everyday life.
If your main concern is changed bleeding, pain, headaches, mood or another symptom, describe what you have noticed rather than assuming contraception is the cause. The GP can consider the timing, your health history and whether another explanation needs attention.
Explore contraception guides
Choose the guide that fits today
- Choosing contraception: clarify priorities and compare broad option types with a GP.
- Reviewing or changing contraception: talk about a current method, side effects, changed health information or whether it still fits.
- IUD and implant options: understand what can be discussed online and what insertion, removal or examination requires locally.
- Emergency contraception: find timely pharmacy, doctor or trained-clinician help without waiting for a routine HerDoc appointment.
What to have handy
If you can, have the name of anything you currently use, when you started it and any recent changes. A list of medicines and supplements, relevant health conditions, allergies, previous advice and any recent readings or results can also help.
You do not need a perfect record. A short note about your priorities, symptoms, bleeding pattern, pregnancy possibility and the questions you want answered is enough to begin.
What the GP may talk through
The conversation may cover pregnancy prevention, periods, side effects, privacy, ease of use, reversibility and future plans. The GP may ask about migraines, blood pressure, smoking, blood clots, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medicines and other health information because these details can affect which options warrant discussion.
Your next step will depend on the option and your circumstances. It may be advice, a health check, further assessment or local care for an examination or procedure.
Some decisions need a check or face-to-face care
An online conversation cannot perform a physical examination, take a blood-pressure reading, complete pregnancy or STI testing, or insert or remove a device. The GP will explain if current information is missing or if local care should come before a decision.
Seek prompt local assessment for severe or rapidly worsening pelvic or abdominal pain, very heavy bleeding, fainting, a serious pregnancy concern, chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke-like symptoms or another situation that feels unsafe. Call 000 for an emergency.
FAQs
Can I discuss contraception with an online GP?
Yes. A HerDoc appointment can be useful for choosing contraception, reviewing what you use now, discussing symptoms or health changes, and understanding options that need a local procedure. The GP will use your goals and health information to explain what can happen through telehealth and what needs local care.
Can a GP help me compare contraception options?
Yes. A GP can help you compare broad option types by looking at what matters to you, how you would use them and any relevant health factors. The choosing-contraception guide explains how to prepare for that conversation.
Can I discuss starting contraception for the first time?
Yes. You do not need to know which method you want before the appointment. You can begin with your priorities and ask the GP to explain which broad options may be worth considering.
Can I review or change my current contraception online?
Yes. You can discuss how your current contraception is working, what has changed and whether you want to continue or consider a different approach. The review-and-change guide covers the information and checks that may matter.
Can I talk about side effects or changed bleeding?
Yes. Describe the symptom, when it began, whether it is changing and how it affects you. The GP can consider whether it may relate to contraception or whether another cause needs assessment. If changed bleeding is your main concern, the period-problems guide explains what to discuss with the GP.
Where should I start if I want to continue or review my current contraception?
Use the reviewing-or-changing page if your main question is about continuing, side effects, changed health information or whether your current option still fits. Have the method name, timing and any recent advice or checks handy if available.
Can I ask about an IUD or implant online?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can discuss your goals, history and questions about an IUD or implant. Insertion, removal and any required examination happen face to face with a trained clinician, so use the dedicated guide to understand the local-care boundary.
Where can I get help with emergency contraception?
Seek advice as soon as possible because timing affects the available options. A pharmacy may be the fastest appropriate starting point, and the emergency-contraception page explains other sources of help and when local or urgent care is needed.
What health information or checks may the GP need?
The GP may ask about current contraception, medicines, migraines, blood pressure, smoking, blood clots, pregnancy possibility and other relevant history. The checks needed are not the same for everyone, and the GP should explain what information matters for the option being considered.
When does contraception care require a face-to-face appointment?
A face-to-face appointment is required for insertion or removal procedures and may be needed for an examination, measurement or test that cannot be completed online. Prompt local care also comes first when symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or pregnancy-related.