Birth control pills in Canada require a prescription from a doctor to purchase. Usually, the general steps to get birth control in Canada are to:
- Make a doctor’s appointment
- Get a prescription from your doctor
- Fill your prescription at a pharmacy
Yes, it is that simple. But we can guess what you’re wondering:
“What if I don’t have a family doctor?”
“What birth control pill options are available, and which type should I go with?”
Read on to learn more!
Where do I get a prescription?
You should speak to a doctor to get a prescription for birth control. If you don’t have a family doctor; don’t sweat it. Most walk in clinics (In-person or Virtual) prescribe birth control pills. In general, your options to see a doctor includes:
- Your Family Doctor
- A Walk-In Clinic (In-person or Virtual)
- A Sexual Health Clinic
During your appointment with the doctor, they will help you decide if the birth control pill is right for you. The doctor may take a medical history, and may request that you do a Pap test (a screening test for cervical cancer) prior to writing a prescription for the birth control pill.
How to manage your prescription
Managing your birth control prescription effectively is crucial for maintaining its effectiveness and ensuring your reproductive health needs are met. This involves understanding how to timely refill your prescription, navigating any necessary changes to your medication, such as switching brands or types, and knowing what steps to take if you miss a dose.
Refilling your prescription
Contact your pharmacy before your current supply runs out to request a refill. Most pharmacies also offer automatic refill services.
Switching brands or types of birth control pills
Consult your healthcare provider before switching to discuss the best options for your health. Your provider will need to write a new prescription for the new brand or type.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided with your birth control pills. Generally, take the missed pill as soon as you remember and then continue with your regular schedule.
For some types, taking a missed pill might mean taking two pills in one day. If you miss more than one dose, consult the pill’s instructions or your healthcare provider for specific guidance to maintain effectiveness.
What are birth control pills and how do they work?
Birth control pills are a small tablet that you take once a day at the same time each day to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills are a type of hormonal birth control, and may contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, or progestin only.
If the birth control pill is taken perfectly (i.e., at the same time every single day, without missing a dose), it is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. WIth typical use, the birth control pill is about 92% effective1. There are many different kinds of birth control available on the market, and they all have slight differences in how they work or how they should be taken. It is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to decide which kind of birth control pill is right for you. Note that birth control does not protect against sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV.
Types of birth control pills available in Canada
In Canada, there are two main types of birth control pills available, each with different formulations to suit individual health needs and preferences:
Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs)
These pills contain both estrogen and progestin hormones. They work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent fertilized egg implantation.
COCs come in various formulations with different types and doses of estrogen and progestin.
Progestin-Only Pills (POPs) or Mini-pills
These pills contain only progestin and are an option for women who cannot take estrogen. They primarily work by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining, and may also suppress ovulation in some women.
POPs are suitable for women who are breastfeeding, have a history of blood clots, or have other health conditions that make estrogen use risky.
Benefits of using birth control pills
Using birth control pills offers several health benefits beyond contraception. Two notable advantages include:
Regulation of menstrual cycles
Birth control pills can regularize menstrual cycles, making them more predictable. This is especially beneficial for individuals with irregular, skipped, or very heavy periods.
The hormones in birth control pills can balance menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual cramps, and sometimes decrease the overall amount of bleeding.
Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
Long-term use of birth control pills has been linked to a reduced risk of developing ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Studies suggest that the risk decreases over time with continued use of the pill and can last for many years after stopping it.
The protective effect is believed to be due to the regulation of hormones that these pills provide, which otherwise might contribute to the development of cancer in these tissues.
Risks and side effects associated with birth control pills
While birth control pills offer numerous benefits, they also come with potential risks and side effects. Users need to be aware of these to make informed healthcare decisions:
Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- Mild headaches
- Spotting between periods
Serious risks and side effects:
- Blood clots: The estrogen in combined oral contraceptives can increase the risk of developing blood clots, especially in women who smoke and are over the age of 35.
- High blood pressure: Some women may experience an increase in blood pressure.
- Stroke and heart attack: The risk is higher for certain populations, including smokers, women over 35, and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
- Liver problems: Rare but serious, including liver tumors.
Who shouldn’t take birth control pills?
Like with all medications, birth control pills are not for everyone. See below for a brief list of individuals for whom the birth control pill may not be right for:
- You are over 35, and smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day
- You get migraines with aura
- You have, or have had, breast cancer
- You have a history of blood clots, or a condition that increases your risk of getting blood clots
- You have had a stroke
The good news is that aside from the birth control pill, there are many other options available for contraception on the market. This includes:
- Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, the sponge)
- Other hormonal methods (the patch, the vaginal ring, the shot, the intrauterine system (IUS))
- Non-hormonal methods (the intrauterine device (IUD))
- Permanent methods (female or male sterilization)
- Other methods (the fertility awareness method, abstinence, the withdrawal method)
Not all of the above listed methods are right for everyone, and not all are as effective as the birth control pill. In all cases, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist to decide what type of birth control is right for you.
Key Takeaways
- To obtain birth control pills in Canada, a prescription from a doctor is mandatory. This can be acquired through various healthcare settings including family doctors, walk-in clinics (both in-person and virtual), and sexual health clinics.
- Canada offers two main types of birth control pills – Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) containing both estrogen and progestin and Progestin-Only Pills (POPs), also known as mini-pills, suitable for those who cannot take estrogen. Each type serves different health needs and preferences.
- Birth control pills offer several health benefits such as the regulation of menstrual cycles, and a reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, highlighting the additional health advantages beyond preventing pregnancy.
- While beneficial, birth control pills also carry risks and side effects ranging from mild (nausea, mood changes) to serious (blood clots, high blood pressure), underscoring the importance of a thorough medical consultation before starting them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get birth control pills over the counter in Canada?
No, birth control pills cannot be obtained over the counter in Canada; they require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Are there free birth control pills in Canada?
Yes, some provinces and health programs in Canada offer free birth control pills to eligible individuals, often based on age, income, or specific health coverage plans.
Can anyone take birth control pills?
Not everyone can safely take birth control pills. Suitability depends on individual health factors, such as history of blood clots, certain cancers, smoking status, and age. A healthcare provider’s consultation is necessary to determine if they are safe for you.
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