Online consultation about contraception and contraceptive methods: individual medical assessment based on your health and preferences

Hormonal contraceptives use hormones to prevent pregnancy and are available in different forms. These include oral contraceptives, which are taken by mouth, as well as other options whose suitability depends on the individual’s circumstances.

The contraceptive pill may be suitable for some women, but it should not be chosen solely on another person’s recommendation. Before starting or changing a hormonal method, the doctor will review your medical history, other treatments and any relevant risk factors.

Hormonal contraception is not a single, uniform category. The hormonal composition, route of administration and individual tolerance can vary, so the clinician will consider these factors when discussing the available options.

Some contraceptive options do not contain oestrogen and may be considered when oestrogen is not suitable or when another option is preferable based on the patient’s circumstances. Whether these methods are appropriate still depends on an individual medical assessment.

There are also non-hormonal contraceptive methods, which prevent pregnancy without using hormones. This category includes different options with different characteristics and methods of use, so there is no universally best choice.

Hormone-free contraception may appeal to people who prefer to avoid hormonal exposure, but this preference should be considered alongside other medical and practical factors. Non-hormonal contraceptive options for women form a diverse group and should be assessed individually.

The choice may depend on age, medical history, existing health conditions, medications, and previous experience with contraception. Practical considerations also matter, including how often you want to use or manage the method and your personal preferences.

When discussing the different contraceptive options available to women, the doctor can consider these factors together rather than recommending a method based only on its general characteristics.

It may also be important to mention symptoms that appeared after starting a method or any changes in your health since it was prescribed. The aim is to find an option that is compatible with your medical circumstances and your needs, provided a suitable method is available. Contraception for women should not be treated as a single, uniform category: individual needs and potential contraindications can vary considerably from one person to another.

A method that worked well previously may no longer suit your needs. Changes in your health, new side effects or discomfort, difficulties using the method correctly, or changes in your reproductive plans are all reasons to discuss it again with a healthcare professional.

A contraceptive method does not need to remain unchanged throughout your life. A review can help confirm whether it is still appropriate and explore other options when needed.

It is not advisable to stop or change hormonal contraception on your own. If you have concerns about tolerability, effectiveness or whether to continue your current method, you can discuss them during a medical consultation.

Contraceptive needs can change over time. Pregnancy, the period after childbirth, breastfeeding, changes in health and the transition towards perimenopause may all make it appropriate to review the available options.

For example, when considering contraception for a woman in her 40s, age should not be the only factor. The clinician should also take medical history, current treatment, relevant risk factors and the patient’s preferences into account.

There may also be specific considerations after childbirth or while breastfeeding. During these stages, it is particularly important to discuss your individual circumstances with a healthcare professional before starting or changing a contraceptive method.

An online consultation can be used to review a contraceptive method you already use and assess whether it remains suitable. It also gives you an opportunity to discuss side effects, changes in your health or questions that have arisen since your last review.

During the consultation, the doctor can assess the available information and decide whether you can continue with the same method, whether another option should be considered or whether an in-person review is needed.

When clinically indicated, the clinician may issue an electronic prescription. A renewal request does not result in an automatic prescription: the decision depends on the clinical assessment and whether the method remains appropriate for the patient’s circumstances.

Oladoctor provides access to online medical consultations about contraception without the need to travel for an initial appointment. You can explain your circumstances, discuss your experience with previous methods and ask a healthcare professional any questions you may have.

The main benefits include:

• The option to choose a doctor and an available appointment time.
• An online consultation to discuss the contraceptive method you currently use.
• An individual assessment of your medical history, current treatments and preferences.
• The opportunity to consider alternatives if your current method is no longer suitable or comfortable.
• Guidance on the next steps if an in-person assessment is needed.
• The possibility of receiving an electronic prescription when the doctor considers there is a clinical indication.

The platform allows you to discuss different contraceptive methods and review whether your current method should be continued or changed based on your individual circumstances. The aim is not to recommend one method for everyone, but to facilitate an individual medical assessment.

Oladoctor is an online medical consultation platform. If your situation requires a physical examination, test or procedure that cannot be carried out remotely, the clinician may advise you to continue your care in person.