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At 20 years old, I decided I was ready to begin my journey with birth control. My mother did not feel the same and still told me it was for “older girls” with a steady boyfriend and who were preferably finished with undergrad (something tells me we weren’t just talking about the pill). Along with the obvious benefits, I was also interested in regulating my period, potentially improving my skin and having a more peaceful cycle.
Since I live at home and am listed under my mom’s insurance, this difference in opinion left me looking for options where I would not need a physical appointment so that I may hopefully avoid another *very* awkward dinner table conversation.
That’s when I started seeing the ads for the Pill Club: an online birth control consultation, free under certain insurance options and inexpensive for those who do not have compliant plans. After clicking on the Pill Club’s site, I saw that the pills would be delivered to me at my discretion, whether that be monthly, every three months, or every year. Because of this, I wouldn’t have to call to renew my prescription or find my way to a drug store. Living on a New York City campus, eliminating that step saves me time and subway or Uber fare.
I began my online sign-up with a few simple questions, added my insurance info, and waited a few days for my video chat with a licensed nurse practitioner. Throughout the rest of the process, I had the option to text with my assigned practitioner with any questions or concerns.
I talked to my practitioner as I would any other gynecologist, and felt as though she knew me as well as if I had met her in person. I asked any and all questions I would ask a typical GYN and expressed any concerns I had about starting the pill. I was especially concerned about finding the right form of birth control for me, as everyone is unique and has different needs.
After the Pill Club’s team reviewed my information and consultation, they wrote a prescription for the brand they thought had the benefits I wanted with as few side effects as possible. I initially was turned off to hormonal birth control for fear of weight gain, appetite loss and a change in mood but was quickly comforted by my nurse practitioner. If the pill they prescribed was not a good fit, we’d just try again with a different prescription.
As I’m still at home due to COVID-19, the Pill Club’s discreet packaging was a lifesaver for keeping my delivery private from family members. When I return to campus for the spring semester, the packaging will continue to protect my privacy in the communal mailroom, and changing addresses throughout the year is no problem.
The best part: free gifts! Personally, I joined the Pill Club for convenience but I love opening my package to find stickers, chocolate, and/or other goodies with each refill. It makes each delivery something to look forward to. I’ve had nothing but a good experience with the Pill Club and would highly recommend it to any college student looking for affordable, convenient birth control!