How do you get the pill in Australia?
Ava Robinson
Updated on March 07, 2026
Similarly, you may ask, do you need a prescription for birth control pills in Australia?
There are two types of oral contraception available in Australia – the combined pill, known as 'the pill', and the mini pill. The pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen. The mini pill contains only progestogen. Both are taken daily, and are available on prescription.
Beside above, how much is the pill in Australia? Price of 'the pill'
These cost Australian consumers between $70 and $90 for a three-month supply. If provided on a PBS prescription, oral contraceptives typically cost between $6.20 for a concessional consumer and $21 for a general consumer (for a four-month supply).
Also to know, how do I get the pill in Australia?
You need a prescription from a doctor or health service, and have to remember to get another prescription when you start your last packet. There are a number of types of combined pill, so you may need to try different ones to find one that suits you best. Check with your doctor or clinic nurse.
Where can I get the pill from for free?
Where to get free contraception
- most GP surgeries (talk to your GP or practice nurse)
- community contraceptive clinics.
- some genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.
- sexual health clinics (these offer contraceptive and STI testing services)
- some young people's services.
Related Question Answers
Can you get the pill without going to the doctors?
Australian women can now get the Pill prescribed online and delivered to their door. Women will now be able to have the contraceptive pill prescribed and delivered to their door, but doctors are warning convenience could come with a cost.Can you start the pill whenever?
You can start taking birth control pills as soon as you get them — any day of the week, and anytime during your menstrual cycle. But when you'll be protected from pregnancy depends on when you start and the kind of pill you're using. You may need to use a backup birth control method (like condoms) for up to 7 days.How old do you have to be to go on the pill in Australia?
At 16, you can go on the Pill (if you are female), but only with a prescription from a doctor. If you are under 16, a doctor is allowed to tell your parents about your visit. But if you are between 14 and 16, the doctor cannot tell your parents about the visit if you ask them not to.Does the pill make your boobs bigger?
The hormones found in birth control pills are synthetic forms of hormones that naturally occur in your body. When taking these pills, the level of hormones in your body increase. At these increased levels, these hormones can generate changes in your body, such as a temporary increase in breast size or weight gain.What can stop the pill from working?
8 surprising things that can stop the Pill working- Some medicines.
- Detox tea.
- Laxatives.
- Some herbal remedies.
- Sickness and diarrhoea.
- Forgetting to take the Pill.
- Contraceptive pill storage.
Do I need to see a GP to go on the pill?
"Before you can go on the pill, a doctor or nurse has to assess whether you can take it. To get started, you need to make an appointment with your GP or nurse, go to a sexual health clinic or complete an online assessment through a UK regulated online doctor service."Does the pill stop your period?
Taking birth control pills is an effective wayto prevent pregnancy and treat many medical conditions. Since the pill works by introducing different hormones into your system, it can affect your menstrual cycle. Some women may have lighter bleeding, and others may skip their periods entirely.What is the best contraceptive pill in Australia?
We believe in the free flow of informationThe combined oral contraceptive pill is the most popular contraception in Australia. It's less invasive than implants or devices that need to be fitted in the arm or uterus, making it an attractive option for many women.
How do you start the pill?
How to Get Started- First-day start. Take your first pill the day you get your period. Pregnancy protection kicks in right away, so you won't need a backup contraceptive.
- Quick start. You take the first pill in your pack right away.
- Sunday start. Many pill packs are arranged to start on this day.
Can I get the pill from the pharmacy?
You can buy it at a pharmacy without a prescription. This will cost between $35 and $50. *These costs are for New Zealand residents.How quickly does the pill work?
Starting after the 5th day of your cycleYou will not be protected from pregnancy straight away and will need additional contraception until you have taken the pill for 7 days. If you start the pill after the 5th day of your cycle, make sure you have not put yourself at risk of pregnancy since your last period.
Can my boyfriend get me the morning after pill?
Yes. The morning-after pill is also known as emergency contraception, emergency birth control, backup birth control, and by the brand names Plan B One-Step, ella, and Next Choice. Plan B One-Step and Next Choice are available from drugstores and health centers without a prescription for women and men 17 and older.How much is the pill per month?
The Pill usually costs between $0–$50 a month, depending on the type. Many health and family planning clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) sell birth control pills for less. And birth control pills and doctor visits are covered by many health insurance plans.How much does the morning after pill cost in Australia?
Both types of morning after pill are available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy without a prescription and cost between $15 and $45, depending on the type and brand. Australia currently has highly limited availability of the 120 hour emergency contraception option, so it may be difficult to obtain.Does the pill make you gain weight?
It's often a temporary side effect that's due to fluid retention, not extra fat. A review of 44 studies showed no evidence that birth control pills caused weight gain in most women. And, as with other possible side effects of the pill, any weight gain is generally minimal and goes away within 2 to 3 months.Does the pill protect against STIS?
The birth control pill does not protect against STDs. Couples having sex (or any intimate sexual contact) must always use condoms along with the Pill to protect against STDs. Abstinence (the decision to not have sex or any intimate sexual contact) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.What is the morning after pill called in Australia?
Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) The emergency contraceptive pills commonly used in Australia include: a progestogen called levonorgestrel (brand names include Postinor-1, Postinor-2, Postrelle -1, Postella-1, NorLevo, NorLevo-1, Levonelle-1 and Levonelle-2); or. ulipristal acetate (brand names include EllaOne).How can I get a prescription for the pill?
First-time pill prescriptionIf oral contraceptives are the best option, you will be given a prescription that can be filled at a pharmacy. You can choose to continue seeing your doctor, nurse practitioner, registered nurse or pharmacist prescriber to obtain a prescription for the contraceptive pill.
Can I get on birth control without my parents knowing?
Yes. You do not need permission from a parent or guardian to get birth control. In fact, it is unethical and illegal for clinic workers or health care providers to tell your parents/guardians you were even at the clinic. The agreement to keep your visit private is called a confidentiality agreement.Can I buy birth control pills at CVS?
Who is eligible for a consultation and prescription for birth control prescribed by a CVS pharmacist? Every patient who is 18 and older is eligible for a consultation with a CVS pharmacist.What do I say to my doctor to get birth control?
Your health care provider will want to talk with you about your medical history and check your blood pressure. You might also need a pelvic exam. Your health care provider may also want to know about your sex life and sexual history: how many partners you've had, what kind of birth control you currently use, etc.Can I buy birth control pills over the counter?
As of now, the only available over-the-counter birth control pills are for emergency contraception. You need a doctor's prescription to get birth control pills (either progestin-only pills, combination pills, or extended cycle pills).Is the pill free on NHS?
Contraception is free to all women and men through the NHS. Places where you can get contraception include: most GP surgeries – talk to your GP or practice nurse.Do you have periods on the desogestrel pill?
In contrast to the combined pill, Desogestrel can be used by women who do not tolerate oestrogens and by women who are breast feeding. A disadvantage is that vaginal bleeding may occur at irregular intervals during the use of Desogestrel. On the other hand, you may not have any bleeding at all.Can you get pregnant on the pill?
Yes. Although birth control pills have a high success rate, they can fail and you can get pregnant while on the pill. Certain factors increase your risk of getting pregnant, even if you're on birth control. Keep these factors in mind if you're sexually active and want to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.How can I get a free morning after pill?
You can get both Levonelle and ellaOne free of charge from:- contraception clinics.
- Brook centres.
- some pharmacies (find a pharmacy – ask if they provide free emergency contraception)
- most sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.
- most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units.
- most GP surgeries (find a GP)