• What types of birth control do you offer?

  Currently, we offer over 30 brands and generics of prescription birth control via our Partner Pharmacy. This includes the combined pill, the Progesterone-only pill, the NuvaRing® and the Evra® patch.Some readers

• How much does Contro’s Birth Control service cost?

  Our service fee is R150 per month. This spreads out the cost of your doctor's consultation and prescription fees over periods of six months at a time. We also provide free delivery within that fee to anywhere in the country.Popular

• How am I charged for my birth control subscription?

  All customers are charged their first month’s R150 service fee at checkout. This is non-refundable. After a successful consultation, cash customers will be charged again for the price of their prescribed medication.Few readers

• Can I be charged on the same date each month?

  Unfortunately, as birth control is a 28 day-cycle medication, we are unable to charge subscribers on the same date every month. If we were to charge you on the same date each month, this would be a 30/31 day gap between each prescription, so within a couple of months, you'd be a whole week behind on pills before your next pack is delivered. As birth control needs to be taken daily to be effective, we cannot not advise this.Few readers

• How do I start my birth control?

  Every brand of contraceptive pill can have different instructions and a different pack layout. Please read the informational booklet provided before starting any medication.Few readers

• What can I expect when starting birth control for the first time or starting a new brand of birth control?

  When you start a new brand of birth control or, are just starting to use birth control for the first time, you may experience some side effects. These are normal and they will usually disappear after a couple of months. The reason this occurs is that it can take a while for your body to get used to the change in hormones caused by birth control.Few readers

• How effective is the contraceptive pill?

  Contraceptive pills are over 99% effective when taken as prescribed. The more consistent you are at taking your pills, the more effective the medication will be. We understand that it can be hard to take a pill at the same time every day, however, if you don’t, the contraceptive pill is only up to 91% effective.Some readers

• How long until the contraceptive pill is effective?

  It depends on the type of contraceptive pill you have been prescribed. It is advised that you confirm your contraceptive pill’s effective date with your assigned Partner Doctor directly during your initial consultation.Few readers

• Can I get a prescription for my existing brand of birth control when I sign up to Contro?

  As an existing birth control user, you will still be required to complete our secure online health questionnaire and have a once-off virtual consultation with one of our Partner Doctors in order for them to generate a new prescription for you. When completing your health assessment you will have the opportunity to request your existing brand of the contraceptive pill. Your assigned Partner Doctor may ask a few extra health questions during your virtual consultation before confirming your prescription.Some readers

• Why do I need a recent blood pressure reading?

  It is important that our Partner Doctors have a recent 6 month reading of your blood pressure before prescribing you birth control. This is because certain contraceptive pills can increase your blood pressure, therefore it is important for our Partner Doctor to know your blood pressure when deciding which brand or generic to prescribe you.Few readers

• Where can I get a blood pressure reading?

  Our Partner Doctors recommend getting a blood pressure reading every 6 months. There are several locations you can get a blood pressure reading.Some readers

• Does alcohol affect the contraceptive pill?

  No, alcohol will not affect the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. However, you do need to remember to take your pill at the same time every day. If you knowingly vomited within two hours of taking your pill, it may not have been absorbed by your body.Few readers

• Is my contraceptive pill going to make my periods more regular?

  It depends on the type of contraceptive pill you have been prescribed. If you are using a combined contraceptive pill, your periods should be lighter, less painful, and more regular. If you are taking a Progestogen-only pill, your periods may be regular, irregular, or even disappear. With Progestogen-only pills, you mustn’t skip any pills to attempt to adjust your period.Few readers

• How to skip my period for special occasions?

  We understand that sometimes you may want to skip your period for a special event such as a wedding, that special date night or a beach holiday. Our Partner Doctors recommend taking birth control for at least one full cycle before trying to skip your period and recommend contacting your existing primary doctor to ensure that you can skip your periods as they will have your medical history on file, and will be in a better position to advise you.Some readers

• I’m experiencing spotting or having heavy breakthrough bleeding, is my contraceptive pill still working?

  If you are experiencing spotting or breakthrough bleeding while on the contraceptive pill, don’t worry your pill is still effective, as long as you are taking it as prescribed. We understand that spotting can be annoying and unpleasant. It is more likely to occur when skipping periods or when starting a new type of birth control. However, if it continues, please contact your assigned Partner Doctor through our Customer Care Team at support@contro.co.za, and they will do their best to find a contraceptive pill that works better for your body.Few readers

• What should I do if I miss a pill?

  Every brand of contraceptive pill can have different instructions and a different pack layout. Please read the informational booklet provided before starting any medication.Few readers

• Is it normal for discharge to change when starting on a new contraceptive pill?

  Yes, one of the ways the contraceptive pill works is by thickening your natural discharge. It is normal for your discharge to change when you start taking birth control. However, if you notice any new colours, odours, or itching, please contact your existing primary doctor or assigned Partner Doctor through our Customer Care Team at support@contro.co.zaSome readers

• Why am I getting acne or breakouts on my contraceptive?

  Unfortunately, it is common for women starting a new contraceptive pill to get more spots or acne within the first six weeks of taking the medication. Typically, your spots will clear up after 6 weeks, however, it can take your skin up to 12 weeks to stabilise.Some readers

• What temperature should I store my contraceptive pill at?

  Most birth control pills can be safely stored at normal temperatures (15-30ºC) and for short periods in colder/hotter temperatures. Please check the manufacturer’s temperature recommendations located on the packaging or the pamphlet provide with your birth control.Few readers