Pregnancy prevention: consult a doctor by instant messaging

Getting contraception through an online consultation

Seeing a gynaecologist can require patience, as waiting times with some specialists can be particularly long. Online consultation lets you get a prescription for a contraceptive method, and it can also be used to renew a prescription.

The different forms of contraception

There are many contraceptive methods available to women, so that everyone can find the one that suits them. There are various ways to protect yourself against pregnancy. Women can use hormonal contraception or prefer a mechanical (barrier) method. Mechanical contraception acts as a barrier between the sperm and the egg, without using hormones. Hormonal contraception is a chemical method that blocks the female menstrual cycle to prevent ovulation or make it harder for sperm to pass through. A contraceptive method that suits one woman may not suit another. A prescription and a medical consultation are important for choosing the most suitable method.

Contraceptive pill

The pill is perhaps one of the most widely used forms of hormonal contraception. There are progestogen-only pills and combined pills (which mix oestrogen and progestogen). The progestogen-only pill can more easily lead to amenorrhoea, an absence of periods. It also contains a single, low-dose hormone. If she wishes, a woman may therefore no longer have periods while taking the pill. The pill is highly effective provided it is taken very regularly, every day.

Contraceptive patch

This contraceptive method is also used on a weekly basis: the patch is stuck to the skin of an arm, the stomach or the lower back. Similar to the combined pill, the patch also releases two hormones: an oestrogen and a progestogen. After 3 weeks of using the patch, a week-long break is needed (which corresponds to the week of the period).

Contraceptive implant

This small plastic rod, about the size of a matchstick, is inserted just under the skin of the arm under local anaesthetic. The implant releases a low dose of progestogen for 3 years, which blocks ovulation; it works like progestogen-only pills. This hormonal contraceptive can also stop periods.

Vaginal ring

The ring is an oestrogen-progestogen contraceptive method just as effective as the pill or the contraceptive patch. This flexible plastic ring is inserted deep into the vagina by the woman who will wear it; the hormones are released through the vaginal wall thanks to body heat, then pass into the bloodstream. It is left in place for 3 weeks before being removed in the 4th week, which brings on a period. The woman is thus protected throughout the 4 weeks.

IUD or coil

There are two types of IUD (coil): the hormonal IUD and the copper IUD (the only hormone-free contraceptive method). Both of these intrauterine devices take the form of a flexible, 'T'-shaped rod, 3 to 4 centimetres long. Fitting a coil requires two visits to the gynaecologist: the first to check that it can be fitted safely, the second to have the coil inserted into the uterus during the period. The hormonal IUD releases a small amount of progestogen hormones onto the walls of the uterus, and the copper IUD inactivates sperm. The natural menstrual cycle continues as normal with a copper IUD. A hormonal IUD protects for 3 to 5 years, a copper IUD is active for 3 to 10 years.

Fast access to a consultation for contraception

Why not use an online consultation to get a contraceptive prescribed? Doctors or gynaecologists can inform you about contraceptive methods and help you choose the one best suited to your situation. It's better not to wait, given the risk of becoming pregnant. Teleconsultation lets you get in touch with a professional quickly. Even if you choose a coil or an implant, the doctor can prescribe it for you online during a teleconsultation; you'll then just need to book an in-person appointment with your doctor, midwife or gynaecologist to have it fitted. Remote consultation saves you time. It's also a solution for renewing a contraceptive prescription, often useful when you forget to book an appointment in time and the end date of your treatment is approaching. An easy, fast solution to avoid interrupting your contraception.

The benefits of using Feeli for your contraception

Feeli lets you be quickly put in touch with a doctor or gynaecologist for any questions relating to contraception. No need to book an appointment. Need contraception, need to renew your current treatment, need a pregnancy test, or simply want to talk to a healthcare professional? Go straight to Feeli. After completing a medical questionnaire, a doctor or gynaecologist takes care of you quickly. Your prescription or the renewal of your contraception is sent directly to your online patient account; all that's left is to go to the pharmacy to collect your contraception. Using Feeli also lets you review your contraception or make sure you get good gynaecological follow-up. Doctors or gynaecologists online can go over things with you, and possibly suggest another, more suitable contraceptive method. Feeli gives you great flexibility: no more need to travel for any gynaecological questions, making it easier to manage your contraception. Need gynaecological follow-up, support in choosing your contraceptive method, or simply a renewal of the prescription for your current contraception? The doctors are waiting for you on Feeli.