What you can get online
After a consultation you receive an electronic prescription for the hormonal contraception you already take, or for emergency contraception. The prescription goes into the e-zdrowie system and the code arrives by SMS.
- Birth control pills — continuing a treatment already chosen for you
- Emergency contraception — the morning-after pill
- Patches and other hormonal forms
Emergency contraception is time-sensitive
The morning-after pill loses effectiveness by the hour, so the consultation happens the same day. The doctor will ask how much time has passed and choose the right product.
When a prescription will not be issued
For a first-time hormonal contraception choice the doctor may ask for tests or an in-person visit. The same applies to contraindications: thrombosis, migraine with aura, smoking after 35.
Is contraception available without a prescription in Poland
No. All contraceptive pills, patches and hormonal coils are prescription-only in Poland. Without a prescription you can buy only condoms and other barrier methods.
The same applies to emergency contraception — the morning-after pill needs a prescription.
First choice versus continuing
If you already take a specific product and want to continue, an online consultation is usually enough. For a first hormonal choice the doctor will more often ask for tests and an in-person visit.
Contraindications the doctor will ask about
The main ones are past thrombosis, migraine with aura, high blood pressure, liver disease and smoking after 35. Answer honestly — the safety of the treatment depends on it.
How long the prescription is valid
Normally 30 days from issue; an annual prescription lets you collect packs over 365 days.
Consultations in Russian and Ukrainian
Talking about contraception can be awkward even in your own language, let alone in Polish.
Very satisfied with the service! I obtained my e-sick leave online, everything was convenient and hassle-free. The documents were sent to the system on time.