At a glance
- For people who already use hormonal contraception prescribed by a doctor.
- We don't start contraception or change your method – that is a decision for a doctor.
- The form asks about your health, because the safety of hormonal contraception depends on things such as your blood pressure and the medicines you take.
- Renewing a prescription is no substitute for regular visits to a gynaecologist.
When we can renew your contraception
Nurses and midwives can issue prescriptions as a continuation of treatment prescribed by a doctor (Article 15b of the Polish Act on the Professions of Nurse and Midwife). In practice, this means we can renew hormonal contraception if:
- you already use a specific product – pills, patches or a vaginal ring,
- the first prescription was issued by a doctor, and that earlier prescription can be confirmed, for example in your Internet Patient Account (IKP),
- your current method suits you and you don't want to change it,
- your health hasn't changed in a way that calls for a fresh assessment by a doctor.
We don't start new treatment – we renew what a doctor has prescribed. If you want to start contraception or change your method, book an appointment with a gynaecologist.
What we'll ask in the form
Hormonal contraception is a medicine, and it is not equally safe for everyone. That's why the nurse or midwife needs up-to-date information about your health before issuing a prescription. Among other things, the form will ask about:
- the name of the product you use and how long you have been using it,
- your most recent blood pressure reading,
- smoking,
- migraines and other long-term conditions,
- any history of blood clots or embolism – in you and in your close family,
- all the medicines you take,
- the date of your last visit to a gynaecologist.
If your answers raise any concerns, the nurse will ask for more details or recommend seeing a doctor instead of issuing a prescription.
Why it helps to have a regular place to renew your prescription
Contraception works best when you use it without gaps. Difficulty getting a doctor's appointment shouldn't mean a break in use – hence a separate, simple route for people whose method has already been chosen and has proved to suit them.
Remember, though, that repeat prescriptions don't replace check-ups. Regular visits to a gynaecologist, cervical screening and blood pressure checks are still needed – we'll ask about them in the form.
You can renew other long-term medicines on the repeat prescription page. If you need emergency contraception, see the morning-after pill page.
How it works
You fill in a form
You describe your symptoms and answer questions about your health, the medicines you take and your medical history. It takes a few minutes.
A nurse assesses your request
A nurse or midwife reads your answers and, if anything is missing, asks follow-up questions. It is the nurse or midwife who decides whether a prescription is appropriate.
You get an e-prescription or a clear answer
If a medicine is appropriate, you receive an e-prescription code that you can use at any pharmacy. If not, you'll find out why and what to do next.
When you need to see a doctor
Don't renew your contraception online, and contact a doctor, if:
- you have sudden pain or swelling in a leg, shortness of breath, chest pain, a very severe headache or problems with your vision – this needs urgent help,
- you think you might be pregnant,
- you have unusual bleeding or other new symptoms,
- your blood pressure is raised, or you haven't had it measured for a long time,
- you have started taking a new regular medicine or have been diagnosed with a new condition,
- you have recently given birth or are breastfeeding,
- you want to change your method or start contraception for the first time,
- you are under 18.
In an emergency – severe pain, shortness of breath, confusion or loss of consciousness, rapidly worsening symptoms – call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (SOR). An online consultation is not an emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
Can a nurse issue a prescription for contraception?
They can renew one. Nurses and midwives issue prescriptions for hormonal contraception as a continuation of treatment – that is, when the method was previously prescribed by a doctor. The first prescription is issued by a doctor.
Can I start contraception at Receptosia?
No. Choosing a method of contraception requires a visit to a doctor. We only renew what a doctor has already prescribed.
Can I switch to a different pill?
Not as part of this consultation. Changing product is a change of treatment, and that is for a doctor to decide.
How do I confirm that a doctor prescribed my contraception?
The easiest way is the prescription history in your Internet Patient Account (IKP), or records from your doctor. Without confirmation of the earlier prescription, a prescription will not be issued.
Do I need to measure my blood pressure before the consultation?
Yes, we'll ask for a recent reading. You can measure your blood pressure at home or at a pharmacy.
Will I definitely get a prescription?
There's no guarantee. If your answers show that you need to be assessed by a doctor, the nurse or midwife will refer you for an appointment.
The content on this page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
