For many Canadians, the birth control pill is a daily routine and key part of reproductive health. More than 15 per cent of Canadian women aged 15-49 use birth control. But when it comes to birth control pills in Canada, access and costs vary by province.
The Facts About Birth Control Pills in Canada
The birth control pill, (often referred to as “the pill”) contains hormones that prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the lining of the uterus. In a regular menstrual cycle, an ovary would release an egg each month; the pill’s combination of estrogen and progestogen tell the body not to release that egg. No egg means no chance of sperm to fertilize one, preventing pregnancy.
The pill’s hormones also make cervical mucus thicker making it harder for the sperm to swim up to any egg that might have been released. When taken correctly (everyday around the same time), the pill is highly effective, around 99 per cent. However, sometimes people miss pills or take them late, leaving the effectiveness at around 91-95 per cent.
There are two main types of pills: combination oral contraceptives (COCs), which contain both estrogen and progestogen and single-hormone contraceptives(POPs) contain only one hormone, progestogen.
Most Canadians use combined pills unless they have a reason to avoid estrogen (breastfeeding or those at risk of blood clots). In order to get birth control in Canada, a prescription from a healthcare provider is required.
Common Side Effects of Birth Control
Like any medication, the pill can cause side effects. Common side effects include:
- Bleeding while taking the active pills — called breakthrough bleeding or spotting — that is more common with continuous-dosing or extended-cycle pills.
- Breast tenderness.
- Headaches.
- Nausea.
- Bloating.
- Increased blood pressure.
Usually these side effects are not dangerous and will subside over time. However, if they don’t improve and are still bothering you after a few months, contact your family doctor about trying a different pill.
Birth control also has some positive side effects too. Many users report lighter, more regular periods and less menstrual cramping while on the pill. Certain brands are also known to clear up acne or reduce symptoms of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). For example, some pills containing the progestin drospirenone can reduce bloating and improve acne for some people.
Serious side effects from the pill are rare but can happen and are important to be aware of. Signs of a serious issue can be remembered using the acronym “ACHES” (abdominal pain, chest pain, headaches, eye problems, swelling in legs). If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention.
Different Brands of Birth Control
There are many birth control brands in Canada and it can be confusing to figure out the differences. Different brands use different types or doses of hormones. This can affect things like side effects, cycle control, and non-contraceptive benefits (such as acne control).
| Brand Name | Hormone Composition | Notable Features / Benefits |
| Alesse (and its generic Alysena) | Ethinyl estradiol 20 µg + Levonorgestrel 0.1 mg (combined pill) | Low-dose estrogen pill; well-tolerated by many users and effective for cycle control. Often chosen as a starter pill due to its lower hormone dose. |
| Yaz | Ethinyl estradiol 20 µg + Drospirenone 3 mg (combined pill) | 24-day active pills (shorter placebo interval). Known to help with acne and symptoms of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Drospirenone may reduce bloating, but pills with this progestin carry a slightly higher clot risk. |
| Yasmin | Ethinyl estradiol 30 µg + Drospirenone 3 mg (combined pill) | 21-day active pills. Similar benefits as Yaz – drospirenone for less water retention and clearer skin. The higher estrogen dose can offer more cycle control for some, but may also mean slightly higher chance of estrogen-related side effects (like nausea). |
| Ortho Tri-Cyclen (Tri-Cyclen) | Ethinyl estradiol 35 µg + Norgestimate (triphasic combined pill) | “Tri-phasic” pill – hormone levels change over three weeks to mimic a natural cycle. Approved to help treat acne; many users see skin improvements. The varying hormone levels may reduce some side effects for certain users, though others prefer a constant dose. |
| Micronor (a mini-pill) | Norethindrone 0.35 mg (progestin-only pill) | Estrogen-free pill (must be taken at the same time daily). Ideal for those who can’t take estrogen – e.g. breastfeeding mothers or women at higher risk of blood clots. Can cause irregular bleeding but has a very low risk of serious side effects. |
Your Privacy in Accessing Birth Control
In Ontario and most of Canada, the pill is not free for most adults. Oral contraceptives cost approximately $25 per unit, or $300 per year, if you’re paying out-of-pocket. Some brands or newer formulations can be more expensive, with price being around $50 per month.
OHIP generally does not cover birth control pills for adults. However, Ontario has a program called OHIP+ that covers prescription drugs (including contraceptive pills) for youth 24 years or younger, as long as they don’t have private insurance. There are also Ontario Drug Benefit programs for seniors or those on social assistance, which can cover contraceptives in those cases.
For those without any insurance, community sexual health clinics can be a more affordable route. Planned Parenthood and other clinics in Ontario often sell birth control at a reduced price. For example, Planned Parenthood sells birth control pills for around $10 a month at their clinics. However, other treatments like IUDs cost more. Clinics may also have sample packs or programs to help those who cannot afford contraception.
How to Get a Birth Control Prescription Online
Now there’s a more convenient way to obtain birth control pills in Ontario. In Ontario, you still need a prescription, but you can obtain one through a virtual healthcare provider. These online platforms allow you to have an online visit with a healthcare practitioner to discuss birth control options.
The healthcare provider will assess your health, prescribe a suitable, and oftentimes the service will ship the medication to your door or nearest pharmacy. The cost of birth control pills via these services is usually similar to pharmacy prices, though the platform may charge you a consultation fee.
The birth control pill remains a popular and accessible option for Canadians. In Ontario, while you might have to navigate paying for it or using insurance, there are many resources available that make it easier to get contraceptives. By understanding the various options and coverage you can find the pill (or any other birth control method) that best suits your lifestyle needs.
Whether you’re exploring birth control for the first time or looking for more affordable options in Ontario, understanding your choices empowers you to make the right decision. From online prescriptions to low-cost clinics, access is easier than ever.
All Resources
- https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/reduce-your-risk/understand-hormones/all-about-the-birth-control-pill#:~:text=The%20birth%20control%20pill%20has,15%20to%2049%20use%20it
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/3977-birth-control-the-pill
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23439-ovulation
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle
- https://ppt.on.ca/factsheets/birth-control-options/#:~:text=,The%20pill
- https://settlement.org/ontario/health/sexual-and-reproductive-health/reproductive-and-sexual-health/what-types-of-birth-control-can-i-get-in-ontario/#:~:text=There%20are%20two%20types%20of,referred%20to%20as%20%E2%80%9Cthe%20pill%E2%80%9D
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/combination-birth-control-pills/about/pac-20385282
- https://teletest.ca/blog/choosing-the-right-birth-control-pill-a-guide-to-popular-brands/#:~:text=,increased%20risk%20of%20blood%20clots
- https://www.lecturio.com/nursing/free-cheat-sheet/aches-birth-control-adverse-effects/
- https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2024/02/backgrounder-universal-access-to-contraception.html
- https://teletest.ca/blog/does-ohip-cover-birth-control/#:~:text=Without%20OHIP%2B%20coverage%2C%20birth%20control,For%20example
- https://settlement.org/ontario/health/sexual-and-reproductive-health/reproductive-and-sexual-health/what-types-of-birth-control-can-i-get-in-ontario/#:~:text=Generally%2C%20OHIP%20does%20not%20cover,would%20cover%20certain%20contraceptive%20options
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-about-ohip-plus
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-coverage-prescription-drugs
