Hormonal Contraception by Way of the Internet Was Bound to Happen

Because breast and pelvic examinations are not required for safe use of hormonal contraception (HC), some clinicians prescribe HC after a health history review and blood pressure measurement. In addition to offering women HC during clinic visits without a pelvic examination, Planned Parenthood of Columbia/Willamette, Oregon, has developed the first Web-based program for obtaining HC prescriptions without a clinic visit. Investigators compared Internet program users’ knowledge of HC with that of clinic users. First-time clinic program users were asked to complete questionnaires at the conclusion of their visits; online users were offered an identical Web-based survey after making their initial HC purchase. The questionnaire tested participan…