Health Iowa Q&A

I just have a simple question of where and how do I go about getting birth control pills? What do I have to do? Do I have to make an appointment or just walk in?

This is a great question that many students often have! If you are a University of Iowa student, Westlawn Pharmacy at Student Health Service can provide you with birth control pills. There are a few procedures you need to follow.

To receive a prescription for birth control pills, a yearly pelvic exam and pap smear are needed. If you have had an exam within the past year and it is on file with Student Health Service, you can make an appointment to get a prescription and fill your prescription at the Westlawn Pharmacy located in Student Health Service (or any other pharmacy of your choice). If you have not had a yearly exam, you need to schedule an appointment with a Student Health Service physician (or a provider of your choice) for this exam. At that appointment, ask your physician for a prescription. Then take the prescription to the pharmacy. If you have a prescription from another pharmacy and would like to switch to the Westlawn Pharmacy, you can call Westlawn Pharmacy at 335-9200 and they will contact your current pharmacy to get your prescription transferred.

A typical birth control prescription from Student Health Service is good for one year following your yearly exam. Prescriptions are kept on file at the Westlawn Pharmacy after you fill your first month’s prescription of pills. If you already have your prescription on file, simply come to the Westlawn Pharmacy to receive another month of pills. However, before your prescription ends, you need to make an appointment with a Student Health Service physician (or a provider of your choice) for another yearly exam and prescription. The Westlawn Pharmacy hours are Monday and Thursday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm and Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm during the regular school term.

If you are a U of I student, you may schedule a yearly exam by calling 335-8394. If you have additional questions about birth control pills you can call Nurse Line at 335-9704 or Westlawn Pharmacy at 335-9200.

For additional information about birth control pills, please check out previously asked questions:
Pharmacy Q&As
Starting Birth Control Pills???
Will U-Bill charges say I bought birth control pills?
Owning a birth control pill may be easier than you think

Sara Burden B.A.
Graduate Student
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Written 10/18/02
Reviewed and Updated 6/21/07