An exploratory study of patients’ experiences with and reasons for using one virtual-only telecontraceptive platform in the United States in 2020–2021

Telecontraception, whereby one uses a website or mobile application to access contraceptive care, has grown over time, with an increasing number of virtual-only platforms offering this service. There are limited data on user experiences with virtual-only telecontraception, particularly among first-time telecontraception users. The aim of this exploratory study was to understand individuals’ experiences receiving contraceptive services from one virtual-only telecontraceptive platform. Individuals aged 18–49 years who had used the platform for contraceptive care for the first time between March 2020-December 2021 were eligible for our online survey. We calculated descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact tests to assess background characteristics, reasons for platform use, methods requested and prescribed, and satisfaction. Among the 244 participants in our sample, most were first-time telecontraceptive users of any platform (76.2%) and had previously used short-acting hormonal contraception (77.9%). One-third (36.5%) reported COVID-19 played a role in their decision to use the platform. Most used the platform for convenience (81.2%) and to save time (53.7%) or money (43.0%) by not visiting a clinic, and similar proportions reported convenience (81.2%), affordability (55.3%), and the ability to get the method quickly (52.9%) as features they liked best about the platform. Uninsured participants (versus insured) were more likely to report using the platform to avoid clinic fees; insured individuals (versus uninsured) to save time and avoid inconvenient clinic hours; students (versus non-students) and young people (aged 18–24 years versus older age groups) for privacy; and Black participants (versus other races/ethnicities) for convenience. Most participants were very or somewhat satisfied with the service (86.1%) and would use telecontraception again (82.4%). Most participants were satisfied with their virtual-only telecontraception experience and reported it was convenient and affordable. However, our exploratory study highlights potential disparities in accessing telecontraceptive services among first-time users of short-acting hormonal contraception, young people aged 18–24, minors, and those without insurance. Future research should explore what access needs telecontraceptive care may be addressing and what more is needed to improve access to contraceptive care in the United States. A growing number of virtual-only platforms and mobile applications provide contraception services. However, limited research has explored user experiences with these services. In our exploratory study, we conducted an online survey among users obtaining contraception from one specific virtual-only platform for the first time to understand reasons for using telecontraception and what they did or did not like about their experience. We found that most study participants used the platform because of convenience, to save time, and due to lower cost compared to going to a clinic in-person. Many participants had used some form of hormonal birth control before. Most participants were satisfied with their care. However, this virtual platform (like a number of other platforms and mobile applications providing contraception services) did not offer contraception services to people under age 18 and did not accept insurance. Those aged 18–25 were more likely to say they used the service for privacy and to save time and money compared to older participants, which is noteworthy since this group can encounter unique health insurance and financial challenges when trying to get birth control. Even though most people were happy with their care, more can be done to make the service available to all, especially young people, first-time birth control users, and those who would like to use insurance to pay for the platform’s services.