Hey ladies! Raise your hand if you‘ve ever felt awkward AF trying to get your birth control prescription refilled. Or avoided getting an STI test because you didn‘t want to look the clinic receptionist in the eye. 🙋♀️ Trust me, we‘ve all been there.
But in the year 2023, there‘s no reason we should still be jumping through hoops to get the basic sexual healthcare we need. That‘s where Nurx comes in. This telemedicine app is straight-up revolutionizing the way we access services like birth control, emergency contraception, STI testing, herpes treatment, and more.
Curious if Nurx is legit? I‘ve got you. I‘m a real customer who‘s used Nurx for the last 8 months for my birth control and an STI test. I‘ll give you my brutally honest take on how it works, what I love, what‘s kinda meh, and tips for making the most of your Nurx experience. I‘ll also sprinkle in real reviews from other Nurx users so you‘re getting the full scoop.
But first, a little context on why a service like Nurx is so damn important. Did you know that more than 19 million women in the US lack access to contraception services? And nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended? Plus, STI rates reached an all-time high for the 6th year in a row in 2019. Yikes.
Women deserve better. We deserve the freedom to take control of our sexual health without shame, stress, or unnecessary obstacles. So let‘s dive into my Nurx review and see if this service is really the game-changer it claims to be.
What Is Nurx?
Okay, basics first. Nurx is a telemedicine company that connects you with licensed medical providers to get prescriptions and home testing kits for reproductive health and more. Instead of scheduling an appointment and schlepping to the doctor IRL, you can chat with a provider online, get your Rx, and have your meds shipped right to your door.
The process is stupidly simple:
- You choose your medication and answer a few health questions on the Nurx site or app
- A licensed medical provider reviews your info and writes a prescription if appropriate
- Your meds ship to your house for free, or you can pick up locally if you prefer
Nurx stocks all your fave birth control brands (over 100 options) plus meds for things like:
- Emergency contraception (ella, Plan B)
- Vaginal and oral herpes (valacyclovir)
- HIV prevention (PrEP)
- Migraine (ubrelvy, nurtec)
- Acne (tretinoin)
- Hair loss (finasteride)
They also offer testing kits you can do from home for STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and more. No awkward convos required.
How Nurx Works: My Experience
I first signed up for Nurx last fall when I moved across the country and didn‘t have a new gyno lined up yet. I logged onto the app, searched for my usual birth control pill (Junel Fe), and answered a quick health questionnaire. Since it was a medication I‘d taken before, I was approved in like, 2 hours.
For new BC users, a Nurx provider may have more questions before writing your Rx, like your family health history, other meds you take, and your periods. But it‘s all done via secure chat, so it still feels way more chill than an office visit.
My pills shipped out the next day (did I mention shipping is free?). When they arrived, the packaging was super discreet, so my nosy roommates were none the wiser. And the instructions that came with them were actually easy to understand, unlike the jargon-filled pamphlets you usually get.
I also used Nurx to do an STI test a few months ago. After a hookup, let‘s just say I had a funky smell going on downstairs that definitely wasn‘t normal. 😬 The thought of going into a clinic for testing made me want to vom, so I ordered Nurx‘s Healthy Woman Kit, which tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trich, syphilis and HIV.
The whole kit came with simple instructions for how to take a vaginal swab and prick your finger for a blood sample (it didn‘t hurt, promise). You just put everything in the prepaid envelope they give you and pop it in the mail. My results were available in a week and thankfully I was negative across the board. But if I did have an STI, a Nurx provider would‘ve worked with me on a treatment plan at no extra cost.
What I Love About Nurx
Convenience
Never underestimate the magic of accomplishing shit while still in your PJs. But seriously. Being able to manage my BC and STI testing needs without leaving my apartment is a huge win. No time wasted in waiting rooms, no transportation struggles. Plus, automatic refills mean I never have to worry about running out of pills again.
Affordability
Okay, let‘s talk money. With insurance, most birth control through Nurx is free. And their at-home STI tests are about $75 with insurance, vs the $200+ you could pay at a clinic or lab. Without insurance, Nurx offers transparent upfront pricing that tends to be cheaper than picking up your Rx at the pharmacy. They also accept HSA/FSA!
For example, here‘s what some popular BC pills cost per month without insurance:
| pill name | Nurx price | pharmacy price |
|---|---|---|
| Sprintec | $15 | $26 |
| Yaz | $15 | $68 |
| Ortho Tri-Cyclen | $15 | $53 |
Of course, one tradeoff with Nurx vs. a traditional doctor is that you do have to pay $15 for your initial consultation. But that includes unlimited messaging with the Nurx medical team for a full year after, so I still think it‘s a good value.
Discretion
Real talk: Not everyone in my life needs to know the status of my vag. So Nurx‘s whole ethos of privacy and discretion is a huge plus. From their generic packaging to the way the charge shows up on your bank statement (no mention of "birth control" or "STI test"), they clearly get that some things are just not everybody‘s business.
And if my story doesn‘t convince you, just peep these rave reviews from real Nurx customers:
"Nurx has been a total lifesaver for my sexual health. I work super irregular hours so getting to my gyno for my pill refill was a nightmare. Being able to do it all through an app on my own schedule is magic!" – Jena, 31
"I‘ve never had a doctor make me feel so heard and respected when it comes to my reproductive choices. My Nurx provider actually took the time to understand my preferences and find the best birth control match for me. 10/10 would recommend!" – Jada, 24
"The at-home STI testing process was worlds easier than any clinic visit I‘ve done. The instructions made it simple to collect my samples and my results were available in just a few days. Nurx made a stressful situation so much more manageable." – Kai, 22
What‘s Not so Great
No service is perfect, and Nurx has a couple of weak spots worth mentioning.
Potential insurance issues. While Nurx works with most major insurance plans, there‘s always a chance your specific plan won‘t be accepted for whatever reason. And from scrolling through negative reviews, it seems like billing snafus and unexpected charges have happened to more than a few folks. Nurx is pretty upfront that you may want to check with your insurance before placing an order.
Slower customer support. Although I‘ve never personally had a bad experience with Nurx‘s support team, a handful of reviewers have complained about slow response times or unhelpful reps. It could just be a case of a rapidly growing startup struggling to scale their support resources. But it‘s something to keep in mind if you ever have a problem with your order.
No substitute for IRL care. At the end of the day, an app can‘t replace in-person care for every situation. There are some cases where a physical exam is necessary to figure out what‘s up with your health. And some people just feel more comfortable building an in-person relationship with a provider. If that‘s you, no shade! Nurx can still be a great backup option though.
Is Nurx Legit? The Verdict
By now, you can probably guess what I‘m going to say. But let me make it crystal: Nurx is the real deal. For busy babes who crave an easier way to stay on top of their sexual health, Nurx is the answer to our prayers. 🙏 Birth control and STI testing on our own terms? Umm, yes please.
Sure, it‘s not 110% perfect. And it may not be the right fit if you have a super complex health situation or just really like seeing your gyno IRL. But for the majority of us, Nurx is giving us the tools to finally take our sexual wellness into our own hands. 💪 And anything that helps more women feel seen, heard, and in control of their bodies is a win in my book.
I hope my Nurx review gave you a clearer sense of whether this service is right for you. Got more questions? Hit your girl up in the comments. 👇 And if you do end up trying Nurx, let us know about your experience!
Btw, this is not a sponsored post. I really use and love Nurx, and everything here is my own honest opinion. I just think more women deserve to know their options for hassle-free healthcare. Okay, off my soapbox. Thanks for sticking with me, babes!
Until next time, stay safe, healthy, and empowered. 💞
xo,
Kayla
