Birth Control in Italy

Updated December 2024

Despite the fact that the country is predominantly Catholic, birth control in Italy is regularly available, without much problem. There are a number of options available for those who wish to prevent pregnancy. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular forms of birth control in Italy, as well as some of the challenges that Italian women face when accessing birth control. If you’d like to know more about women’s health in Italy visit this blog, we also have resources about abortion in Italy, and pregnancy.

Is Birth Control Legal in Italy?

Yes, birth control is legal in Italy.  All contraception has been legal in Italy since 1971. While it isn’t widely advertised, women speak openly about their birth control, and the consultorio familiare (family planning office) is happy to discuss and prescribe it. 

Do You Need a Prescription for Birth Control in Italy?

Yes, birth control pills require a prescription in Italy. However, emergency contraception, like the morning-after pill (“pillola del giorno dopo”), is available over the counter without a prescription. That said, pharmacists can refuse to dispense it due to personal or religious objections—a practice protected by Italian law.

Birth Control Pills in Italy: How to Get Them

Birth control pills (“pillola anticoncezionale” in Italian) are one of the most widely used forms of contraception in the country. These oral contraceptives prevent ovulation when taken daily at the same time and are highly effective, with a 99% success rate when used correctly.

To obtain birth control pills in Italy, you need a prescription from a doctor. If you haven’t yet registered with a local doctor (“medico di base”), you can consult a private physician. Services like Doctors in Italy offer English-speaking doctors and even virtual consultations, which can be especially helpful for expats and travelers. 

Prices for birth control pills in Italy range from €10 to €30 per month, depending on the brand. If your preferred brand isn’t available, Italian doctors can suggest alternatives with similar formulations.

Alternative Birth Control Methods In Italy

The IUD

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a popular choice for long-term birth control. But in Italy, it seems to be more common among expat communities, and getting one isn’t as straight forward as the pill.

This small, T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional and can provide protection for up to 10 years. There are two main types of IUDs available in Italy: copper and hormonal. Costs vary between €50 and €300. One clinic in Milan quotes €150 for insertion (and again for removal). In Rome, the hospital Salvator Mundi can perform IUD insertion, but you’ll need to contact them for a quote.

Accessing IUDs in Italy isn’t always straightforward. Some doctors may refuse to insert an IUD for women who haven’t had children, citing outdated beliefs about infertility risks. Additionally, costs can be prohibitive for some women, especially since public healthcare doesn’t always cover these expenses.

Since this can be a really painful procedure, you may want to explore other birth control methods in Italy, or head to your home country to deal with the IUD. I say this not to deter the decision. But as it can be a bit traumatic as is, doing it with a doctor you don’t feel totally comfortable with, with the added anxiety of language barriers etc… well it isn’t ideal.

The NuvaRing

The NuvaRing is another option for women in Italy seeking hormonal contraception.

This small, flexible ring is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones that prevent ovulation. The ring is left in place for three weeks and then removed for one week to allow for menstruation. The NuvaRing is approximately 91% effective when used correctly, and costs around €30 per month.

However, despite its effectiveness and ease of use, the NuvaRing is not widely available in Italy. It just doesn’t happen to be a popular choice.  In some regions, it may only be available at specialized pharmacies or clinics, making it difficult for women to access it. It’s not that there is anything wrong with this method that turns Italians off it. It just seems Italian women may be hesitant to use the NuvaRing due to a lack of information or awareness about the device.

If you are interested in continuing to use your NuvaRing, you’ll still need to get a prescription from a doctor. You can check your local pharmacies, but if nothing else works, I have noticed they are on online pharmacies!

How to Get Birth Control in Italy

For those looking to obtain contraception in Italy, here’s exactly what you’ll need to do.

1. Consult a Doctor: Schedule an appointment with your medico di base or private doctor. You’ll be able to find a clinic in most major cities. But if you are nervous about the language, I suggest using the service Doctors in Italy to find an English speaking doctor near you. You can also set up a video call and get the prescription sent to you online through this service.
2. Get a Prescription: A prescription is required for most forms of birth control, except for emergency contraception.
3. Visit a Pharmacy: Bring your prescription to a pharmacy (“farmacia”) to purchase your birth control method. Be prepared for potential differences in brand availability compared to your home country. Remember that if you were on one brand of birth control in your home country, it may not be available in Italy. However, your doctor will be able to recommend a pill available with a similar structure.

If you are seeking emergency contraception in Italy, then you do not need to head to a doctor. Go straight to a pharmacy and ask for the “pillola del giorno dopo”.

Insomma: Contraception in Italy

While Italy offers a variety of birth control methods, navigating the system can be a little scary when unfamiliar with the  language or cultural nuances. I hope that being armed with this information (and vocab) helps you to take control of their reproductive health in Italy. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, knowing your options and rights is key.