Contraception
Verified 06 January 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Contraception is all the means to avoid pregnancy. There are different methods of contraception. The reimbursement depends in particular on the chosen device.
Devices | Features |
|---|---|
Intrauterine device (IUD) | A device placed inside the uterus by a doctor or midwife. Effective for 4 to 10 years, depending on the model. |
Pill | Tablet to be taken daily at regular times for 21 or 28 days |
Patch | Stick to your skin once a week and renew each week for 3 weeks |
Implant | Cylindrical 4 cm stick inserted under the skin of the arm, under local anesthesia by a doctor or midwife. It can be left in place for 3 years. |
Vaginal ring | A flexible ring that can be placed on the inside of the vagina, such as a tampon. It should be left in place for 3 weeks. At the beginning of the 4e week, the ring should be removed, causing menses to appear. Allows you to be protected even during the downtime. |
Diaphragm and cervical cap | Silicone cup to place yourself inside the vagina. It is used in combination with a spermicidal product. The cape is a silicone dome that covers the cervix. These devices can be placed at the time of intercourse but also several hours before and should be kept for 8 hours after intercourse. |
Male and female condom | The male condom is placed on the penis before penetration, while the female condom can be placed inside the vagina several hours before sexual intercourse |
Spermicides | Gel and egg to be placed inside the vagina a few minutes before each intercourse thus destroying sperm |
Injectable progestins | Intramuscular injection by a doctor or midwife every 3 months for 12 weeks by a doctor, nurse, or midwife |
You can get help and support by contacting a family planning or education center.
Who shall I contact
Doctors, midwives, and family planning and education centers (CPEFs) are empowered to prescribe all forms of contraception.
A prescription is needed only for the following contraceptives:
- Intrauterine device (IUD)
- Pill
- Patch
- Implant
- Vaginal ring
- Diaphragm and cervical cap (spermicides that accompany diaphragm use are bought at a pharmacy without a prescription)
- Injectable progestins
- Male condom
The consent of the parents or legal representative is not required for the prescription, dispensing or administration of contraceptives to underage girls.
Devices | Coverage by the Health Insurance |
|---|---|
Intrauterine device (IUD) | Yes, to 65% |
Pill | Some pills are reimbursed by the Health Insurance |
Patch | No |
Implant | Yes, to 65% |
Vaginal ring | No |
Diaphragm and cervical cap | Yes, to 65% |
Male condom (Eden and Out covered brands) | Yes, to 60% Yes, to 100% without medical prescription for any person (including holders of State medical aid and EU nationals) of under 26 years, without minimum age |
Female condom | No |
Spermicides | No |
Injectable progestins | No |
The following costs related to contraception for minors and women under 26 years of age are covered by the Health Insurance, without any advance payment:
- Annual consultation leading to the prescription of a contraceptive or examinations leading to a contraceptive prescription
- Follow-up visit by a doctor or midwife in the first year of contraceptive access
- Annual medical biology examinations before contraceptive prescription (fasting blood glucose, cholesterol measurement...)
- Acts leading to the insertion, change or withdrawal of a contraceptive
- Supply of refundable contraceptives in pharmacies on presentation of a medical prescription
Please note
the Health Insurance covers the costs of the preventive sexual health consultations.
- Public Health Code: Articles L5134-1 to L5134-3Categories of contraceptives
- Public Health Code: Articles L2311-1 to L2311-6Delivery of contraceptives by planning centers
- Public Health Code: Articles R5134-4-1 to R5134-4-3Delivery of contraceptives by pharmacies
- Social Security Code: Articles L160-13 to L160-16Contraceptive reimbursement (Article L160-14)
- Social Security Code: Articles L162-2 to L162-4-5No advance payment (Article L162-4-5)
- Social Security Code: Articles R160-5 to R160-20
- Order of 27 June 2006 establishing the list of medical devices that midwives are authorized to prescribeDelivery of contraceptives by midwives
- Order of 21 November 2018 listing the lubricated male condom EDEN of Laboratoires MAJORELLE in Title I of the list of refundable products and servicesReimbursed male condoms
- Notice on the pricing of the male condom lubricated EDENReimbursed price for male condoms
- Order of February 14, 2019 to inscribe the condom "Get out covered" on the refundable products and services
- Emergency contraceptionService-Public.fr
- Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (IVG)Service-Public.fr
- Information site on contraceptive methodsPublic Health France
- Under 26: Some condoms are 100% nonprescription