Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
It’s okay to have questions, we've prepared some answers for you ✍🏻
About Us
Dear Kyra is a digital health platform that offers non-judgmental space for women to obtain birth control and medical advice through tele-consultation in a way that is convenient, discreet & safe.
Our services include tele-consultation and getting medicine online. We are here to assist you throughout the entire process of our service, from assessment → consultation → ordering → delivery → enjoy on-going care service.
We also provide a birth control subscription service where existing members can get their birth control shipped to their door on time. We automate the process, so you don’t have to worry about running out again.
All medical doctor on Dear Kyra are fully registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) as per the second schedule of the Medical Act 1971 (Amendment 2012) and possess a valid Annual Practicing Certificate (APC).
All pharmacist on our platform are fully registered with the Pharmacist board as per Registration of Pharmacist Act 1951 and possess a valid Annual Retention Certificate (ARC).
No. We provide privacy, a faster and hassle-free way for you to get access to our service but it does not replace your primary care doctor. For matters extending beyond Birth Control, STI/STD & Menstrual Health, we encourage you to consult your primary doctor in person – whether for checkups, personal health concerns, or to inform them about the medications you are currently using.
You must be at least 18 years old to use Dear Kyra’s services.
No. For legal and security reasons, it is necessary for the person who will use the services or medicines to create their own account with their details. This is to ensure the suitability of the products we offer. If your friend or relative would like to use our services, please have them create an account or contact us at [email protected] or drop us a message here.
Yes, your confidentiality is extremely important to us. It is our duty to protect your data and we have therefore developed our platform with end-to-end encryption so that all your information is secured safely with us. All personal data and medical records are compliant with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and are only accessible to healthcare providers directly involved with your care.
A birth control consultation is essential to discuss and explore the various contraceptive options available to you. During the consultation, a healthcare provider can assess your medical history, lifestyle, and preferences to recommend the most suitable birth control method. It ensures that you make an informed decision about your reproductive health, receive personalized care, and understand the potential risks and benefits of different contraceptive choices.
No, we only provide online consultation and delivery services at the moment. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] or drop us a message here.
At Dear Kyra, we strive to provide 24-hour service whenever possible, leveraging the convenience of our digital platform. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the healthcare professionals behind our service are also human and require adequate rest and breaks.
While we endeavor to assist you as much as possible, we must emphasize that we are not a primary care service. For emergency situations, we kindly request you to contact your nearest hospital or emergency medical services. Our platform is designed to offer accessible and convenient healthcare support for non-emergency medical needs, but we encourage users to seek immediate medical attention for urgent or life-threatening situations.
We value your well-being and are committed to delivering reliable and compassionate care within our scope of service. Thank you for understanding our limitations and for trusting us with your healthcare needs.
We understand the importance of being there for our customers whenever they need us. While we follow standard business working hours for administrative purposes, we strive to extend our support and care beyond those hours. Our dedication to our customers and their well-being motivates us to be available as much as possible, aiming to provide 24/7 assistance.
During our regular business hours, our team of healthcare professionals is readily available to conduct consultations, answer your medical inquiries, and provide the necessary support. For any urgent concerns or questions that arise outside our business hours, rest assured that we are committed to responding as soon as possible, even during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
We genuinely care for our customers’ health and convenience, and our goal is to offer accessible and compassionate healthcare services that fit into your schedule. Thank you for choosing Dear Kyra, and we are honored to be your partner in your healthcare journey.
In Malaysia, the regulations regarding birth control prescriptions vary depending on the type of contraceptive method. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) have been categorized as Group C poison, which allows pharmacists to dispense them without requiring a doctor’s prescription. Therefore, OCPs can be obtained directly from a pharmacist.
However, it’s important to note that other forms of birth control, such as the birth control patch or intrauterine devices (IUDs), may require a doctor’s prescription or doctor’s supervision. These methods typically involve a more specialized application and may need medical assessment and guidance to ensure proper usage and placement.
To obtain accurate and up-to-date information about the prescription requirements for different birth control methods in Malaysia, it is advisable to consult with our pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can provide you with the necessary insights and guidance based on the current regulations and practices.
Birth Control
We’re on a mission to make getting birth control easier than ever before. First, you create an account, provide your medical profile information and complete the assessment. Then, a licensed healthcare provider will review it prior to the consultation to provide the best option for you. Once approved, we deliver the medicine right to your door. We’ll advice you if you don’t know which method or brand you prefer.
We offer a variety of birth control methods, including original and generic brands of combined hormonal contraceptive pills and progestin-only pills, as well as the combined hormonal transdermal patch. You can find out more about each method and choose the one that’s best for you. We also offer pills for emergency contraception (Postinor, Escapelle and Ella). However, we do not offer the IUD or implant as these have to be administered by a trained medical professional at a clinic setting.
Getting birth control online will save you time and awkward conversations in public. Simply fill in your health profile online, make an appointment to speak to our healthcare providers who will advise you on your birth control options and answer any questions you may have. PLUS, you can take out a subscription to have your contraceptives automatically refilled every month.
No, it is not necessary to present a prescription upon getting birth control in Malaysia. Doctors and licensed pharmacists are equally authorised to advise users on choosing the best birth control method, depending on the user’s health condition.
The best birth control is the one that fits your needs. Your body will need at least 3 – 6 months to get used to hormonal birth control. Some people may tolerate better than others, as everyone is different.
Birth Control Pill
Birth control pills, commonly known as oral contraceptives, work by preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries. They contain synthetic hormones (estrogen and progestin) that mimic the natural hormones in a woman’s body. These hormones help regulate the menstrual cycle, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the egg, and thin the uterine lining, making it less receptive to implantation.
When taken correctly and consistently, birth control pills are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Their effectiveness is over 99%, meaning fewer than 1 out of 10 women may get pregnant in a year when using them as directed. However, the pill’s effectiveness can decrease if not taken exactly as prescribed or if certain medications or conditions interfere with its absorption.
For most women, birth control pills are considered safe. However, like any medication, they may have potential risks and side effects. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to assess your individual health status and determine if birth control pills are a suitable option for you. Women who smoke, have a history of blood clots, or certain medical conditions may be advised against using combined oral contraceptives
You can start taking birth control pills at any time during your menstrual cycle. If you begin taking them on the first day of your period, you’ll have immediate protection against pregnancy. If you start at any other time during your cycle, it’s recommended to use a backup method (e.g., condoms) for the first seven days.
If you forget to take one or more birth control pills, the steps you need to take depend on the type of pill you are using:
Combination Pills (containing both estrogen and progestin):
If you miss one pill: Take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. There is no need for backup contraception.
If you miss two or more pills in a row during the first or second week of your pack: Take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible and continue taking the rest of the pills in the pack as scheduled. Use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days.
If you miss two or more pills in a row during the third week of your pack: Discard the remaining pills, start a new pack immediately, and skip the placebo pills. Use a backup method of contraception for the next seven days.
Progestin-Only Pills (Mini Pills):
If you miss a pill by more than three hours from your usual time: Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, and take your next pill at your regular time. Use a backup method of contraception for the next 48 hours (two days).
If you miss a pill by less than three hours from your usual time: Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, and there is no need for backup contraception.
Yes, birth control pills can cause side effects in some women. Common side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns. Most side effects are mild and usually improve after the first few months of use. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
Yes, certain medications can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. These include some antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antifungals, and herbal supplements. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking to ensure there are no potential interactions that could reduce the pill’s effectiveness.
Birth Control Patch
Yes, birth control patch is an effective form of contraception when used correctly. The patch contains synthetic hormones (estrogen and progestin) that are absorbed through the skin to prevent pregnancy. When used consistently and according to instructions, the patch can be over 90% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Both the birth control patch and pill are considered safe and have similar effectiveness in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. However, the safety and suitability of each method may vary depending on individual health factors. Some women may find the patch more convenient as it requires only weekly application, while others prefer the daily routine of taking the pill. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which method may be the best fit for you based on your medical history and lifestyle.
Like any form of hormonal birth control, the patch may cause side effects in some women. Common side effects can include breast tenderness, nausea, headache, and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns. In most cases, these side effects are mild and tend to improve after a few months of use. However, some women may experience more severe or persistent side effects, and if this happens, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to discuss alternative options.
When used correctly, the birth control patch is highly effective in preventing pregnancy. However, like any birth control method, it is not 100% foolproof. A small number of women may still become pregnant even when using the patch as directed. Typically, failure rates are higher if the patch is not applied correctly, if it falls off, or if it interacts with certain medications that may reduce its effectiveness.
If your patch falls off and you notice it within 24 hours or less, try to reapply the same patch to a clean, dry area of your skin. If it has been off for more than 24 hours, follow these guidelines:
If it’s during the first week of your patch cycle, apply a new patch immediately and use backup contraception (e.g., condoms) for the next 7 days.
If it’s during the second or third week of your patch cycle, apply a new patch immediately, and you do not need backup contraception.
If you are unsure or have concerns about patch application or replacement, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
If you forget to change your birth control patch on your scheduled day, follow these guidelines:
If it’s been less than 48 hours since the missed change day, apply a new patch as soon as you remember, and continue with your regular patch change schedule. You do not need backup contraception.
- If it’s been more than 48 hours since the missed change day, apply a new patch immediately, and use backup contraception for the next seven days.
Emergency Pill
Emergency pills are used only as backup contraception after unprotected sexual intercourse or when other method fails (eg. condom breakage), while birth control pill is used daily to prevent pregnancy. It is not recommended to use emergency pills frequently in a cycle as this may lead to increased side effects.
It prevents pregnancy by delaying ovulation. However, it does not work if you are already pregnant and therefore cannot cause you to have an abortion.
The side effects of emergency pill are similar to those of birth control pill, such as nausea and vomiting, spotting, breast tenderness, and dizziness. These complaints are minor and usually subside within 1 – 2 days without treatment.
Repeated use within a cycle may disrupt your menstrual cycle and cause irregular menstrual bleeding.
No, the morning after pill does not affect your fertility, no matter how many times you take it within a short period of time. It is absolutely safe, but definitely not the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies in long term.
The only way to find out whether the plan b pill has worked is to wait for your next period. You should take a pregnancy test 3 weeks after your last unprotected sex to make sure that you are not pregnant.
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