Women's Health Telehealth: What Sesame Offers and Its Limits

Plenty of women know the feeling: a burning UTI on a Friday evening, a cycle that has gone haywire, hot flashes keeping you up, or a symptom that feels too awkward to raise in a rushed appointment. Add long waits for a gynecologist and confusing insurance rules, and it is easy to see why online care has become popular.

Sesame is one of several services that connect people with licensed clinicians for video or in-person visits, often without insurance. This guide explains what online women's health visits can do well, where they fall short, who they suit, and what to check before you book, so you can decide whether it is the right fit for your situation.

Why women look for faster options

Many women describe feeling unheard when they raise period pain, pelvic discomfort, mood changes or menopause symptoms, sometimes being told their symptoms are "normal" without much explanation. Others simply can't get an appointment soon enough, can't take time off work, or don't have insurance that covers the visit. Telehealth can lower some of those barriers. It can't replace every type of care, but for the right problems it can save time and stress.

What online visits tend to handle well

Clinicians can often assess and manage these concerns through a video visit, sometimes with lab tests ordered to a local lab:

• Typical bladder infection symptoms in otherwise healthy, non-pregnant adults
• Recurrent vaginal yeast symptoms, especially if you've had them diagnosed before
• Birth control consultations and refills
• Questions about irregular or painful periods, and premenstrual symptoms
• Follow-up and symptom management for known conditions such as PCOS
• Perimenopause and menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep problems and mood changes
• Hormone-related skin concerns such as acne
• Low mood, low libido or energy changes that you want to talk through

What online care can't do

Being honest about the limits matters. A video visit can't include a pelvic exam, a Pap test, an ultrasound or a hands-on breast exam. Some symptoms that sound simple, such as unusual discharge or pelvic pain, may need an in-person exam and swabs to get the diagnosis right. A good telehealth clinician will tell you when you need to be seen in person; expect that, and follow through.

Online care is also not for emergencies or for ongoing complex conditions that need regular specialist follow-up, although it can complement that care.

What Sesame is

Sesame is a marketplace where independent licensed clinicians list appointments, and patients book and pay directly. The company says many visits don't require insurance, prices are shown upfront, and same-day appointments are often available. Women's health visits can cover many of the common concerns listed above, and clinicians may order labs or send prescriptions to your pharmacy when they judge it appropriate.

Who it may suit

• People without insurance, or with high deductibles, who prefer a known upfront price
• Anyone needing a quick appointment for a common, uncomplicated problem
• Busy people who can't easily take time off for an in-person visit
• Women who feel more comfortable discussing sensitive symptoms from home
• People wanting a second opinion or a starting point before seeing a specialist

Before you book: a checklist

• Location: Clinicians must be licensed where you are. Check that appointments are available in your state.
• Total cost: Look at the visit fee and ask about the likely cost of any labs, prescriptions or follow-up visits, which may be separate.
• Clinician credentials: Check whether you are booking with a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, and their experience in women's health.
• Insurance and HSA/FSA: If you have coverage, compare costs. Some people find an in-network visit is cheaper.
• Records: Ask how visit notes and results will be shared with you and, if you want, with your regular doctor.
• Follow-up: Find out how to reach the clinician if symptoms don't improve.
• Your history: Have your medications, allergies, cycle dates, pregnancy possibility and past diagnoses ready.

Signs you need in-person or emergency care

Skip the video visit and seek urgent in-person care or call your local emergency number if you have:

• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain, especially if sudden or one-sided
• Pain or bleeding when you are, or might be, pregnant
• Heavy bleeding that soaks a pad or tampon every hour for a couple of hours, or bleeding with dizziness or fainting
• Urinary symptoms with fever, chills, back or side pain, or vomiting
• Pelvic pain with fever or unusual discharge
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, or sudden severe headache
• Thoughts of harming yourself. In the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Getting the most from an online visit

Write your main concern in one sentence, then list your symptoms, when they started and what you have tried. Choose a private, well-lit spot with a good connection. Be specific about pain, bleeding and your cycle, even if it feels awkward; clinicians hear these details all the time. Before ending the call, make sure you understand the plan, what to watch for, and when to seek more help.

The bottom line

Telehealth services such as Sesame can make it faster and simpler to get help for common women's health concerns, especially if insurance or waiting times are barriers. They work best for uncomplicated problems and follow-ups, and can't replace exams or emergency care. Check location, total costs, credentials and follow-up before you book, and always seek in-person care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, or symptoms during pregnancy.

If you decide it suits you, you can book a women's health visit on Sesame, a straightforward option if you want an upfront price without using insurance.

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Connect with other women

Share experiences and questions in our women's health groups, or use the free ItHurts Pain Check-Up to organize your symptoms before any appointment.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your symptoms, talk to a doctor.

Reviewed by the ItHurts editorial team · Last reviewed 18 October 2026 · General information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, talk to a doctor.