Contraception

Contraception is a way to stop pregnancy before having sex.

Types of contraception include:

• condoms
• birth control pills
• patches
• injections

Each type works in its own way to help prevent pregnancy.

If you had unprotected sex, emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy.

• Visit Contraception Choices

We can prescribe contraceptive pills and patches, and talk you through the right option for you.

Contraceptive pills

There are two types of contraceptive pills.

The combined hormonal contraceptive pill, also known as the pill, contains two hormones which are very similar to your body's own hormones.

The progesterone-only pill, also known as the mini pill. Contains a hormone which is very similar your body's own hormones. Please keep in mind that we stock many different pill brands, but mot all of them.

If you are on a particular version that we don’t stock, such as Yasmin® or Dianette®, we can prescribe a similar version. Speak to your GP if you want to continue to use a specific type of pill.

Pills for period control

If you're not sexually active but you're using the pill purely to control your periods, you must see your GP for this.

We can't prescribe the pill in these circumstances.

• Learn more about the combined pill - Contraception Choices
• Learn more about the mini pill - Contraception Choices

The contraceptive patch

This method uses the same hormones that are in the combined contraceptive pill but, instead of taking a pill, you apply a patch to your skin once a week.

It may be a good method if you sometimes forget to take pills

• Learn more about the Patch - Contraception Choices

Contraceptive injection (Depo)

The contraceptive injection Depo-Provera (Depo) is a progestogen only method. The injection is given into your buttock or thigh every 12 to 13 weeks.

• Learn more about the injection - Contraception Choices

The contraceptive implant is a method of contraception that lasts for 3 years. It contains the hormone progesterone.

• Learn more about the implant - Contraception Choices

Implant fitting

This is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure.

Implant replacement

Contact us for a telephone consultation if you need an implant replacement or if you have changes in your bleeding pattern, abnormal discharge, or lower abdominal pain.

We'll arrange a clinic appointment if appropriate.

If you cannot feel the implant in your arm, it is important to discuss this with us or your GP as you may need further tests like an ultrasound scan, and then book an appointment with a specific clinic.

Implant removal

Contact us for a clinic appointment if appropriate.

• Learn more about the implant - Contraception Choices

A coil is a small, flexible T-shaped device that is fitted into the uterus (womb). It is a very effective way of preventing pregnancy.

There are two types of coil.

Hormonal coil (IUS)

Most types work for up to 8 years. Visit the Contraception Choices website for details about IUS.

They're made of plastic and release a small amount of progestogen hormone, similar to one of the body's own hormones. As well as providing contraception, an IUS is good if you have heavy or painful periods as it usually lightens or stops your period.

If you want a coil to control your periods or for HRT but do not need contraception, please see your GP as they need to refer you by letter to the right service.

Copper coil (IUD)

The copper coil (or IUD) is made of plastic and copper.

It is put into the womb by a doctor or nurse, and can last up to 5 to 10 years. There are absolutely no hormones, so your periods will continue. However they may become longer, a little heavier and more painful.

• Learn more about the IUD - Contraception Choices
• Learn more about the IUS - Contraception Choices

How to ask for a coil

If you have experienced difficulty with a previous fit, or you have been told that a fit may be difficult, please see your GP and ask them to refer you.

We can then contact you to book you into the most appropriate clinic for the fitting procedure.

How to prepare for your coil fit appointment

You may want to bring a friend, relative, or partner with you.

It's OK to feel nervous or shaky after the procedure, and it can be helpful to have support and somebody to take you home. Make sure you've had something to eat.

Take some painkillers 30 minutes before your appointment.

We may not be able to fit the coil if there is any risk of pregnancy, so:

• Use your current contraception reliably until your appointment (condoms alone are not adequate) OR
• do not have any sex at all (even with a condom) for 3 weeks before your appointment.

Do not have sex for 7 days before your fit if you are having a coil exchange, with an in-date device.

Your current coil needs changing

There is very good evidence that coils last longer than we used to think.

National guidelines support the use of some coils for longer than the period they are licensed for, which is known as 'off-label' use.

Contact us if you need a replacement coil or if you have changes in your bleeding pattern, abnormal discharge or lower abdominal pain. You will then be given a clinic appointment if appropriate.

You may receive a letter from Public Health England (PHE) saying that you can book an appointment for a smear test at your local sexual health clinic.

We recommend if you only wish for a smear test that you book this with your GP unless you are attending the service for Contraception and sexual health purposes.