Contraception
What is contraception?
Contraception is a way to stop pregnancy before having sex. There are different types of contraception, such as condoms, birth control pills, patches, and injections.
Each type works in its own way to help prevent pregnancy.
If you had unprotected sex, emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy.
Contraceptive pills, patches and injection
We prescribe contraceptive pills and patches and can talk you through which options may be best for you.
Contraceptive pills
There are two types of contraceptive pills.
The combined hormonal contraceptive pill most commonly known as the pill. Contains two hormones which are very similar to the body's own hormones.
The progesterone only pill, most commonly know as the mini pill. Contains a hormone which is very similar to the body's own hormones
Please note that, whilst we stock a large number of different pill brands, we cannot stock them all. If you are on a particular version that we don’t stock (for example Yasmin® or Dianette®), we can prescribe a similar version. See your GP if you want to continue to use a specific type of pill that we don’t have.
Pills for period control
If you are not sexually active and are using the pill purely to control your periods, ''you must see your GP for this''. We cannot prescribe the pill in these circumstances.
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
Contraceptive injection (Depo)
The contraceptive injection ( Depo-Provera or “Depo”) is a progestogen only method. The injection is given into your buttock or thigh every 12 to 13 weeks.
Implants
The contraceptive implant is a method of contraception that lasts for 3 years. It contains the hormone progesterone.
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''. You will then be given a clinic appointment if appropriate.
Please note: ''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 booking into a specific clinic.
Implant removal
Contact us for a clinic appointment if appropriate.
Coils / IUD / IUS
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:
Hormonal coil: IUS
Most types work for up to 8 years. Visit the Contraception Choices website for details about IUS.
Made of plastic and releases 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.
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 (they may become longer, a little more heavy and painful).
How do I get a coil fitted?
If you have experienced ''difficulty with a previous fit'' or been told that a ''fit may be difficult'', please see your GP and ask them to refer you by letter. We can then contact you to book you into the most appropriate clinic for the fitting procedure.
How should I prepare for my coil fit appointment?
You may want to bring a friend, relative or partner with you. Sometimes people feel a bit shaky after the procedure and it can be helpful to have support and somebody to take you home
Make sure you have had something to eat
Take some painkillers 30 minutes before your appointment (for example, paracetamol or ibuprofen)
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 prior to your appointment
Do not have sex for 7 days prior to your fit if you are having a coil exchange (with an in date device)
My 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 (this 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.
Smear tests
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.