Contraceptive Advice

FEMALE CONTRACEPTION

We provide information and contraception advice on the full-range of contraceptives. As part of your consultation we will discuss future contraceptive-use and can, if required, provide you with contraception as part of your treatment.

The following methods of contraception are available at our clinics :

Long Acting Reversible Contraception : 
  • Implant – A small flexible rod about the size of a hairgrip that is inserted under the skin in the upper arm. This can prevent pregnancy for up 3 years.
  • Intrauterine Device (IUD) An IUD is a small plastic T shape device that contains copper It is inserted into the uterus through the vagina. This can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.
  • Intrauterine System (IUS) is a small plastic ‘T’ shaped device that contains Progestogen. It is inserted into the uterus through the vagina. This can prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. The 2 devices available are called Mirena or Jaydess.
  • Injection – An injection given every 12-14 weeks containing the hormone progestogen that prevents pregnancy.
Other methods : 
  • Contraceptive Patch – The contraceptive patch (or Evra) is a small beige patch applied to the skin like a sticky plaster. It is replaced weekly and releases the same hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) that are in the combined pill.
  • Combined Pill – Often just called ‘the Pill’, the combined pill contains two types of hormone called oestrogen and progestogen
  • Progestogen Only Pill– Often called the ‘mini pill’ contains only the hormone progestogen.
  • Vaginal Ring – The contraceptive vaginal ring (Nuvaring) is a soft, plastic ring that goes into the vagina. It releases hormones, like the combined pill

MALE CONTRACEPTION

There are a number of forms of contraception that men can use :
  • Condoms – a condom is a barrier that stops sperm reaching and fertilising an egg. They are the only method of contraception to provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION : 

If you’ve had unprotected sex or your contraception has failed you may need emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. The sooner you take emergency contraception, the more options you have :

  • Emergency Contraception pill – there are two types :
    1. Levonelle can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex
    2. EllaOne can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex
  • IUD (coil) can be inserted :
    1. Within five days of the earliest time you could have released an egg.
    2. Up to 5 days after unprotected sex

You can get emergency contraception for free from our clinic, your GP, contraception and sexual health clinic, specialist clinics like Brook, NHS walk-in centres and some pharmacies. You can also buy Levonelle from pharmacies if you are over 16.