Contraception

Condoms are common contraception method. They work to protect against unwanted pregnancy by forming a barrier (made of very thin rubber) to stop sperm coming into contact with the vagina. 

You can get male (external) and female (internal) condoms depending on your preference: 

How to use a condom

Condoms: How do they work?

Female condoms: How do they work? 

If you are allergic to latex (rubber) you can get latex-free condoms

There are two types of contraceptive pill. 

The Combined pill contains two hormones – Oestrogen and Progestogen.

The Progestogen only Pill (POP) contains a Progestogen hormone. POPs are different to Combined pills because they don’t contain the hormone Oestrogen.

Where can I get the pill? 

Staff at one of our sexual health clinics, a local pharmacy or your GP will be able to discuss your choices with you.

I have missed my pill. What should I do?

Please refer to the NHS website for information on what to do if you have missed your progestogen-only pill (POP) or Combined pill. 

Please please see here for further information about this method, which contains lots of information about this method. 

If you plan to use the contraceptive injection, please call us to arrange an appointment. We will discuss your circumstances and then advise you about what happens next and how best to proceed.

For anyone using the Mirena, Levosert or Benilexa coil for contraception purposes, the licence of use has been extended to 8 years.

However, there has  not been an extension to the licensed duration for the use of hormonal coils  as part of Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT).  
When you contact us for a coil appointment, you will be added to the waiting list.

Fitting the Coil 
Coils are a popular method of contraception. There are two types of coil: If you want a coil, please read the following information before contacting us.

Non hormonal Copper Intrauterine device (Cu IUD) (previously known as a Copper Coil)

Hormonal Levonorgestrel Intrauterine device ( LNG IUD) Once you have read the information, please contact us. You will  be advised and added to our waiting list. If you have any questions or need another form of contraception in the meantime, please let us know. 

In order to have a coil fitted, we need to make sure there is no chance that you are pregnant. This means: 
•    Not having sex since your last period (even with a condom), 
Or 
•    Using the pill or injection for more than 3 weeks. Make sure you have not missed any pills or been late with an injection.  

Once an appointment becomes available you will receive a phone call. 

We advise taking pain relief e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen 1-2 hours before your coil is fitted . 

Coil fitting consent forms: 
Please read the relevant consent form prior to your appointment
•    CU IUD insertion consent form 
•    LNG IUD insertion consent form
•    Complex removal of a CU IUD or LNG IUD consent form

You can read more about post procedure advice, and possible pain associated with the insertion of intrauterine contraception ('coils'). 

Replacing the coil 
Please contact one of our clinics if you need your coil replacing. If your coil is in date, you must abstain from sex (even with a condom) for 7 days before your coil is replaced or removed. You will be placed on a waiting list and will be contacted soon. If your coil has expired, then please contact us. You may need another method of contraception until a replacement coil can be fitted. Please remember if your coil has expired you may become pregnant. 

Removing the coil
Coil removal is a simple procedure.  A speculum is used to look at your cervix and locate the coil threads. We gently pull on these threads to remove. To ensure there is  no chance of pregnancy, please do not have sex for 7 days before your coil removal. 

If you want to have a coil removed, but do not need it replacing then please ring us and arrange an appointment

Fitting an implant

  Please refer to the please see here for further information about this method if you are planning to use this method then please call us. We will arrange a phone consultation and explain the next steps. In order to have an implant fitted you need to be sure that you are not pregnant.

·    Please read the Implant insertion consent form prior to your appointment.

Replacing the implant 

If your implant is still in date, please ring us. There is no need to abstain from sex before hand and the new implant will work immediately.

·    If you have not used an alternative method since it expired, then ring us and we can discuss this further.

·    Please read the Implant removal and refit consent form prior to your appointment.

Removing the implant

If your implant has expired or you are planning a pregnancy, please ring us to arrange removal.  .

Please read the Implant removal consent form and the following post procedure advice leaflet prior to your appointment.