The leaflets included here are for information only and every attempt has been made to ensure their accuracy.  You should consult with a nurse or Doctor at your Surgery if you need any specific information regarding contraception advice.

Different methods, and the best time for appointments

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception can be in the form of pills or an emergency copper coil.

Pills are best taken as soon as possible after intercourse and can also be obtained from the surgery, local pharmacies, walk in centres, contraception clinics and the young people’s clinic at the Oak tree centre

Emergency coils can be fitted up to 5 days after intercourse or 5 days after the calculated ovulation date. Please phone the surgery if you need an emergency coil fitted and speak to a Doctor.

An information leaflet on emergency contraception

Combined pill

The combined oral contraceptive pill is often just called 'the pill'. It contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. If taken correctly, this is a very effective form of contraception. 

An information leaflet on the combined pill

Progesterone only pill

The progestogen only pill (POP) is, if used correctly, an effective method of contraception. It is commonly used when the combined pill (which also contains oestrogen) is not suitable. It can also be safely taken if breastfeeding.

An information leaflet on the progesterone only pill

IUS, Mirena, (hormonal coil)

The intrauterine system (IUS) is an effective method of contraception. It is also used to treat heavy periods (menorrhagia). Each device works for five years. The IUS marketed in the UK is the Mirena® IUS.

For the IUS, Mirena, (hormonal coil) fittings the best time for a fitting is at the end of a period.

Fittings can only be done at other times if there is no risk of pregnancy, ie

• A reliable method of contraception is already being used (pills, injection or implant). Condoms do not count.
• There is no chance of pregnancy – if there has been no sexual intercourse since the last menstrual period.

A double appointment is needed for a fitting.

Please book an appointment with a nurse before booking a coil fitting. This is to enable us to carry out some simple tests before the fitting.

An information leaflet on the IUS

IUDs (copper coils)

The intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective method of contraception. Most women have no problems with their IUD and, once fitted, can stay in place for several years.

For IUDs (copper coils) again the best time for a fitting is at the end of a period.

Fittings can also be done up until 5 days after the calculated ovulation date (so during the first half of your cycle).

A double appointment is needed for a fitting.

Please book an appointment with a nurse before booking a coil fitting. This is to enable us to carry out some simple tests before the fitting.

An information leaflet on the IUD

Implants

The contraceptive implant is very effective and a convenient and safe form of contraception. A small procedure under local anaesthetic is needed to insert the implant under the skin, each lasting for three years.

If you have unprotected sex and need emergency contraception ,if you take an emergency contraceptive pill (the morning after pill) within 72 hours, you have a good chance of preventing pregnancy. Alternatively a coil (IUD) can be inserted up to 5 days after having unprotected sex. SEE SEPARATE LEAFLET ON IUD FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Implants can be fitted by the family planning clinic at the Oak tree centre

• At any time during your period
• At any time if a reliable method of contraception is already being used (pills, injection or implant). Condoms do not count.
  

Tel 01480 418960 Monday 2.30-5.00 for an appointment

An information leaflet on the implant

Depo-provera injection

The depo-provera injection is very effective and is a  safe form of contraception. Each injection lasts for either eight or twelve weeks, depending on which injection is given.

Appointments for the first depo-provera injection

• At any time during your period

First injections can, in general, only be done at other times if there is no risk of pregnancy, ie

• A reliable method of contraception is already being used (pills, injection or implant). Condoms do not count.
• There is no chance of pregnancy – if there has been no sexual intercourse since the last menstrual period.

An information leaflet on the depo-provera injection

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is an effective and permanent form of contraception. The operation is quicker, easier and more effective than female sterilisation and there is a very small failure rate.  We run a Vasectomy Clinic here in the Surgery and employ a fully qualified and accredited vasectomy surgeon to carry out this procedure, using a no-scalpel technique - ie. no stitches.   To find out more, click here.

For further information see www.fpa.org.uk