Mirena IUS Now Licenced For 8 Years
Some types of hormonal coil (IUS) are now licensed for 8 years for contraception purposes. These are:
– Mirena
– Benilexa
– Levosert
Please read more information on our Latest Service Information page.
Contraception is used to prevent unintended pregnancies. There are many types to choose from and different methods suit different people. Some require a procedure to have them fitted and removed.
Condoms are the only method of contraception which will protect you against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Implant
A small rod which releases a progestogen is placed in the upper arm under the skin
- Well over 99% effective
- Lasts up to 3 years
- Periods can stay the same, stop, or be frequent or irregular
Some GPs are able to fit and remove implants, ask your GP if this is a service they offer.
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Read more about the contraceptive implant on the Contraception Choices website
Injection
A progestogen is injected into the muscle normally your buttock.
- Over 99% effective (if you get your repeat injections on time, as advised)
- Lasts for 14 weeks
- Periods usually stop – this may take 2 or 3 injections
All GPs are able to offer the contraceptive injection.
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Read more about the contraceptive injection on the Contraception Choices website
IUS (also known as the hormone coil)
A small T-shaped plastic device is placed in the uterus.
- Well over 99% effective
- Lasts up to 8 years depending on type fitted
- Periods may be lighter or stop
- Fitting involves a small genital procedure
Some GPs are able to fit an IUS, ask your GP if this is a service they offer.
All GPs and Practice Nurses can remove an IUS.
Please note: We do not routinely fit an IUS for non-contraceptive purposes.
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Read more about the IUS on the Contraception Choices website
IUD (also known as the copper coil)
A small plastic and copper device is placed in the uterus
- Well over 99% effective
- Lasts for up to 10 years
- Periods may stay the same, or be heavier/longer/more painful
- Fitting involves a small genital procedure
Some GPs are able to fit an IUD, ask your GP if this is a service they offer.
All GPs and Practice Nurses can remove an IUD.
Please note: We do not routinely fit an IUD for non-contraceptive purposes.
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Read more about the IUD on the Contraception Choices website
Condoms (for penis)
Thin latex or plastic sheath is put over the erect penis
- Around 85% effective with typical use
- Protects against some STIs
- Need to remember before sex
Watch a video on how to put a condom on correctly on our C-Card page. You can also find information on this page on how to register for a C-Card, to get free condoms in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin.
Read more about condoms on the Contraception Choices website
Condoms (for vagina)
Thin plastic sheath that lines the vagina and covers the outer area of the vagina
- Around 85% effective if used correctly
- Protects against STIs
- Need to remember before sex
- Periods won’t change
Read more about condoms on the Contraception Choices website
Contraceptive Pills
You can access free contraceptive pills from:
- Our clinics
- All GP Practices
- Some pharmacies
Combined pill
The pill contains oestrogen and a progestogen and is taken by mouth
- 91% effective with typical use
- Taken every day for at least 3 weeks, with or without a break
- You can control when or whether you bleed, and it often makes periods lighter and less painful
Read more about the combined pill on the Contraception Choices website
Progestogen-only pill (POP)
The pill contains a progestogen and is taken by mouth
- 91% effective with typical use
- You need to take it every day, continuously
- Periods can stay the same, stop, or be frequent or irregular
Read more about the progestogen-only pill on the Contraception Choices website
Patch
A small, thin, beige coloured patch, which you stick on your skin and it releases oestrogen and a progestogen.
- 91% effective with typical use
- Used every week for at least 3 weeks, with or without a break
- You can control when or whether you bleed, and it often makes periods lighter and less painful
Read more about the contraceptive patch on the Contraception Choices website
Vaginal Ring
A soft plastic ring is put in, and removed from, the vagina by you. It releases oestrogen and a progestogen.
- 91% effective with typical use
- Each ring lasts for three weeks, and can be used with or without a break
- You can control when or whether you bleed, and it often makes periods lighter and less painful
Read more about the vaginal ring on the Contraception Choices website.
Diaphragm
A cup made of silicone is put at the top of the vagina, to cover the cervix.
- It is used with spermicide.
- Around 88% effective with typical use
- Most people can use them, as they don’t contain hormones
- You insert the diaphragm up to 3 hours before sex, and remove 6 hours after sex
Read more about the diaphragm on the Contraception Choices website.
Fertility Awareness Method
(sometimes known as “natural family planning”)
Ovulation date is predicted based on signs of fertility such as body temperature, type of vaginal discharge, and recording period dates over several months. Unprotected sex is then avoided on most fertile days.
- Up to 76% effective
- Can be tricky to learn, and daily monitoring is needed
- Unsuitable if cycles are irregular or unpredictable
- Apps which only record period dates are not reliable enough to be used for contraception; most are unregulated
Read more about the fertility awareness method on the Contraception Choices website
Withdrawal Method
The partner pulls the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation.
- Up to 78% effective
- Often fails due to small amounts of sperm being released before ejaculation
- Can be difficult to do it every time
Read more about the withdrawal method on the Contraception Choices website