Extended Licences for Hormone Coil and Implant
Some types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) have had an extension in their licence. This means they are safe and effective to be used for longer than previously.
Some types of hormonal coil (IUS) are now licensed for 8 years for contraception purposes. These are:
– Mirena
– Benilexa
– Levosert
The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is now licensed for 5 years for contraception purposes (this has increased from 3 years).
This applies to implants and IUSs that have already been fitted. If you have one of these methods and are happy with it, please note the new expiry date. If you wish to discuss this further, please attend for a contraception consultation (walk-in or booked), or see your GP. Our service will not change these methods earlier than the new lifespans.
What is contraception?
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 help to prevent pregnancy and protect you against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
OpenClinic provides a wide range of free and confidential contraception methods, including information and advice on which may be best suited for you. For more information please contact us.
Where can I get contraception?
Sexual Health Clinics – We provide a range of free and confidential contraception at our NHS sexual health clinics. Take a look at our Services Available at Clinics page for a full list of our clinics which offer contraception.
GPs
Your GP can provide contraception options too. All GPs can provide contraceptive pills, and some can offer implants and coils too. Contact your GP to see which services they provide.
Pharmacies
Some pharmacies offer the contraceptive pill without a prescription. You do not need to see a doctor or nurse for a prescription. Getting the contraceptive pill is free, with or without a prescription. See a list of these pharmacies on the NHS website. Some online pharmacies offer paid options for contraceptive pills.
Contraception Methods Overview
Implant
A small rod which releases a progestogen is placed in the upper arm under the skin
– Well over 99% effective
– Lasts up to 5 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.
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.
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
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.
Condoms (for penis)
Thin latex or plastic sheath is put over the erect penis
– Around 82% 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.
Condoms (for vagina)
Thin plastic sheath that lines the vagina and covers the outer area of the vagina
– Around 79% effective with typical use
– Protects against STIs
– Need to remember before sex
– Periods won’t change
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
Some pharmacies can offer the contraceptive pill.
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
Some pharmacies can offer the contraceptive pill.
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
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
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
Fertility Awareness
(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
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
Watch our videos with more information on the implant, IUD, IUS and injection.
There are links to versions with subtitles in Gujarati, Polish, Punjabi and Urdu too.
Implant
Gujarati Subtitles
Polish Subtitles
Punjabi Subtitles
Urdu Subtitles
IUS (also hormone coil)
Gujarati Subtitles
Polish Subtitles
Punjabi Subtitles
Urdu Subtitles
Read more about the IUS on the Contraception Choices website
IUD (also known as the copper coil)
Gujarati Subtitles
Polish Subtitles
Punjabi Subtitles
Urdu Subtitles
Injection
Gujarati subtitles
Polish subtitles
Punjabi subtitles
Urdu subtitles
Injectable weight loss medication and contraception
Injectable weight loss medication may stop your contraception from being effective – click here for more information (from College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare).