How to access contraception (and help with sexual health problems)
Contraception is a method or device for preventing pregnancy. Many forms of contraception are supplied for free by the NHS. Contraception can be used by men and women. There are plenty of sources of information and help.
NHS Website
The NHS website has clear and straightforward information about the different types of contraception and what might be right for you. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception
General Practitioner
The best place to start for advice is with a doctor or nurse at your GP practice. GP consultations are confidential.
Sexual Health Clinic
If you don’t want to speak to your GP, there may be a sexual health clinic near to you. https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-sexual-health-clinic/
Pharmacy
Or you could try your local pharmacy. Pharmacists can give advice on, and supply certain types of contraception, including emergency contraception. Though you may have to pay for the medicine if you do not have a prescription from a doctor. Many pharmacists have rooms within the pharmacy where you can speak in private about what you need.
Different Methods
There are many different forms and methods of contraception, and all have failure rates, nothing is 100%. These are the two main groups:
Non-hormone methods
- Condoms
- Copper coil, containing no hormones
- Cap or diaphragm (although rarely used these days)
- Natural Family Planning or Fertility Awareness https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/natural-family-planning/
Hormone methods
- Oral Contraceptive pills (combined pill or progesterone-only pill)
- Implant
- Injection
- Patch
- Vaginal ring
- Hormone coil.
Permanent methods are female (tubal ligation) and male sterilisation (vasectomy).
There are also emergency contraceptives available, but these are not designed for regular use.
Note: Contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Even a condom doesn’t protect from all infections.
Summary
We have described how to access contraception (and help with sexual health problems). We hope it has been helpful.
Last Reviewed on 7 March 2024