Contraception

Condoms and pills

Contraception is about giving you control.

'84% of couples will get pregnant after 1 year of regular unprotected sex'

Contraception can help prevent unplanned pregnancy, there are lots to choose from and NUH sexual health services can help find the one that is right for you. Contraception can enable you to choose the right time for pregnancy and many can help give control over your menstrual cycle as well.

The plethora of contraceptive methods can be broadly organised into the following categories:

  • Hormonal methods -

            Using hormones to prevent pregnancy including the contraceptive pill, injection, implant etc.

  • Barrier methods -

           Providing a physical barrier to prevent fertilisation e.g. internal and external condoms

  • Natural methods -

           Using understanding of the menstrual cycle to prevent pregnancy

Condoms are the only contraception that can reduce your risk of sexual transmitted infection so are essential for protecting your sexual health. However there are more effective methods of contraception that can prevent unwanted pregnancy and alongside condom use can make sex a safer way to have fun.

 

Contraception is free from your sexual health service and can be started at any time. It can even be used to reduce pregnancy risk up to 5 days after sex has occurred.

If you are having sex and do not want to be pregnant please contact any of our clinics to discuss your options:

Please contact 01159 627 627 (between  08:30-19:00 Monday - Thursday, 08:00-17:00 Friday, 09:30-14:00 Saturday)

What are my contraceptive options?

Explore which method may be right for you Contraception Choices

How to get your contraception from our sexual health services

Contraception only works if you have it.

Emergency appointments can be offered if a pregnancy risk has occurred.

However to avoid interruption to your control over pregnancy aim to book your appointment 1-2 months before you run out. Prescriptions are usually given for 6 months and up to a year supply so make your sexual health a priority.

You will have a phone consultation first. Depending on your contraception choice you can either collect your contraception or be booked in for the appropriate appointment.

Please contact 01159 627 627 (between 08:30-19:00 Monday - Thursday, 08:00-17:00 Friday, 09:30-14:00 Saturday)

I’ve already had sex without contraception - What can I do?

If you have had unprotected sex in the last 5 days, you may be able to get a coil or a pill to stop you getting pregnant.

If the unprotected sex was more than 5 days ago then you might still be able to get a coil.

There are different types of emergency contraception:

Oral pills (also available from pharmacies and GP)

  • Levonelle is one pill taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex
  • EllaOne is one pill taken within 120 hours of having unprotected sex

Copper Coil

  • the emergency coil also can be used as ongoing contraception. This is the most effective method.

 

For more information please click Emergency Contraception | NUH

 

How do I get it?

  1. Sexual Health services

Please contact 01159 627 627 (between 08:30-19:00 Monday - Thursday, 08:00-17:00 Friday, 09:30-14:00 Saturday)

  1. GP
  2. Pharmacy
    • If you are 25 or under, you can access emergency contraception tablets from pharmacies for free in Nottingham City and County
    • If you are over 25 you can buy it over the counter

 

I would like a coil

 

There are 2 types of coil:

  • IUS (Intrauterine system)  a coil with hormones
  • IUD (Intrauterine device)  a coil without hormones

We fit either type of coil and are happy to discuss them in more detail if you are unsure which you may want. The links above may also help you choose. 

If you already have a coil or an appointment to have one fitted/removed please see our patient leaflet.

Please contact 01159 627 627 (between 08:30-19:00 Monday - Thursday, 08:00-17:00 Friday, 09:30-14:00 Saturday) to book an appointment.