Family Planning
We offer a full range of contraceptive services including coil-fitting and contraceptive implants. Please ask reception for an appointment.
Contraception
- keeping the egg and sperm apart
- stopping egg production
- stopping the combined sperm and egg (fertilised egg) attaching to the lining of the womb
Contraception is free for most people in the UK. Condoms can also be bought in pharmacies and supermarkets.
With 15 methods to choose from, you can find one that suits you best.
Barrier methods, such as condoms, are a form of contraception that help to protect against both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
You should use condoms to protect both your sexual health and that of your partner, no matter what other contraception you’re using to prevent pregnancy.
The 15 methods of contraception
Don’t be put off if the first type you use isn’t quite right: you can try another.
Read about the different methods of contraception:
- caps
- combined pill
- condoms (female)
- condoms (male)
- contraceptive implant
- contraceptive injection
- contraceptive patch
- diaphragms
- intrauterine device (IUD)
- intrauterine system (IUS)
- natural family planning
- progestogen-only pill
- vaginal ring
There are 2 permanent methods of contraception:
Where to get contraception
Contraceptive services are free and confidential. This includes services for people under 16, as long as they’re mature enough to understand the information and the decisions involved.
There are strict guidelines for healthcare professionals who work with people under 16.
You can get contraception for free from:
- most GP surgeries (talk to your GP or practice nurse)
- community contraception clinics
- sexual health clinics (these offer contraceptive and STI testing services)
- some young people’s services
Find local sexual health services, including contraception clinics. Or call the national sexual health line on 0300 123 7123.
Many of these services also offer information, testing and treatment for STIs. If you have had unprotected sex and think there’s a chance you might get pregnant, you’re also at risk of catching an STI.
Before you make an appointment, try to find out as much as possible about the contraceptive options available.
Your choice of contraception may vary over time, depending on your lifestyle and circumstances.
You can find out more about each type of contraception by contacting:
https://youtu.be/1xbTbb5aCaM
Contraception Guide – Click here for more info …
“Get It On”
Get it On is the condom distribution scheme enabling young people to access free condoms in community venues. If you are under 24 and living in Hampshire, you can join the scheme by obtaining a GIO Condom Card (C-Card) by making an appointment with the Practice Nurse or GP. You will then be able to use your card discreetly at reception or any Get it On site or Pharmacy displaying the ‘Get it On’ or ‘Just Ask’ logos.
Condoms
A woman can get pregnant if a man’s sperm reaches one of her eggs (ova). Contraception tries to stop this happening by keeping the egg and sperm apart or by stopping egg production. One method of contraception is the condom. Condoms also help to protect against STIs. Condoms are the only contraception that protect against pregnancy and STIs.
How to use a condom
How to use a male condom – click here …
How to use a female condom – click here …
Emergency Contraception
If you have unprotected sex but do not wish to become pregnant, you may need emergency contraception. This is the term used for contraception used AFTER you have already had sex. There are several options available, but they must be used within 3-5 days after the unprotected sex. There are two types of pills which have a good chance of preventing pregnancy, sometimes called the “morning after pill”. Alternatively an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) can be fitted, which is even more effective.
What is emergency contraception?
There are three types of emergency contraception now available to women. These are two types of pill, and the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) – also called the coil. They are available from your GP practice, NHS walk-in centres, family planning organisations (like British Pregnancy Advisory Service or Brook) and pharmacies.
Emergency contraception can be used:
- If you have had sex without using contraception.
- If you have had sex, but there was a mistake with contraception. For example, a split condom or if you forgot to take your usual contraceptive pills.
Emergency Contraception Guide
- Emergency contraception is used by women to stop them getting pregnant
- A woman may want emergency contraception if they have had sex without using any other contraception
- There are two kinds of emergency contraception:
- The morning after pill:
The morning after pill has to be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex - OR
- The coil or UID:
The coil can be fitted up to 5 days after having unprotected sex
- The morning after pill:
- You can get advice about emergency contraception from your GP, Practice Nurse, Family Planning Clinic or pharmacy