Contraception

Contraception refers to the various methods that are used to prevent pregnancy. 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).

Leicester Sexual Health 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.


Click on a contraception method to find out more information.


Contraception Methods

Implant

The contraceptive implant is a small flexible plastic rod that's placed under the skin in your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. It releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy and lasts for 3 years.

  • More than 99% effective
  • Lasts for 3 years and can be removed at any time
  • Periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer

Please Note: This contraception method involves a minor procedure to be inserted, and you will need an advance appointment. You will need to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time to allow for necessary investigations. This will include a urine sample and/or blood pressure check. Should you not arrive in time to do this, we may not be able to complete your procedure during your scheduled appointment.

Gujarati Subtitles

Polish Subtitles

Punjabi Subtitles

Urdu Subtitles

Read more about the contraceptive implant on the nhs.uk website.


Injection

The contraceptive injection releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream, which protects you against pregnancy.

  • Over 99% effective if used correctly
  • Lasts for 8-13 weeks depending on which injection you have
  • Periods may become more irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter or stop altogether
  • It can take up to 1 year for your fertility to return to normal after the injection wears off

Gujarati Subtitles

Polish Subtitles

Punjabi Subtitles

Urdu Subtitles

Read more about the contraceptive injection on the nhs.uk website.


IUD (copper coil)

An Intrauterine System (IUS) is a small, T-shaped plastic device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse.

  • Over 99% effective when inserted correctly
  • Lasts for 5-10 years
  • Your periods can be heavier, longer or more painful in the first 3 to 6 months after an IUD is put in
  • Requires a procedure and fitting can be uncomfortable

Appointments: 

This contraception method involves a minor procedure to be inserted, and you will need an advance appointment. You will need to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time to allow for necessary investigations. This will include a urine sample and/or blood pressure check. Should you not arrive in time to do this, we may not be able to complete your procedure during your scheduled appointment.

Fitting/Replacement: 

We require a minimum waiting period of 3 weeks for coil fitting and/or replacement appointments. This is to avoid any potential risk of pregnancy. We advise you to avoid having sex, even protected, for this three-week period when booking your appointment. If there is any risk you could be pregnant when you attend your appointment, your device may not be fitted.

Gujarati Subtitles

Polish Subtitles

Punjabi Subtitles

Urdu Subtitles

Read more about the IUD on the nhs.uk website.


IUS (coil)

An Intrauterine System (IUS) is a small, T-shaped plastic device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse.

  • Over 99% effective when inserted correctly
  • Lasts up to 5 years
  • Periods may be lighter, shorter or stop altogether
  • Requires a procedure and fitting can be uncomfortable

Important Update (Mirenca Coil): 

  • The Mirena IUS (a type of hormonal coil) is now licensed for 8 years for contraception purposes. For patients who have a Mirena already, this means that it can remain in place, and be effective, for 8 years from the fitting date. We will from now be refitting Mirena coils around the 8 year date.
  • If a Mirena has been fitted for control of bleeding, part of HRT, or treatment for any other gynaecological problem, this does NOT apply. The new advice does NOT apply to other IUS brands or types.
  • If you need a coil for non-contraceptive purposes, please ask your doctor to refer you to our service via PRISM.

To book a consultation for more information, please call us on 0300 124 0102.

Read the statement from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (PDF) for more information about this change.

Appointments: 

This contraception method involves a minor procedure to be inserted, and you will need an advance appointment. You will need to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time to allow for necessary investigations. This will include a urine sample and/or blood pressure check. Should you not arrive in time to do this, we may not be able to complete your procedure during your scheduled appointment.

Fitting/Replacement: 

We require a minimum waiting period of 3 weeks for coil fitting and/or replacement appointments. This is to avoid any potential risk of pregnancy. We advise you to avoid having sex, even protected, for this three-week period when booking your appointment. If there is any risk you could be pregnant when you attend your appointment, your device may not be fitted.

Gujarati Subtitles

Polish Subtitles

Punjabi Subtitles

Urdu Subtitles 

Read more about the IUS on the nhs.uk website.


Combined Pill

Often just called ‘the pill’, the combined pill is a type of oral contraception that prevents pregnancy. It contains a combination of two hormones similar to those produced naturally by the body; progestogen and oestrogen.

  • 99% effective with perfect use, 91% effective with typical use
  • The standard way to take the pill is to take 1 every day for 21 days, then have a break for 7 days
  • You need to take it every day around the same time
  • Can help with heavy periods or painful periods, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and endometriosis

Read more about the combined pill on the nhs.uk website.

Order more pills online

Order your contraceptive pills online here.

We have a blood pressure machine in the reception areas at our Haymarket Health and Loughborough Health Centre Clinics for your own use to include when ordering online pills only.

The pills prescribed are specific so please ensure that if you want more of the same pill, you check the pill name or ingredients on the website link above. If it is not the same please contact our switchboard for a telephone appointment on Tel: 0300 124 0102.

Collect more pills from your local pharmacy

Did you know you can now arrange to collect oral contraception directly from selected local pharmacies?

Click here to find out more.

Click here to find a pharmacy near you that offers oral contraception.


Progestogen-Only Pill (POP)

Often just called ‘the mini pill’, the progestogen-only pill is a type of oral contraception that prevents pregnancy. It contains progestogen, and no oestrogen.

  • 99% effective with perfect use, 91% effective with typical use
  • You take a pill every day, with no break between packs of pills.
  • You need to take it at the same time each day
  • Periods may stop or become lighter, irregular or more frequent

Read more about the progestogen-only pill on the nhs.uk website.

Order more pills online

Order your contraceptive pills online here.

We have a blood pressure machine in the reception areas at our Haymarket Health and Loughborough Health Centre Clinics for your own use to include when ordering online pills only.

The pills prescribed are specific so please ensure that if you want more of the same pill, you check the pill name or ingredients on the website link above. If it is not the same please contact our switchboard for a telephone appointment on Tel: 0300 124 0102.

Collect more pills from your local pharmacy

Did you know you can now arrange to collect oral contraception directly from selected local pharmacies?

Click here to find out more.

Click here to find a pharmacy near you that offers oral contraception.


Condoms (for penis)

Thin latex or plastic sheath is put over the erect penis

  • 98% effective if used properly
  • Protects against STIs as well
  • Need to remember before sex
  • Get free and easy access to condoms with a C-Card


Read more about the condoms for penises on the nhs.uk website.


Condoms (for vagina)

Thin plastic sheath that lines the vagina and covers the outer area of the vagina

  • 95% effective if used correctly
  • Protects against STIs as well
  • Need to remember before sex
  • Periods won’t change

Read more about condoms for vaginas on the nhs.uk website.


Diaphragms and Caps

A circular dome made of thin, soft silicone that's inserted into the vagina before sex. It covers the cervix so sperm cannot get into the womb (uterus) to fertilise an egg.

  • 92-96% when used correctly
  • Need to remember before sex
  • Does not protect from STIs
  • Needs to be left in place for at least 6 hours after sex.

Read more about diaphragms and caps on the nhs.uk website.


Patch

The contraceptive patch is a small sticky patch that releases hormones into your body through your skin to prevent pregnancy.

  • More than 99% effective with perfect use
  • You change the patch every week for 3 weeks, then have a week off without a patch.
  • Can help with heavy and painful periods

Read more about the contraceptive patch on the nhs.uk website.


Useful Links

Midlands Partnership Foundation NHS Trust Providing Sexual Health Services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Services commissioned by Leicester City and Leicestershire and Rutland County Councils.