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Contraception

Contraception is used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

Some of the things you might want to think about when choosing your contraception are:

  • How contraception will suit your lifestyle.

  • Whether you want to use the method every day, every time you have sex or less often.

  • Whether you want to become pregnant soon, many years away or not at all.

There are several different types of contraception that can prevent an unplanned pregnancy. The Contraception Choices website provides honest information to help weigh up the pros and cons.

What's right for me? Contraception Choices

If you would like to order condoms by post, you will need to create an account using our Online Personal Health Record - click here to register or log in.

If you are using the pill or injection and are happy with these methods, you can see your GP for repeat supplies instead of coming to one of our clinics.

There are methods you can use which are long lasting, these are called LARC (Long-acting reversible contraception). These are marked with a star in the list below.

 

Contraception's we offer,

A Coil is a small plastic T-shaped device which is placed inside your womb (uterus) to prevent you from getting pregnant.  It has one or two thin threads on the end that hang through your cervix (the entrance to the uterus) into the top of your vagina.  These threads cannot be felt and are not uncomfortable.

You can find more in-depth information on Coils here!

A Coil is a small plastic T-shaped device which is placed inside your womb (uterus) to prevent you from getting pregnant.  It has one or two thin threads on the end that hang through your cervix (the entrance to the uterus) into the top of your vagina.  These threads cannot be felt and are not uncomfortable.

 

January 2024 UPDATE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING MIRENA ®

Mirena is now licensed for 8 years of use for contraception.

Therefore, if you have a Mirena® device that was fitted within the last 8 years it will still be effective for contraception – see https://www.mirena.co.uk/. The sexual health service will not be able to replace it for you before 7 years and 9 months.

Jaydess® is still only licensed for 3 years, Kyleena® for 5 years and Levosert® / Benilexa® for 6 years. These devices must be replaced within these time periods. 

PLEASE NOTE – if you are using your Mirena® as the progestogen component of HRT you should  ONLY use it for 5 years after which time you should get it replaced (or take extra progesterone). Unfortunately, the sexual health service will not be able to replace it for you at this 5 year point - you must see your GP for this.

You can find more in-depth information on Coils here!

 

The combined pill is usually just called the pill. 

 

If you have missed a pill and need advice - please see our rules factsheet. 

You can also use this Missed pill calculator. This tool can help you better understand what to do if you forget to take your combined or progestogen-only pill on time to ensure you take the right precautions after missing a pill.

Progestogen-only pills (POPs) contain a progestogen hormone.

A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod that’s placed just under your skin in your upper arm.

Contraceptive injections contain a progestogen hormone which is similar to the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries.

Condoms are barrier methods of contraception. They help prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm meeting an egg. They also help protect you from sexually transmitted infections. An external condom fits over an erect penis.


It’s made of very thin latex (rubber), polyurethane (soft plastic) or polyisoprene. It’s sometimes called a male condom.


An internal condom is put in the vagina and loosely lines it. It’s made of polyurethane or nitrile polymer (synthetic rubber). It’s sometimes called a female condom.

You can order free condoms by post here, or you can buy them from most supermarkets and pharmacies.

Diaphragms and caps are barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside your vagina and cover your cervix (entrance to the uterus –
womb).

We are unable to provide diaphragms in our clinics due to national supply issues. More information.

The contraceptive vaginal ring is a flexible, transparent plastic ring. It’s placed in the vagina where it releases two hormones – estrogen and
progestogen.

Sayana Press is a form of progestogen-only contraception that you can inject at home every 13 weeks.

Click here for the Sayana Press leaflet

*

If you would like your coil changed or removed it is important you use an additional method of contraception or don't have sex for 7 days before your procedure otherwise you will be at risk of unplanned pregnancy.

The Sexual health service is not commissioned to offer appointments to people who require a coil fit for non-contraceptive reasons. For example if you need a coil fitting for heavy periods or HRT and you or your partner has had a sterilization/ vasectomy procedure in the past, we will be unable to provide this. Please contact your GP to arrange the fitting elsewhere. 

 

 

 

Did you know?

  • You can start contraception at any time in your cycle however if you have unprotected sex (You may be at risk of being pregnant) you may not be able to have your chosen type of contraception at that time.
  • You can get most types of contraception from your GP but only some GPs offer coils and implants.
  • If you would prefer you can call 0300 300 2016 . A nurse or a doctor will discuss your options with you to help you decide what is right for you.
  • Only condoms protect you and your partner against sexually transmitted infections.
  • If you didn't use protection or you think you might be pregnant, we also offer emergency contraception. To find out more, visit our emergency contraception page.

 

Where else can i access my repeat contraceptive pill?

You might be able to get your repeat contraceptive pill from your local pharmacy.

  • Portsmouth offer first supply and repeat pills
  • Southampton and Hampshire offer repeat pills

Click here to find out if your local pharmacy is offering this service.

 

What's it like to attend Sexual Health Services?

We have teamed up with local charity Enable Ability to develop videos and virtual tours to help people with learning disabilities to access Sexual Health Services. 

Videos are available below and via the What's it like? App which uses immersive technology to help people who live with anxiety to access places and services, offering virtual tours and video walk throughs. 

Each video provides information about sexual health clinics in Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke and Isle of Wight and provide information about what to expect when you attend an appointment for contraception or sexually transmitted infections advice and support.

Click on each button to access each video. These will open in a new window.

 

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