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Contraception

From this page you can find out more about

Choosing a method of contraception

You might be considering using contraception for one of the following reasons:

  • to prevent pregnancy
  • to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • as a treatment to manage symptoms like heavy period bleeding or to manage conditions including endometriosis, adenomyosis or premenstrual syndrome.

There are many different types of contraception available, from hormonal contraception such as contraceptive pills and patches, to barrier contraception like condoms.

Before deciding which type of contraception is right for you, you may want to think about:

  • why you want to use contraception
  • how well the method works
  • how easy it is to use
  • how well it will work with your lifestyle

Where to get advice about contraception

Speaking to a healthcare professional about the different methods of conception could help you make the right decision for you and your individual circumstances.

Contraception services are free and confidential on the NHS.

You can get contraception advice and support, including emergency contraception, for free from:

  • sexual health clinics, also called family planning or contraception clinics
  • your GP practice
  • some young people’s services (call the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for more information)
  • our Women’s Health Hubs.

Accessing free contraception

You can get contraception free of charge, even if you’re under 16, from:

  • most contraception clinics
  • most sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
  • some GP surgeries
  • some young people’s services

Some pharmacies also offer the contraceptive pill for free without you needing to see a doctor or nurse for a prescription.

Methods of contraception available for free includes diaphragm or capfemale condomsimplant, injectionIUD (coil), IUS (hormonal coil), male condomspatchprogestogen-only pillvaginal ring.

The emergency contraceptive pill, also known as morning after pill, is also available free of charge at:

  • contraception clinics
  • sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
  • some GP surgeries
  • some young people’s clinics
  • most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units
  • most pharmacies