Contraception Choices

Contraception in the UK is FREE for most people and is available on the NHS.

Contraception is sometimes called ‘birth control’ and provides you with a choice as to if or when you want to start a family.

There are 15 different forms of contraception to choose from and it can be quite confusing trying to decide which contraception is best for you.  It is always important to discuss all your options with a doctor or a nurse.

Not all methods of contraception suit everybody. If you try one form of contraception and decide after a while that it does not suit you please return to your doctor or nurse and talk to them and decide on a different contraceptive method.

Types of contraception that you might come across include:

• Barrier method: these are condoms. Condoms protect you from STIs.
• Hormonal methods such as the contraceptive  Pill, coil or implant
• Surgical methods: these are permanent forms of contraception such as vasectomy & female sterilisation

For more detailed information about contraception please click here

Only condoms protect you from catching an STI

Where can I get contraception from?

You can speak to a healthcare professional:
• GPs and nurse
• Brook Centres
• School nurse
• Young people\'s services
• Family planning clinics
• Sexual health clinics
• GUM clinics

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception can be used to help prevent an unwanted pregnancy for up to five days after sex. It should be used if your normal contraception has failed or you forgot to take or use contraception.

Emergency contraception should not be used as everyday contraception. If you are sexually active you should arrange on-going contraceptive cover.

The emergency contraceptive pill
Emergency contraception is available in tablet form; the original EC tablet is called Levonelle and this single tablet that can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after sex.

Another emergency contraceptive tablet called EllaOne is also available, although not everywhere. You can take this tablet up to 5 days after having sex. This is prescription only and you will need to speak to a doctor.

The emergency intrauterine device (IUD)
This can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

The emergency contraceptive pill is more effective the sooner you take it.
When you take it within 24 hours of unprotected sex, it is 95% effective at preventing pregnancy.

• Brook Centres (for under 25s)
• Young people\'s services
• School nurses
• Family planning clinics
• GPs and nurses
• Sexual health clinics
• GUM clinics
• Some accident and emergency departments
• Some pharmacies

If you\'re over 16, you can also buy the morning after pill from most pharmacies. It costs around £20.