Contraception
Contraception
Diaphragms and caps fit inside the vagina and prevent sperm passing through the cervix (the entrance of the womb). They are thin, soft domes made of latex or silicone and they come in various sizes and shapes.
To prevent pregnancy effectively, diaphragms and caps need to be used in combination with a chemical that kills sperm (spermicide). When used with spermicide, they are 92-96% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Caps: READ MORE +
Diaphragms: READ MORE +
Male & female Condoms are the only form of contraception that if used properly can offer prevention from both sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy.
Male and female condoms are barrier methods of contraception. They stop sperm meeting an egg.
A male condom fits over an erect penis and is made of very thin latex (rubber), polyurethane (plastic) or polyisoprene. Find out more.
A female condom is made of polyurethane or nitrile polymer (synthetic rubber). It is put in the vagina and loosely lines it. Find out more
This is a contraception method that shows you at what time during the month you can have sex without any other contraception method and with a low risk of pregnancy. You learn how to record fertility signals and identify when it is safer to have sex. This method does not prevent the transmission of STIs.
A very popular form of contraception which is taken every day in the form of a pill that contains a hormonal treatment.
It contains two hormones (estrogen and progestogen) that prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg.
Not everyone can use the pill. Your GP or clinician will be able to advise you according to your medical records. Some factors that may mean you should not use the pill can include: taking certain medicines, being overweight, breastfeeding and some illnesses, among others.
The main difference between POP and the Combined Pill, is that POP contains only one hormone instead of two. This makes POP milder than the Combined Pill and it therefore has fewer side effects, doesn’t raise your blood pressure and can be taken by smokers
- It doesn’t control your periods, in the way the Combined Pill does.
- It is slightly less effective than the pill and it’s even less effective in those weighing over 70 kg (11 stone).
The contraceptive patch is a sticky patch that delivers hormones into your body through the skin. It works in the same way as the combined pill and contains the same hormones- oestrogen and progestogen. It prevents the release of an egg, thickens the cervical mucus (making it harder for sperm to travel through the entrance of the womb) and thins the womb lining (making it less likely that a fertilised egg will implant there). When used correctly, it is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
This is a flexible, transparent, plastic ring placed in the vagina and that releases two hormones (estrogen and progestogen). It has to be placed once a month, so after the first demonstration done by your GP or clinician, you will be able to do it yourself.
This method is not currently provided in Bromley but you can find out more on the NHS Choices website.
Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception, suitable for people who are sure they never want children or do not want more children.
Click on the below links for more information on:
Male sterilisation
Female sterilisation
Content sourced from NHS Choices
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) methods:
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible tube that is inserted into the skin of the upper arm by a trained professional. It lasts for three years. It slowly releases the hormone progestogen into the body, stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. This hormone also thickens the mucus at the entrance of the womb (making it harder for sperm to move through) and thins the lining of the womb (so that the womb is less likely to accept a fertilised egg). It is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if implanted correctly.
The injection steadily releases the hormone progestogen into the bloodstream. This stops an egg from being released every month, thickens the mucus from the entrance to the womb (so it is harder for sperm to pass through to the womb and reach an egg) and makes the lining of the womb thinner (so it isn’t as easy for the fertilised egg to implant onto the womb). As long as you are sure that you are not pregnant, you can get the injection at any time. If used correctly, the injection is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
A copper IUD (intrauterine device) is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is inserted into the womb by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It works by stopping the egg and sperm from surviving in the womb or the fallopian tubes. It can also prevent a fertilised egg from implanting into the womb. Some IUDs contain more copper than others. IUDs with more copper are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. IUDs with less copper are less effective. There are various different types and sizes of IUD.
Hormonal IUS (Intrauterine System) Is a small T-shaped device made of flexible plastic. The IUS releases progestogen hormone into the womb thickening cervical mucus and preventing fertilisation of the egg and sometimes it also stops ovulation in some women. This is a long –acting and reversible contraceptive method. There are three brands used in the UK.
Content sourced from NHS Choices
Appointments and other information
Appointments at our clinics
People of all ages can attend our contraception clinics (including those under 16). We can offer advice on all methods of contraception (including emergency) and these can be prescribed or given if they are appropriate for you.
If you have an unplanned pregnancy we can help you with advice or a referral for further help
You do not need a referral from your doctor (GP) for the walk-in clinics – simply turn up and wait to be seen. Clinics can get very busy, so you may need to wait for some time to be seen – however we will try to keep you up to date on the length of your wait.
You will need to visit a walk-in clinic prior to booking one of these appointments:
- IUD/IUS (coil) insertion
- Contraceptive implant removal
- Contraceptive implant fit
If you would prefer a telephone consultation prior to a procedure, please email bromh.sexualhealth@nhs.net or complete the referral form here.