Rush Hill & Weston Surgery

All doctors at the Rush Hill and Weston surgery offer a complete and confidential family planning advice service. We are happy to discuss any related issues and we can advise you on the best contraception to suit your circumstances.

All contraception is free through the National Health Service

Methods of contraception

The combined oral contraceptive pill

This is the most commonly used type of contraception. The ‘pill’ is a combination of an oestrogen and progesterone hormone. It is very safe; if taken properly less than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant in 1 year.

It does not suit every woman. After the age of 35 it should only be used by non-smokers and every woman needs to have her blood pressure checked.

If you suffer from diarrhoea and vomiting it may not work properly, also check with your doctor that it agrees with any other medicine you take.  

The contraceptive injection (‘depot’)

With this method women will need an injection every 12 weeks. Less than 1 woman in 100 will get pregnant in 1 year. With the injection you don’t have to think about contraception for the duration of the injection.

It can cause absent, irregular or long periods and it can take several months for your normal fertility to get back to normal. 

The intrauterine device and system (‘the coil’)

With these methods a small plastic or copper device is inserted into the womb by a doctor. Both methods are very safe with less than 1 woman in 100 getting pregnant over 1 year.

They can stay in for 3-10 years dependent on the type and provide contraception for the whole time.

There is a small chance of infection and with some types periods may be heavier than before.

Emergency contraception

If you have had sex without using contraception there are 2 methods to prevent pregnancy:

Emergency contraception tablets can be taken up to 72 hours after sex, but the earlier you take them the more reliable they are.

The coil can be fitted after unprotected intercourse for up to 5 days.

Further help & information:

family planning association
contraceptive choices - patient.co.uk
sexual health & contraception - bbc

© Rush Hill & Weston Surgery, designed by jo
last updated: 20 January 2008