Contraception

Contraception is free for most people in the UK. With 15 methods to choose from, you’ll find one that suits you.

Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and if you want to have a baby, but they don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms help to protect against STIs and pregnancy, so whatever other method of contraception you’re using to prevent pregnancy, use condoms as well to protect your and your partner’s health.

Where to get it

Contraceptive services are free and confidential, including to people under 16 as long as they are mature enough to understand the information and decisions involved. There are strict guidelines to for care professionals who work with people under 16.

If you are young person looking for advice about contraception, STI’s, sex and relationships, you can also visit Brook – Healthy lives for young people

You can get contraception free from:

this GP surgery – our Doctor’s and nurses are able to give you advice on and prescribe methods of contraception, we also provide emergency contraception and offer a confidential service. Our Practice nurse team can also offer Implant fitting & removals and the fitting and removal of intrauterine contraception.
community contraceptive clinics,
some genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics,
sexual health clinics (these offer contraceptive and STI testing services).

Many of these places also offer information, testing and treatment for STIs. If you’ve been exposed to the risk of pregnancy, you’re also at risk of catching an STI.

Before you make an appointment, make sure you’re as informed as possible about the contraceptive options available. People’s choice of contraception may vary over time, depending on their lifestyle and circumstances.

The methods of contraception

There are lots of methods to choose from, so don’t be put off if the first thing you use isn’t quite right for you; you can try another.

You can read about each of the different methods of contraception by visiting these pages:

There are two permanent methods of contraception:

In addition to your chosen method of contraception, you need to use condoms to prevent STIs. Always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet. This means that they’ve been tested to the high European safety standards. Condoms that don’t have the CE mark won’t meet these standards, so don’t use them.

Emergency contraception

If you require emergency Contraception (morning after pill) due to unprotected sex, condom failure or contraception failure, you can access it free of charge from most pharmacies, or contact the surgery.

Emergency contraception your guide (PDF, 176KB)

To find your nearest contraception clinic you can use the NHS service search.

You can also try Find sexual health service