Contraception

Thinking ahead is essential when it comes to sex. It’s easy to get carried away in the moment, but avoiding an unplanned pregnancy and protecting yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is very important.

Deciding what type of contraception is right for you can seem a challenge, but don’t worry – we’re here to help.

We offer a fully integrated contraception service in all our walk-in clinics at Ambrose King Centre and Barts Sexual Health Centre, and we also have appointments for specialist contraception clinics for women with more complex needs including those wanting implant fitting/removal and coils.

These clinics take place at the Ambrose King Centre on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Want an implant inserted? you can book an appointment by calling AKC on 020 7377 7650 or text “‘IMP”’ to 07786 207714 up to 1 week before you want to come and a slot time will be sent to you.

These clinics take place at the Barts Sexual Health Centre on Wednesdays 12noon to 4.00pm.

Types of contraception available:

Below is a brief summary of the different types of contraception available. If you want to come and talk to us about your options, we will give you more detailed information.

Female condom

Emergency contraception

Levonelle (also known as the “morning-after pill”) – can be taken up to three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex. It’s up to 95% effective within 24 hours after sex, and only 56% effective if taken between 48-72 hours after sex. It will not protect you against more unprotected sex.
EllaOne – a pill that can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex. It’s up to 95% effective. It will not protect you against more unprotected sex.
IUD (also known as the coil) – a device the size of a matchstick that is inserted into the womb to prevent pregnancy. It’s up to 99.9% effective.*

*Please note, currently we can’t offer emergency IUD fitting at the Ambrose King Centre or Barts Sexual Health Clinic, but please come and talk to us about it and we will refer you to a place that can. Download our PDF file for more information about emergency contraception.

Long acting contraception

Contraceptive implant – a plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin on your upper arm. It’s over 99.9% effective. We are not always able to fit contraceptive implants on the same day in the walk-in clinic, if we can’t, we will make you an appointment to come back and have one fitted.
Depo-provera (also known as “the injection”) – an injection of long-acting progestogen, over 99% effective
IUD (also known as the coil)*
IUS (also known as “Mirena”) – similar to the coil but is made of plastic and has the hormone progestogen in it*

*Currently we can’t offer IUD/IUS insertion at Ambrose King Centre, but we will make you an appointment to have one fitted in the contraception clinic at Barts Sexual Health Centre. Download our PDF file for more information about long acting contraception.

Combined hormonal contraception

Combined hormonal contraceptive pill (also known as “the pill”, “COC”) – a pill containing two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen
Combined hormonal patch (also know as “the patch”, “Evra”) – a patch you can put anywhere on your body that contains both oestrogen and progestogen
Vaginal ring (also known as “Nuvaring”) – a flexible plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina, containing both oestrogen and progestogen.

Download our PDF file for more information about combined hormonal contraception.

Progestogen-only pill (also known as “mini pill”)

is a daily pill only containing one hormone – progestogen
is taken every day without a break
is good for women who can’t take the combined pill
may change your menstrual cycle, and sometimes stop your periods
has to be taken very regularly (at the same time, each day)

Barrier methods

Male condom – 98% effective against pregnancy if used correctly and also protects against sexually transmitted infections
Female condom – is 95% effective if used correctly and also protects against sexually transmitted infections
Diaphragms and caps – made of rubber, latex or silicone and fit inside the vagina.

Download our PDF file for more information about barrier methods.

Please walk in or reserve a time slot to talk to us about which contraceptive is right for you.

You can also find out more information about contraception on the Family Planning Association website at www.fpa.org.uk