“84% of couples will get pregnant after 1 year of regular unprotected sex”
Contraception can help to prevent unplanned pregnancy. There are lots of options to choose between, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, sexual health services are here to help find the one that is the right fit for you.
The need for contraception
Contraception can enable you to choose the right time for pregnancy and many can help give control over your menstrual cycle as well.
Contraceptive methods can be broadly organised into the following categories:
- Hormonal methods: Using hormones to prevent pregnancy, including options such as the contraceptive pill, injection, and implant.
- Barrier methods: Providing a physical barrier to prevent fertilisation, such as internal and external condoms.
- Natural methods: Using an understanding of the menstrual cycle to prevent pregnancy.
Condoms are the only contraception that can help to protect against STIs and pregnancy. That’s why it’s important to still use condoms no matter what other method of contraception you are using to protect you and your partner’s sexual health. However, there are other effective methods of contraception that can prevent unwanted pregnancy and, alongside condom use, can make sex a safer way to have fun.
How to get contraception
Sexual Health Services Nottingham & Nottinghamshire provides a full range of reversible contraception methods. This service includes emergency contraception, along with providing confidential information and expert advice on all sexual health matters.
Our contraception service includes:
- Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as an injection, implant and intrauterine contraception.
- Contraceptive pills, patches, and vaginal rings.
- Information about female and male sterilisation.
- Management of contraception problems.
- Emergency contraception.
- Free condoms and lube for men and women of all ages.
- Free pregnancy testing.
Contraception is free from your sexual health service and can be started at any time. It can even be used to reduce pregnancy risk up to 5 days after sex has occurred.
To avoid interruption to your control over pregnancy aim to book your appointment 1-2 months before you run out. Prescriptions are usually given for 6 months and up to a year supply so make your sexual health a priority. Depending on your contraception choice you can either collect your contraception or be booked in for the appropriate appointment.
If you are having sex and do not want to be pregnant, please contact any of our clinics to discuss your options on 0300 1317010 between:
- 08:30-19:00 Monday
- 0800-1900 Tuesday
- 0800-1900 Wednesday
- 0830-1900 Thursday
- 08:00-18:00 Friday
- 10:00-14:00 Saturday
Find out more about how emergency contraception. (Link to new web page)
What to expect when accessing the contraceptive service
Whether you access the service via the central booking line you will be triaged by one of our reception staff. This means that they will ask you a short list of questions to identify where you might be best seen. People who have no problems with their contraception and just require repeat supplies or injections can usually be seen at any site, whereas people who have problems with their contraception may need an appointment at a specific site.
You can access contraception information and support at all our Sexual Health Services Nottingham & Nottinghamshire clinics across mid-Nottinghamshire.
What to do if you have already had sex without contraception
If you have had unprotected sex in the last 5 days, you may be able to get a coil or a pill to stop you getting pregnant. If the unprotected sex was more than 5 days ago then you might still be able to get a coil.
There are different types of emergency contraception. Click on the link to find out your options.