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We appreciate that nobody wants an unplanned pregnancy, so here is some important information.

Emergency contraception

If you require emergency contraception (‘morning after pill’), speak to your local pharmacist or your GP.  If you cannot get emergency contraception there, contact us for an appointment. Let the receptionist know that it is for emergency contraception. 

If you normally get your regular contraception from your GP, then continue to do so as your GP is contracted to provide this service.

The service is now offering new appointments for all methods of reversible contraception. Please telephone our booking line (0300 131 7010) for an appointment to arrange a consultation. This will be either by telephone or face to face.

Already on a method of contraception? Please see below….

Combined Hormonal and Progestogen only (mini-pill) contraception

If you are running out of your pill, patch or ring and you don’t usually see your GP or you can’t get in to your GP, you can contact us on 0300 131 7010 to arrange a telephone consultation. At that time we will explain how you will get your medicines.

Information on missed COCP (external link).

Information on missed POP (external link).

Injectable contraception

If you are on an injectable contraception, remember it is effective for 14 weeks from your last injection.  Contact us on 0300 131 7010 to arrange a telephone consultation for your next injection. If you have used Sayana Press recently you may then be able to pick up a limited supply, or you may discuss an alternative contraceptive option.

Implants

An implant is licensed for use for THREE years, though still has a very low risk of pregnancy for up to four years. When your implant is coming to the end of the three-year period, please contact the service for an appointment to have this replaced.

Coils

If you use a copper coil (IUD) and were advised that this works for five years or ten years then keep it for the period of time advised. Then please contact us for an appointment to have this changed. If you were age 40 or over when you had your copper coil fitted you do not need to do anything, it will last until after menopause.

If you have a hormonal coil fitted (IUS), then it depends on the type.

• The Mirena/Levosert/Benilexa coils are licensed for contraception for eight years.
• The Kyleena coil is licenced for contraception for five years
• The Jaydess is licensed for contraception for three years.

If you were age 45 or over when you had your Mirena, Levosert of Benilexa fitted they can remain until age 55.  However, if you are using them as part of HRT, then your GP needs to change them every FIVE years.

Please contact us towards the end of the license period to arrange a telephone consultation to discuss the procedure and arrange an appointment for the fitting.

Read more in the Primary Care Women's Health Forum Coil fitting patient information leaflet (opens in new window).

Additional information on the different methods of contraception can be found on the NHS Contraception website (external link) or the Contraception Choices website (external link).

Our service

Sexual Health Services Nottingham & Nottinghamshire provides the full range of reversible contraception methods, including emergency contraception, along with confidential information and advice on sexual health issues.

Condoms help to protect against STIs and pregnancy, so whatever other method of contraception you are using to prevent pregnancy, use condoms as well to protect you and your partner’s health.

Whether you access the service via the central booking line or as a walk-in at a sexual health service site, 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.

 Our contraception service includes:

• Long-acting reversible contraception [LARC] (ie injection, implant and intrauterine contraception)
• Contraceptive pills, patches and vaginal rings
• Information about female and male sterilisation
• Management of contraception problems
• Emergency contraception: if you have sex without using contraception or think that your contraception might have failed
• Free condoms and lube for men and women of all ages (condoms help protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections)
• Free pregnancy testing for those concerned about an unplanned pregnancy.