NHS Contraception

NHS contraception refers to contraception advice, treatment and support available through NHS services. This can include the contraceptive pill, emergency contraception, condoms, implants, injections, coils, patches and vaginal rings. The right option depends on your health, lifestyle and personal preference.

Yes. Contraception is generally free through NHS services in the UK. The NHS states that the contraceptive pill is free, with or without a prescription.

Yes, in many cases. In England, participating pharmacies can provide the contraceptive pill without you needing to see a GP first. A pharmacist or appropriate healthcare professional will still need to check that the pill is suitable for you.

You may be able to access contraception support online, depending on the service and your suitability. With Dr Pillmans, eligible patients can complete an online contraception consultation from home. Your answers are reviewed before any contraception is supplied.

Suitability depends on your medical history, blood pressure, age, smoking status, migraine history, current medicines, pregnancy status and other health factors. This is why a contraception consultation is required before supply.

The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service allows participating pharmacies in England to provide oral contraception to suitable patients. The service is designed to make contraception easier to access and reduce pressure on GP appointments and sexual health clinics.

Yes, some patients may be able to start the contraceptive pill through participating pharmacy services, provided it is clinically suitable. You will need to complete a consultation and answer questions about your health.

Yes, if your current pill remains suitable and your health has not changed, you may be able to receive a repeat supply. You should always mention any new medical conditions, medicines, side effects or changes in your health.

The main types are the combined oral contraceptive pill and the progestogen-only pill. The combined pill contains oestrogen and progestogen. The progestogen-only pill contains only progestogen and may be suitable for people who cannot take oestrogen.

Dr Pillmans provides information and access to suitable oral contraception options, including progestogen-only pills where clinically appropriate.

Useful pages:
Desogestrel: https://www.drpillmans.com/desogestrel/
Cerazette: https://www.drpillmans.com/cerazette/
Noriday: https://www.drpillmans.com/noriday/
Norgeston: https://www.drpillmans.com/norgeston/
Slynd: https://www.drpillmans.com/slynd/

No. Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a missed pill or condom split. Regular contraception is used before sex to help prevent pregnancy on an ongoing basis.

What you should do depends on the type of pill you take and how many pills you have missed. Check the patient information leaflet supplied with your pill and seek advice from a pharmacist, GP, sexual health clinic or contraception service if you are unsure.

Yes, but you should get advice first. Changing pills may affect when you are protected from pregnancy and whether you need extra contraception, such as condoms, for a short time.

Blood pressure is especially important when assessing suitability for the combined pill. Depending on the type of contraception and your answers, you may be asked to provide a recent blood pressure reading.

It depends on your age, smoking status and the type of pill. Smoking can increase health risks with some contraception, especially combined hormonal contraception in people over a certain age. A clinical assessment is needed.

It depends on the type of migraine. If you have migraine with aura, the combined pill may not be suitable. You should always mention migraines during your consultation.

Side effects can vary depending on the pill. Some people may notice irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, mood changes, nausea, headaches or skin changes. Many side effects settle with time, but you should seek advice if they are severe, persistent or worrying.

Seek urgent medical help if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing blood, severe leg pain or swelling, sudden weakness, severe headache, vision changes, or a new migraine with aura.

No. The contraceptive pill helps prevent pregnancy but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can help reduce the risk of STIs.

This depends on the type of contraception, whether you are breastfeeding, and how recently you gave birth. You should discuss this during your consultation so the most suitable option can be considered.

Some contraception options may be suitable while breastfeeding, but this depends on your individual circumstances. You should tell the clinician if you are breastfeeding or have recently given birth.

Yes, some medicines can affect hormonal contraception. This includes some epilepsy medicines, some treatments for tuberculosis, certain HIV medicines, and some herbal products such as St John’s Wort. Always mention any regular or recent medicines during your consultation.

If you have side effects, you should seek advice rather than stopping or switching without guidance. A different pill or contraception method may be more suitable.

You can start here:
https://www.drpillmans.com/free-contraception/