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.
The Long House Surgery offers a range of contraceptive services, not including coils, however any of the doctors are able to discuss contraceptive choices.
Contraception and menopause
Women who have sex with men and don’t want to get pregnant need to keep on using contraception until they haven’t had a period for more than 12 months (menopause).
This is because periods can become irregular before they stop entirely, and pregnancy can still occur during this time. Find out more about menopause.
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:
- 1.Cap
- 2.Combined pill
- 3.Condoms
- 4.Contraceptive implant
- 5.Contraceptive injection
- 6.Contraceptive patch
- 7.Diaphragm
- 8.Female condoms
- 9.Female sterilisation
- 10.IUD (intrauterine device, coil)
- 11.IUS (intrauterine system)
- 12.Progestogen-only pill (POP, mini pill)
- 13.Vaginal ring
- 14.Vasectomy
- 15.Natural family planning (fertility awareness)
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.