Contraception
A summary of advice commonly given
There are many methods available to prevent pregnancy. Our GPs and Practice Nurse, Jan Freer are all able to discuss your needs. The website FPA.org.uk is also a useful guide to the different types of contraception available.
Emergency contraception
('Morning After Pill')
If you have had sex without using contraception, or think that your contraception might have failed, perhaps because a condom has split or you have forgotten to take your pill, taking emergency contraception (EC) will usually prevent a pregnancy.
EC is sometimes known as the 'morning after pill', but this is misleading because it can be used up to several days after sex. There are two types of emergency contraception available:
Emergency pill - you must take the pill within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex, but it is more effective the sooner you take it.
An IUD - this must be fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex.
There are some important things to know about emergency contraception:
 It's free on prescription. It can be bought from some pharmacists.
It's safe.
The treatment is confidential.
The sooner you use it, the more effective it is.
Almost every woman can use one of the methods - even women who can't take the regular Combined Pill.
There is no limit to the number of times you can take it.
You can take it twice in one cycle.
It is not as effective as using other methods of contraception regularly.
Don't delay - see someone as soon as possible. You can get emergency contraception from:
any GP who provides contraceptive services
any family planning clinic
any young people's or Brook clinic
most genitourinary medicine (GUM)/sexual health clinics
some hospital accident and emergency departments (phone first)
some privately run clinics, including British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)
most NHS walk-in centres (England only)
some pharmacies.
|
