Contraception

Contraception is all about giving you more control over your reproductive health and helping to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different types of contraception available, so you can find something that suits your lifestyle and preferences, whether that's daily convenience or a longer-term solution that requires minimal maintenance.

If you're considering contraception for the first time and don't know where to start, looking to switch methods, or continuing an existing prescription, we can help you find an option that feels right for you.

Access to contraception gives you the freedom to make choices that feel right for you, whether that's simply a reliable way to prevent pregnancy, or the ability to control and plan your own family timeline.

Whatever the circumstances, finding a contraceptive method that suits your lifestyle gives you one less thing to worry about. It's also perfectly okay to review and change your contraception method over time, as your lifestyle and preferences might evolve.

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to contraception, so what works for you might not necessarily be the best fit for someone else. Your lifestyle, health, future plans and personal preferences can all play a part in finding the right option for you.

The good news is, there are lots of options out there, so whether you're looking for an easy fit into your daily routine or something fuss-free with minimal maintenance, you can find something to suit your needs.

Hormonal methods such as the contraceptive pill, patch and implant work by releasing hormones that help prevent pregnancy.

Non-hormonal methods such as condoms and copper intrauterine devices (coils) prevent pregnancy without the use of hormones.

Some contraceptive methods require regular action (like taking a daily pill), while others can provide protection over much longer periods of time with little ongoing maintenance.

Whatever you're looking for, understanding what's out there can help you make an informed decision, and our pharmacists can help advise you, too.

If you're interested in or already using oral contraception, we can help make the process as easy as possible. We offer a range of contraceptive pills, including emergency contraception, FREE of charge to eligible patients in England, as per the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service.¹

Simply pop in to see us or book an initial consultation (essentially a 10-minute chat), and we'll provide you with a 3-month supply of your chosen contraception if you're new to the service, or 6-12 months' worth if you're continuing existing treatment. Then, you can come back to us in another 6 months when you need more. No GP appointments needed, no waiting lists to join!

Like all medicine, some hormonal forms of contraception have associated side effects, although there's not enough evidence to determine whether these are directly caused by the contraception itself.

Some side effects might include headaches, nausea, acne, painful periods and increased risk of thrush – depending on your circumstances, and the type of contraception you're using. We offer a variety of products to help manage some of the most common side effects of contraception.