Contraception

There are several types of contraception, including hormonal and non-hormonal medication, contraceptive devices, and surgery. 

Which method of contraception is right for you depends on several factors, including your preference, general health, and whether you would like to have children in the future. 

Some common forms of contraception include: 

The contraceptive pill

Commonly known as ‘the pill’, the contraceptive pill is a highly effective method of contraception and one of the most popular forms of birth control in the UK. 

As well as stopping pregnancy, the pill can make your periods lighter and less painful, and in some cases, help with premenstrual symptoms. As it’s a hormonal form of contraception, there can be side effects, and there are some risks. The pill is only effective if taken properly. Taking the contraceptive pill does not affect your long-term fertility. 

There are two forms of oral contraceptives:

• combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) – this type of pill contains oestrogen and progestogen and works by stopping ovulation and thickening the mucus at the entrance of your womb (cervix). It can also help with acne, painful periods, and PMS symptoms. You need to take the combined contraceptive pill at the same time every day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break, during which time you’ll have a withdrawal bleed (like a period) 

• progestogen-only pill (POP) – also known as the mini pill, this type of pill works by thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from passing through the cervix. You take this pill at the same time every day without a break 

Barrier methods

Barrier methods of contraception work by creating a physical barrier between the sperm and the egg, preventing fertilisation. Barrier methods are the only type of contraception that offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

They include:

• condoms

• female condoms

• diaphragm (cap) 

• contraceptive sponge 

Intrauterine device (IUD) 

The intrauterine device or IUD, commonly known as the ‘coil’, is a small T-shaped device that’s placed inside your uterus (womb). Depending on the type, they can stay in place for 3 to 10 years. They can also help with symptoms of endometriosis or heavy, painful periods. 

Fitting a coil is a quick, straightforward procedure that can be done in our clinic. 

There are two kinds of IUDs, hormonal and non-hormonal: 

• non-hormonal IUD – this type of IUD works by creating an unfavourable environment for an embryo to implant. It’s made of copper, which is toxic to sperm 

• hormonal IUD – the hormonal IUD works by releasing a low dose of the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy

Sterilisation 

Male and female sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception that may be a good choice for you if you have completed your family or have decided not to have children. Sterilisation involves an operation to cut or block the tubes that carry eggs from the fallopian tubes in women or sperm from the testicles in men (vasectomy). Though considered permanent, male and female sterilisation can often be reversed.

Contraception is generally safe, but as with any medical treatment, there’s a small risk that complications or side effects can occur. 

Your consultant will explain all the potential risks and side effects before you start your treatment and answer any questions you may have. 

Possible complications and side effects of the combined pill include: 

• bleeding or spotting between periods 

• breast pain or tenderness

• nausea

• bloating

• headaches

• skin changes such as dryness and dermatitis 

• mood changes

• increased blood pressure

• blood clots in the legs or lungs

• a slightly increased risk of breast and cervical cancer when taken long-term 

Possible complications and side effects of the progesterone-only pill include: 

• irregular bleeding, spotting between periods, or absence of periods

• breast tenderness

• nausea or vomiting 

• breast enlargement 

• headaches or migraines 

• acne

• changes in your libido (sex drive) 

• vaginal dryness 

• mood changes

• a small increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (where the foetus develops outside the womb) 

• ovarian cysts

Possible complications and side effects of the IUD include: 

• irregular bleeding, spotting between periods, or absence of periods

• heavier or more painful periods

• lower abdominal or back pain after insertion

• headaches 

• mood changes 

• acne 

• breast tenderness 

• pelvic infection (rare) 

• the IUD may move out of position or be expelled from your uterus 

• the IUD may perforate (puncture) your uterus wall (very rare) 

• a slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy

At your appointment, your consultant will ask you some questions about your general health, family and medical history, lifestyle and any methods of contraception you have tried previously. 

Tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have and any medications you take regularly. 

It may help to write down some questions you want to ask before your appointment, so you don’t forget them.

There’s no recovery time needed after your appointment. If you’ve been prescribed the contraceptive pill, take your pill exactly as your consultant tells you to. Read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication carefully and ask your consultant or pharmacist if you have any questions. 

If you’ve arranged to have an IUD or sterilisation, your consultant will give you specific instructions for this.

Please contact our Women’s Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

We accept both self-referrals and referrals from healthcare professionals for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.