We offer a full range of contraceptive methods and can help you choose the best method for you
Contraception advice during COVID-19 outbreak
Managing the coronavirus outbreak is likely to change community services for some months. To comply with measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus we have closed some clinics (including the complex contraception clinic). We will reschedule your appointment as soon as we are able and will contact you with this information.
Avoiding pregnancy during this outbreak is important. Coronavirus is a new virus so its impacts on mothers and babies during pregnancy are not yet known.
The contraceptive implant and some 'coils' can be used for longer than was originally advised:
- Implants (Nexplanon): You can continue to use your implant for contraception for up to four years after insertion. The risk of pregnancy is very low.
- Mirena IUS or Levosert IUS: You can continue to use these for up to six years. The risk of pregnancy is low.
- 10-year banded copper coils (such as T-Safe): You can continue to use this safely for up to 12 years after insertion
Use additional contraception with:
- Lower dose hormone coils e.g. Jaydess (three year) and Kyleena (five year): After the three or five years we advise you to use condoms or take a progestogen only pill (POP) to prevent pregnancy, until we are able to replace the IUS.
- Five year copper coils: After five years we recommend using condoms or that you start a POP to prevent pregnancy, until we are able to replace the IUD.
If you are not sure which type of IUD/IUS you have please call us or contact the clinic where it was inserted
If your device has expired it is safe to leave it in place even if you no longer need it for contraception.
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We are providing telephone consultations - please ring to schedule a consultation.
Please do not to come in to our clinics unless we have advised you to after a telephone consultation
Please do not attend any of our clinics if you or someone you live with are suffering from fever, a new continuous cough, or loss of taste or smell
My Contraception Tool
This online tool can help you choose which contraceptive method might suit you best.
Long acting reversible contraception (LARC)
Long acting contraceptive methods are the most effective at preventing pregnancy.
Long acting reversible methods include:
- The intrauterine device (IUD)
- The intrauterine system (IUS)
- The contraceptive implant
- The contraceptive injection
We can administer injections, and fit and remove implants in the walk-in clinic, or by appointment.
If you would like an IUD or IUS fitted, please make an appointment by calling 020 7683 4103, or book online.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex or when the usual method of contraception is believed to have failed (a split condom, missed pill etc).
Emergency contraception can be in the form of a pill or an intra-uterine device (IUD or the coil) and can be used up to 3-5 days after unprotected sex.
The emergency IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception.
The IUD can be fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex. However, if more than 5 days have passed we may still be able to fit one - please discuss this with the doctor or nurse.
- The emergency IUD does not cause an abortion
- It can be used if you are breastfeeding
- It can be used as ongoing contraception for up to 10 years
Emergency pills are more effective the sooner you take them. Emergency pills should not be seen as a regular method of contraception - it is much better to use a reliable method every time you have sex.
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Contraception after having a baby
Studies have shown that fertility can return as soon as three weeks after having a baby - even before periods start again. It is good to start thinking about contraception even before you have had your baby.
The below summarises which contraception can be used in the first few months after having a baby:
Contraception is available from all of our sexual health clinics
We also run a specialist postnatal contraception clinic at the Ivy Centre.
Ivy Centre
St Leonards Hospital
Nuttall Street
N1 5LZ
Wednesday afternoons
1.00-4.00pm
To book an appointment
call 020 7683 4103
Or just drop in
Read about contraception and more at Sexwise
