Contraceptive Services.
Our pharmacists can help you with regular supplies of your oral contraception, as well as help with starting contraception for the first time, or after you have had a break from contraception.
What is the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service?
Our pharmacists can help you with regular supplies of your oral contraception, as well as help with starting contraception for the first time, or after you have had a break from contraception.
Our pharmacist will ask you relevant health-related questions to work out the best way to help you, and you may have your blood pressure checked and your BMI measured by a team member. Our pharmacists will offer advice and, where appropriate, make a supply of oral contraception.
Most of our pharmacies & health clinics offer a private consultation room for discreet discussions about your health concerns.
The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is free of charge.
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With so many options, our pharmacists can point you in the right direction and discuss the best options to suit yourself and your lifestyle.
Whether you’re wanting a contraception method that works every day or only when you’re having sex, let’s chat through your choices. -
Contraceptive pills are small tablets that you take every day (or for 21 days at a time) to stop you from becoming pregnant. When taken correctly, the contraceptive pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
There are two main types of contraceptive pills, the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill. If you’re taking the contraceptive pill and you’re not sure what type it is, check the Patient Information Leaflet in your pack, or ask your pharmacist or GP.
Combined pill
Often just called “the pill”, it contains artificial versions of female hormones oestrogen and progestogen. It stops pregnancy occurring by preventing your body from releasing an egg (ovulating) each month, as well as making it harder for an egg to get fertilised by sperm and attach to the wall of the uterus.
You’ll usually need to take one pill at the same time every day for 21 days, then you take a break for seven days before taking the pill again. There are different types of combined pills, and some can be taken without needing a break. Always make sure you read the instructions that come with your pack.
Progestogen-only pill
Commonly referred to as the “mini pill”, it contains progestogen only. It needs to be taken at the same time every day. Not taking the pill at the right time, missing pills or taking the pill alongside other medicines can reduce its effectiveness. Always follow the instructions that come with your pill packet.
There are two different types of progestogen-only pills, the traditional progestogen-only pill (which must be taken within three hours of the same time each day) and the desogestrel progestogen-only pill (which must be taken within 12 hours of the same time each day).
The traditional progestogen-only pill prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm reaching an egg, while the desogestrel progestogen-only pill can also stop ovulation.