Contraception
Contraception and the ‘lockdown’!
Whilst the lockdown is vital to enable our NHS to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic, the inevitable changes to medical services has far-reaching consequences. Everyday health issues don’t just suddenly stop because of the pandemic, but they do become more…
Advice when using the intrauterine system (Mirena, Jaydess, Kyleena, Levosert) during the ‘lockdown’
Many women use intrauterine systems for different reasons, and there are 4 different products that are currently available. Therefore, there is different advice about what needs to be done if your device is due to be changed which depends on…
Advice when using the copper coil during the ‘lockdown’
If you have a copper coil that is due to be changed soon, it really depends on the type of coil you have. If your coil is a 5 year device and is due to be changed, you will need…
Advice when using the contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) during the ‘lockdown’
If you currently have the contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) and it is due to be changed (it is 3 years since it was inserted), you may be concerned about not being able to get it changed during the ‘lockdown’. With the…
Advice when using Combined Hormonal Contraceptives (pill, patches or ring) during the ‘lockdown’
If you have had a review of your pill in the last 6 months, there is no need for you to be seen by your GP. Current advice is that your GP should be able to provide you with a…
Advice when using the Progestogen-only Pill during the ‘lockdown’
The progestogen-only pill (POP or mini-pill) is actually very safe to use long term with minimal monitoring required. Clinical readings (such as blood pressure) are not generally required – although it is always a good opportunity to check these things…
How does emergency contraception work?
There is a choice when it comes to emergency contraception, and the different options work in different ways. Here is a simple summary of how the 3 forms of emergency contraception actually work: Copper Intrauterine Device (‘copper coil’) – this…
Do I really need to have a monthly ‘period’ if I take the combined contraceptive pill?
The traditional way of taking the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) is a cycle of 21 active, hormone-containing tablets followed by 7 days without – often referred to as the pill-free interval. Some brands of COC do include pills that…
I’ve booked my coil fitting – is it going to hurt?
As with most questions like this, there is no easy ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer! From my experience – both as a ‘fitter’ and a ‘fittee’ (made up word!) – each woman is different. The majority of women tell me there…
How effective is the contraceptive pill?
When deciding on what contraception to use, effectiveness is usually high up on the priority list. But a lot of women don’t know that there is a lot of variation in how effective the different options are – and this…