Contraceptive services during the COVID-19 outbreak

During the COVID outbreak we will be following the advice of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health. Contraceptive services will unfortunately be affected.

Please find your form of contraception in the list below and how it may be affected.

Emergency contraception

We will continue to provide emergency contraception. Please ask for an emergency telephone call with the doctor.

Contraceptive pill

The “mini-pill” or Progesterone Only Pill is safe to continue without a review at the surgery. Please request a further prescription from the surgery in the usual way.
The “Combined contraceptive pill” is safe to continue without a review at the surgery as long as at your last review you were fit and well and that you have not changed in weight or health significantly since that date. Please request a further prescription from the surgery in the usual way.

Depo (Provera) injection

We will need to change your form of contraception. You will need to start the mini-pill within 14 weeks of your last injection for contraception cover to continue. Please book an appointment with Sister or your usual doctor for further discussion in plenty of time.

Please note that for women who had previously used SAYANA PRESS self-administered depo, it may be possible to go back to this method. Please book a telephone call with Sister or Dr Nicolson to discuss this further. We will not be able to offer this to women who have not had it before.

Implant (Nexplanon)

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health have stated that your implant is likely to be effective up to 4 years but after 3 years this cannot be guaranteed and so women should consider the additional use of condoms or the mini-pill. Please ask for a routine contraceptive review appointment with Sister or Dr Nicolson to discuss this further.

Coil

Routine changes of coils are postponed during the COVID crisis. Please use condoms after the due date for change.
(For additional consideration. The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health have stated that the Mirena coil is safe until 6 years without additional condom use, and that it is contraceptively effective until the age of 55, if fitted at or after 45years.The copper coil is effective until the age of 55 years if fitted at or after 40years)
Important note.

If the Mirena coil is used as part of HRT and is due to be changed then it is important to make a telephone call appointment with usual doctor. You will need additional HRT.