Contraception

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Our consultants are highly trained in prescribing a variety of contraceptive methods. These include the combined oral contraceptive pill, the progesterone only pill or ‘minipill’, contraceptive injections, hormonal and non-hormonal coils and implants. Dr Rachel Hines is available to offer Nexplanon implants.

 

As well as providing contraception, many methods provide symptom control, from regulating periods to managing heavy bleeding. Your medical history, personal risk factors and preferences are taken into account when prescribing contraception.

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Coil Fitting

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There are two types of coil available and you can choose whichever you feel better suits your needs.

 

The copper IUD coil has no hormones and can last for up to 10 years. It is also used as a method of emergency contraception.

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The IUS coil (eg. Mirena, Jaydess and Kyleena) contains a small amount of progesterone and lasts for 5 (Mirena & Kayleena) or 3 (Jaydess) years. It can be very helpful for controlling heavy or painful periods as well as providing contraception.

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A coil can be fitted at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you are not pregnant. We advise that you book your appointment to occur during the first five days of your cycle. Please note the consultant will check that there is no risk of potential STIs before fitting a coil as this can cause further complications.

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We advise that you take some painkillers before your appointment, as having a coil fitted can be uncomfortable. If you are particularly worried regarding pain, you can contact the practice prior to your appointment, so that we can prescribe you some local anaesthetic gel. We recommend that you are able to rest for the day if needed, as you can experience period like cramps afterwards.

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You may wish to have a follow-up visit 6 weeks after your coil is inserted, to check that the coil is still in the correct position.

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Contraceptive implants – Nexplanon

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Nexplanon is a small rod which is inserted under the skin in your upper arm. It releases progesterone into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. It lasts for 3 years, but can be removed at any time. 

It can be used at any age and is a very effective form of contraception. It can change your periods- some women don’t have any bleeding, some women have regular bleeding and some women can have irregular bleeding with it. If you do have bleeding it tends to be lighter, less often and less painful.

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Insertion of Nexplanon: 

To fit, we give an injection of local anaesthetic (lidocaine) and then insert the rod under the skin. Steri-strips (paper stitches) and a pressure dressing are applied after the fitting. You can get some bruising at the site of insertion. 

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Removal of Nexplanon

We give an injection of local anaesthetic (lidocaine) into the skin, make a small cut and then remove the implant. Again, steri-strips and a pressure dressing are applied. 

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Change of Nexplanon

We can remove and fit a new Nexplanon at the same time. Usually you can have 3 consecutive implants in the same arm, and then we switch to using the other arm. 

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It is important to be sure there is no risk of pregnancy at the time of having a Nexplanon fitted. If you are using contraception, please continue with your current method until the Nexplanon has been fitted. If you are not using contraception, please don’t have intercourse from the 1st day of your period until the Nexplanon is fitted.

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What to expect from your appointment:

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• Consultation with one of our female consultant gynaecologists

• Full medical history

• Pelvic examination and / or pregnancy test and / or vaginal swabs

• Pelvic ultrasound scan

• Removal of existing coils if required

• Coil fitting

• Pelvic ultrasound scan to confirm that the coil is safely in the correct position

• Written medical report which can be posted or emailed to yourself and health professional(s) of your choice