Routine and Emergency Contraception

We offer several contraception services at the practice. You can find our more about which sort of contraception is right for you here

We provide the pill, patch and injection. We also run special clinics to provide Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC). This gives 3 years or more of effective contraception. It doesn't depend on you remembering to take or use them. These are:

Contraceptive Pill (and Patches)

We offer both the combined pill and the progesterone only pill.

To start the pill or change pill, please book a routine, face-to-face GP appointment.

If the pill is right for you, we will begin with a 3 month supply and then a review. After that review, if everything is going well you will receive a 12 month supply.

You will need a review and a blood pressure check every year. Please book a face-to-face review with the nurse or the practice pharmacist each time.

Contraceptive Implant

A contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is a small, flexible rod placed just under the skin of your upper arm. It works for 3 years.

Please call reception to book an appointment to get an implant, or have your implant replaced. We will book you in a special clinic and issue you a prescription for the implant. You need to collect the implant from the pharmacy and bring it with you to your appointment.

If this is the first time you are having the implant, the doctor will telephone you on an agreed day before your fitting. The doctor will check the implant is the best option for you.

Coils / IUD / IUS

IUDs or IUSs are small devices that’s put into your uterus (womb). There are different types

Please call reception to book an appointment if you would like to book for a coil fitting or replacement. We will book you in a special clinic. The doctor will call you on an agreed day before your fitting to confirm which type of coil is best for you.

We need to be sure that you are not pregnant before we can fit an IUD or IUS. You must use a reliable method of contraception in the month before your appointment.

Contraceptive Injection / Depo-Provera Injection

The contraceptive injection can be administered by the practice nurse every 3 months.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception can be used by a woman to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex. There are 2 types of emergency contraception:

The emergency contraceptive pill (known as the “morning after pill”) can be taken up to three days (72 hours) after you have had unprotected sex. If it is taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex, the emergency contraceptive pill is effective in preventing 95% of pregnancies. However, the later the emergency contraceptive pill is taken, the lower the success rate.

The non-hormonal coil, also known as the IUD (intrauterine device) is also a very effective emergency contraception if inserted up to five days after you’ve had unprotected sex. Sometimes called the ‘copper coil’, the IUD is a small T-shaped device that sits in your womb. It is long-acting but can be easily removed if you decide you want to become pregnant or use alternative contraception.

There are a number of places you can get emergency contraception:

Some Lambeth pharmacists give emergency contraception for free and our receptionists can provide you with a list
Lambeth residents can order emergency contraception online at Sexual Health London
The emergency contraceptive pill is also available free of charge from most family planning clinics and the Practice
If you need emergency contraception whilst the pharmacies, sexual health clinics and Practice are closed, you can also contact NHS 111

If you would like more information about where to get emergency contraception please contact NHS 111 open 24 hours a day. The availability of these services may be reduced over bank holiday periods.

The emergency contraceptive pill should not be used as a regular method of contraception. If you would like general advice on contraception please make an appointment with the practice nurse or GP.

C Card (free condom distribution scheme) outlets for young people aged 15-24 are also available across Lambeth. Please visit Come Correct to register and find the nearest location.