Contraception

 

Reliable contraception is essential

Contraception helps protect you from pregnancy. If you don’t want to have a baby, reliable contraception is essential. Sexwise helps you compare different methods to find the right one for you.

You can get contraception free from:

  • Your GP – your GP can prescribe the pill
  • Some GPs can also give you other methods such as an implant or intrauterine device (coil). If they don’t offer that service, they can refer you to a GP that can
  • You can contact NHS Blackpool sexual health services who offer a range of methods
  • If you’re under 25, you can also contact Connect
  • All of these services offer free pregnancy testing

Emergency contraception

If you think your contraception has failed or you’ve had unprotected sex, you can use emergency contraception. You need to do this as soon as possible. There are two different types of emergency contraception available – emergency contraceptive pill (Levonelle or ellaOne) and emergency IUD

Emergency contraception can be very effective, especially if you have an IUD fitted or if the emergency contraceptive pill is taken soon after sex.

If you need emergency contraception, you can get it free from:

If you’re 16 or over, you can buy the emergency contraceptive pill from most pharmacies, in person or online.

Sterilisation

If you want a vasectomy (male sterilisation) or female sterilisation, contact your GP for who would need to make the referral.