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Contraception
Contraception
Contraception
Are you feeling unsure about which type of contraceptive is the best choice for you?
Perhaps you’re concerned about the side effects of the pill that you’re taking, or have only been the given the option of pills such as Microgynon®?
Maybe you’re fed up with breakthrough bleeding whilst using your contraception, or you’ve noticed mood swings or a change in your skin?
If so, we can help. We’ll give you plenty of time to explore your contraceptive options and give you access to privately prescribed contraceptives that you may not have access to via the NHS.
We offer a wide variety of contraceptive options, including:
The combined pill (aka ‘the pill’) contains manufactured versions of the hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. These vary in type and dose from pill to pill; most brands contain ethinyloestradiol as the oestrogen component, but there are several progesterone compounds used in different pills, such as levonorgestrel, desogestrel, gestodene, drospirenone and norethisterone.
Some people may experience breakthrough bleeding when using a pill that contains a low dose of oestrogen (e.g. Mercilon®), whilst others might experience bloating or breast tenderness with a pill that contains a higher level of oestrogen (e.g. Cilique®).
The type of progesterone used in a pill will also influence the potential side effects. Some progestogens are more ‘androgenic’ (meaning that they may have a greater testosterone type activity within the body), and may create mood and skin changes.
In contrast, some pills that have a less androgenic effect can tend to reduce libido (e.g. Yasmin®).
We can give you the time to talk through how you feel about your current pill, and give you expert advice about your options, enabling you to find a pill that best suits your needs.
Contraceptive implant removal near me
Nexplanon® is a contraceptive implant that’s designed to last for three years. It’s a small, flexible, narrow implant, that’s 4cm in length (about the size of a matchstick) and it’s placed under the skin on the inside of your upper arm.
It slowly releases a steady dose of a hormone that prevents pregnancy, and it’s over very effective in preventing pregnancy. Less than 1 in 1000 women will become pregnant whilst using the implant.
It’s a bit like being on the mini pill, with the big advantage that you don’t have to remember to take a pill each day. It can also help with heavy periods and period pain.
Nexplanon® works by preventing ovulation (egg release) and thinning the lining of the womb, so it prevents a fertilised egg from implanting.
It’s important to know that an implantable form of contraception cannot protect you against sexually transmitted diseases, so it’s advisable to also use a barrier form of protection (such as a condom).
The insertion procedure carries a small risk of bruising, infection, bleeding, and some people may form a lot of scar tissue around the implant, which may make it a little bit more difficult to remove.
Any medication brings with it the risk of an allergic reaction, but in the case of Nexplanon®, an allergic reaction is extremely rare.
Some women may notice a change in their bleeding pattern whilst using Nexplanon®. A third of women will experience infrequent or irregular bleeding, and around a quarter of women will have prolonged bleeding. Some women will have no bleeding at all.
When you first start with Nexplanon®, you might notice some temporary breast tenderness, headaches, or a shift in your mood. Some people may notice a worsening of their acne whilst they are using the implant.
We can fit the Nexplanon® implant at our clinic – and you should book a 45-minute appointment.
You can have it fitted at any time during your menstrual cycle, provided you’re not pregnant. If you have it inserted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle (day 1 is the first day of your period), then you won’t need any additional contraception whilst the implant gets to work, but if it’s inserted at any other time, you’ll need an additional form of contraception (e.g. the Pill or condoms) for 7 days.
If you’re approaching (but haven’t yet reached the full 3-year lifespan of the implant), and if you wish it to be changed for a new one, there is no need for additional contraception after the changeover.
During the procedure, the skin on the inside of your non-dominant upper arm is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic injection is given to numb the area. The implant is inserted under the skin using an injection applicator – you might feel a small pinch, but it won’t be painful.
After it’s inserted, a small Steri-strip will close the skin entry point, which you should keep clean and dry for 24 hours (the strip will off naturally).
You may experience a little bit of aching or very mild bruising in the area. The implant won’t be visible to the eye, but you’ll be able to feel it by pressing lightly over the area.
If in the unlikely event of experiencing a lot of pain around the site of the implant, or, if you are unable to feel it (or sense it has moved or changed shape), or if you were to become pregnant, please book a review.
If you have any concerns about your bleeding pattern after the insertion, do book an appointment and we can discuss your options.
Finally, if during the 3 years of the implant being in place, you wish to conceive, the implant can be removed and your fertility will return immediately.
We’re able to offer Nexplanon® removal at the clinic, and it doesn’t matter if you had it fitted at another clinic.
If you’re wanting to conceive, the removal of the implant will immediately restore your fertility.
If you’re experiencing side effects from the implant (such as irregular bleeding) and you wish to have the implant removed (so that you can change to an alternative form of contraception), you need to be aware that your fertility will immediately return upon removal of the implant.
The procedure involves cleaning the skin overlying the implant, and a local anaesthetic injection is given in the area to completely numb it.
A small hole is made through the skin and the implant is gently removed, and the skin is closed with Steri strips (no stitches are needed). You should keep the area clean and dry for 48 hours.
The procedure isn’t painful, but you may experience a little bit of tugging.
Very rarely the implant might break upon the attempted removal, which may require a slightly larger incision to be made to retrieve it.
After the removal, you may have a little soreness and bruising in the arm for a few days, and when you are comfortable, you can return to exercise and sports.
What does Depo-Provera® do to your body?
Depo-Provera® is a progesterone-based medication. It prevents ovulation (the release of an egg), and also thins the lining of the womb to make it less suitable for egg implantation.
It’s given in the form of an injection usually into the buttock muscle, every 12 weeks.
It’s important to remember to attend for your injection on time, or you may risk getting pregnant.
How soon does Depo-Provera® start working?
If you have the injection within the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle (day 1 is the first day of your period), then you won’t need to use any additional contraception.
If you have the injection on any other days of your cycle, you will need to use additional contraception (such as condoms) for 7 days, whilst the medication takes effect.
What are the advantages of Depo-Provera®?
It’s a very effective form of contraception and less than 1 in 1000 women will become pregnant whilst using it. It’s particularly helpful for women who find it difficult to remember to take a pill each day, and it’s not affected by taking other medications (e.g. antibiotics).
It may be a good option for you if you can’t use an oestrogen-based form of contraception.
It’s also safe to use whilst breastfeeding.
Many women have a very reduced or absent menstrual cycle whilst using it, which can be an advantage in reducing heavy or painful periods. Some women who experience PMS can also benefit from using it.
Some women will experience irregular bleeding, or no bleeding at all whilst using Depo-Provera®. It can take up to a year before periods return to their normal cycle, and this means that it may take a year before normal fertility is restored.
Some people may gain weight whilst using Depo-Provera®, and some report experiencing mood changes, acne, and headaches.
How long can you be on Depo-Proveraâ?
Depo-Provera® alters oestrogen levels and this can cause thinning of the bones, which is thought to reverse once the medication is stopped, but you may be advised to stop using it after 2 years of use, to prevent a long-term effect on your bones.
Depending on the type of coil (intrauterine device – IUD) that you have, you can expect its contraceptive action to last from 3 to 10 years.
When should I have my coil removed?
If your coil has ‘expired’ or if you wish to try for a pregnancy, we can removal your coil for you (no matter if you had it fitted at another clinic).
If you’ve been experiencing very heavy periods (e.g. with a copper contraceptive coil), or if you have a sexually transmitted infection, coil removal may be recommended, and we can advise you on this.
Having a coil removed is a little like having it inserted, but it’s a quicker procedure.
A speculum is introduced into the vagina, and the strings of the coil are grasped with forceps, and then the coil is gently pulled out.
Sometimes if the threads aren’t easily visible, a special hook is used to retrieve them.
You may experience a little cramping or light bleeding after the coil is removed.
If you’re looking for expert advice about the best form of contraception for you, we’re here to help.
