Contraception
For those already using pills or patches, a repeat supply can be ordered online here. If you haven’t accessed contraception from us before, please book an appointment to speak to a clinician to discuss the full range of options.
Condoms and femidoms reduce risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
Other forms of contraception do not prevent STIs but are more reliable at preventing pregnancy.
If you have a new partner or multiple partners we recommend using a barrier and another method of contraception to minimise risk of STIs and pregnancy.
Luton Sexual Health are here to offer advice and information to help you decide on the right method of contraception for you. All the below methods of contraception are available at Luton Sexual Health.
We do not perform sterilisations but we can discuss your options and refer you for sterilisation if this is your preferred option.
What is it?
Caps (or diaphragms) are thin, soft domes made of latex or silicone that fit inside the vagina.
How it works
Caps stop sperm from passing through the entrance of the womb. When used with spermicide, a chemical that kills sperm, they are 92–96% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Caps are inserted into the vagina before sex. It must be left in place for six hours after sex. It can then be taken out and washed. Caps are reusable.
They come in different sizes, and you must be fitted for the correct size by a trained doctor or nurse.
What is it?
The combined oral contraception pill (COCP) is often simply called ‘the pill’. It contains artificial oestrogen and progesterone hormones which prevent pregnancy.
How it works
The hormones in the pill stop the ovaries from releasing an egg. They also thicken the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm meeting an egg, and thin the lining of the womb to stop eggs implanting.
For the pill to work properly, you need to take it every day at the same time for 21 days in a row, then have a seven-day break, before staring another pack for 21 days. Anyone using the pill usually bleed during this seven -day break.
The combined pill is over 99% effective if used correctly, but if you forget to take it or don’t take it at the same time every day, this falls to around 92%.
If you are someone who may struggle to remember to take the pill every day exactly as directed, there may be better methods of contraception for you to try.
Safe and consistent use of internal (femidoms) or external (condoms) condoms can bring down the risk of unplanned pregnancy and the transmission of most sexually transmitted infections (STI’S) during sex, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. Safe and effective use of dental dams can also be used to reduce oral (mouth) transmission of STI’s
Condoms are available to buy in shops or online, or get them free of charge from our clinic.
If you are a Luton resident you can also sign up to our Condom Card scheme which enables you to get free condoms via post, in clinic or various pharmacies in Luton.
What is it?
A contraceptive injective is a hormone injection that can be given every 12 weeks. The injection is given into the big muscle in the buttocks (backside). It slowly releases a hormone into the body.
Depo-provera is the most popular contraceptive injection in the UK.
How it works
The injection contains progestogen, which thickens the mucus in the cervix, stopping sperm reaching an egg. It also thins the womb lining to prevent the release of an egg.
It is over 99% effective as long as the injections are administered regularly every 12 weeks. On stopping the injections some people may need time to be fertile again and potentially become pregnant.
What is it?
A contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod that is inserted under local anesthetic under the skin of the upper arm. It releases hormones which prevent pregnancy and can stay in place for up to three years, although it can be removed earlier.
Nexplanon is the main contraceptive implant used in the UK.
How it works
The contraceptive implant stops the release of an egg from the ovary by slowly releasing progestogen into the body. This also thickens the cervical mucus and thins the womb lining, making it harder for sperm to move through the cervix, and less likely that the womb will accept a fertilised egg.
Implants are over 99% effective and are instantly reversible once removed, which means that most people will be fertile again and potentially able to become pregnant immediately after the implant has been removed.
About the procedure
If you are having an implant insertion / removal / exchange, you will be given an injection of local anaesthetic in your upper arm so that the procedure does not hurt.
A small incision is made, then the implant is inserted or removed as required. The incision is then secured and your arm will be bandaged. This will help prevent infection and reduce bruising. You will be given an information leaflet and advice on aftercare at home.
Please make sure you wear suitable clothing for this procedure.
What is it?
The contraceptive patch looks like a small plaster. It delivers artificial oestrogen and progesterone hormones into the body through the skin.
How it works
The contraceptive patch contains the same hormones as the combined pill, and it works in the same way. It prevents eggs being released, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm meeting an egg, and thins the lining of the womb to stop eggs implanting.
The patch can be applied anywhere on the skin that is clean, dry and doesn’t have much hair. Each patch lasts for one week. The patch is changed every week for three weeks, then you have a week off without a patch.
For the patch to prevent pregnancy, it is very important that you remember to check that the patch stays in place and to put on a new one once a week as directed.
The patch is 91% effective when used as directed.
If you are someone who may struggle to remember to check the patch is still on or to change it when and how directed, there may be better methods of contraception for you to try.
What is it?
The progestogen-only pill (POP) is sometimes called ‘the mini pill’. It contains an artificial progestogen hormone, but not oestrogen. This pill is a better choice for people who are overweight, have high blood pressure or have a history of blood clots.
How it works
The progestogen-only pill thickens the mucus in the cervix, stopping sperm from reaching an egg. It can also stop ovulation, depending on the type of pill.
The progestogen-only pill is over 99% effective if used correctly, but if you forget to take it or don’t take it at the almost the same time every day, this falls to around 91%.
If you are someone who may struggle to remember to take the pill every day exactly as directed, there may be better methods of contraception for you to try.
What is it?
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic and copper device that is fitted into the womb. The copper has an effect on the fluids within the womb and these changes prevent pregnancy.
An IUD is also known as a “coil”.
How it works
An IUD works by stopping the sperm and egg from surviving in the womb or fallopian tubes. It may also prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb.
An IUD is inserted by a trained doctor or nurse. It can stay in place for between five and 10 years, depending on the type used, although it can be removed earlier.
It is over 99% effective and instantly reversible once removed, which means that most people will be fertile again and potentially able to become pregnant immediately after the IUD has been removed.
About the procedure
You will be asked to test for STI’s prior to having your coil inserted or exchanged.
At the coil procedure, you will lay on a bed and a speculum will be inserted in to the vagina. Using special tools, the clinician will insert the IUD through your cervix in to your womb. IUDs have a string at the bottom that hangs down into your cervix and vagina. They will trim this string so only about an inch or two hangs into your vagina.
During the procedure a chaperone will need to be present. This will be another member of the clinical team who joins the consultation to oversee the procedure.
You will be given any relevant information and aftercare advice.
What is it?
Natural family planning is when a someone works out when they’re in the most fertile part of their monthly cycle, and avoids sex without contraception during this time.
How it works
Natural family planning doesn’t mean ‘withdrawal’ – removing the penis before the man ejaculates.
Everyone is different and natural family planning needs to be thoroughly understood if it is to be effective. You should only use natural family planning if you have been taught by a specialist, so that you can use it effectively.
Natural family planning will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The best way to protect yourself from STIs is to use a condom every time you have sex.
What is it?
The intrauterine system (IUS) is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the womb and contains a slow release hormone.
An IUS is also known as a “coil”.
How it works
An IUS thickens the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from meeting an egg. It also thins the lining of the womb to stop eggs implanting.
An IUS is inserted by a trained doctors or nurse. It can stay in place for up to eight years, although it can be removed earlier.
It is over 99% effective and is instantly reversible once removed, which means that most people will be fertile again and potentially able to become pregnant immediately after the IUS has been removed.
The IUS is often recommended for women who have heavy periods as it may improve their bleeding pattern.
About the procedure
You will be asked to test for STI’s prior to having your coil inserted or exchanged.
At the coil procedure, you will lay on a bed and a speculum will be inserted in to the vagina. Using special tools, the clinician will insert the IUS through your cervix in to your womb. IUDs have a string at the bottom that hangs down into your cervix and vagina. They will trim this string so only about an inch or two hangs into your vagina.
During the procedure a chaperone will need to be present. This will be another member of the clinical team who joins the consultation to oversee the procedure.
You will be given any relevant information and aftercare advice.
What is it?
Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception. It is only suitable for people who are sure they never want children or do not want more children.
Male sterilisation (vasectomy)
This is a permanent method of contraception. It is not always or easily reversible.
During a vasectomy the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis is surgically cut, sealed or blocked. It takes between one and three months for the last sperm to pass out of the body and for the vasectomy to be effective. There will then be no sperm in the semen, so a woman’s egg can’t be fertilised.
A vasectomy is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, and takes about 15 minutes.
Luton Sexual Health can advise about sterilisation and provide more information.
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT OFFER THIS PROCEDURE HERE. PLEASE SPEAK TO YOUR GP.
Female sterilisation (tubal occlusion)
This is a permanent method of contraception. It is not usually reversible.
During female sterilisation the fallopian tubes are surgically cut, sealed or blocked. It takes between one and three months to be effective.
Female sterilisation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, but can be carried out under local anaesthetic, depending on the method used.
Luton Sexual Health can advise about sterilisation and provide more information.
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT OFFER THIS PROCEDURE HERE. PLEASE SPEAK TO YOUR GP.
What is it?
The contraceptive ring (brand name NuvaRing) is a device that is inserted into the vagina and contains artificial oestrogen and progesterone hormones.
How it works
The vaginal ring is a small, soft plastic ring that you place inside your vagina. The release of oestrogen and progestogen prevents eggs being released, thickens the cervical mucus to present sperm meeting an egg, and thins the womb lining so that it is less likely that an egg will be implanted.
A nurse or doctor will explain how to insert the ring into the vagina so that it is comfortable. It stays in place for 21 days before you remove and dispose of it. After a seven-day break, you insert a new ring. You are likely to bleed during the week you have a break from the ring being in place.
The vaginal ring is around 99% effective if used as directed, but this can fall to 91% if you do not remember to insert and remove it at the correct intervals.
If you are someone who may struggle to remember to insert, remove and replace the ring exactly when and how directed, there may be better methods of contraception for you to try.