Contraceptive Advice

Why your Contraception Choice Matters

Contraception is not one-size-fits-all. What works well for one person may not feel right for another, and your needs can change over time.

The most suitable option for you depends on a combination of factors, including:

• Your medical history
• Your age and lifestyle
• Your periods and any menstrual symptoms
• Your future fertility plans
• How you feel about using hormones
• Your personal preferences and priorities

Taking time to talk through these factors together helps ensure that your contraception is not only safe and effective, but also something you feel comfortable and confident using.

Types of Contraception

Hormonal Methods

Combined Hormonal Contraception (the pill, patch, or vaginal ring):

• Contains oestrogen and progestogen
• Works mainly by preventing ovulation
• Can help regulate periods and reduce menstrual pain for some women

Progesterone-only Methods

• The progestogen-only pill
• The contraceptive injection
• The implant
• The hormonal intrauterine system (IUS)

These options are suitable for many women who are unable to use oestrogen, and they offer different durations and levels of hormone exposure.

Non-Hormonal Methods

Non-hormonal options may suit women who prefer to avoid hormones or who have specific medical considerations. These include:

• The copper intrauterine device (IUD)
• Condoms
• Fertility awareness methods
• Permanent contraception (in selected circumstances)

Each option has its own advantages, and we can explore these in detail based on your needs.

How Effective is Contraception?

Different methods offer different levels of effectiveness:

• Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as implants and intrauterine devices, are the most effective options
• Pills and condoms are also effective when used correctly and consistently
• Using dual protection (for example, condoms alongside another method) can also help protect against sexually transmitted infections

Choosing an effective method is important, but it’s equally important that it fits realistically into your life.

Contraception and your Health

Your medical background plays an important role in choosing the safest option for you. Factors we consider include:

• Migraine history
• Risk of blood clots
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Smoking status
• Breast health
• Conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, or heavy periods

A full medical assessment allows us to prescribe contraception safely and confidently, with your long-term health in mind.

Contraception for Symptom Control

For some women, contraception is used not only to prevent pregnancy, but also to help manage symptoms such as:

• Heavy or painful periods
• PMS or PMDD
• Endometriosis-related pain
• Acne

In these cases, contraception can play a therapeutic role as well as a preventative one.

Starting, Changing, or Stopping Contraception

Support is available whether you are:

• Starting contraception for the first time
• Changing methods due to side effects or changing needs
• Stopping contraception in preparation for pregnancy

This includes reviewing past experiences, managing side effects, switching safely between methods, and discussing the return of fertility and pre-pregnancy health when appropriate.

How Contraception Advice is Provided

Your care typically includes:

• A comprehensive consultation and medical screening
• Clear, balanced explanations of risks and benefits
• Discussion of both hormonal and non-hormonal options
• Fitting and follow-up of coils or implants where appropriate
• Ongoing review for patients based between London and Oxford

Frequently Asked Questions

Will contraception affect my future fertility?
Most contraceptive methods are fully reversible, and fertility usually returns once contraception is stopped.

Is the pill safe to use long-term?
For many women, yes — with regular review to ensure it remains suitable.

Which method is best?
The best method is the one that suits your health, lifestyle, and preferences — and feels right for you.