Contraception Advisory and Prescribing Service

How can we support you?  Do you have a history of:  

  • Mood changes; low mood or increased anxiety when taking hormonal contraception 
  • PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) or PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) 
  • Family history of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or your own diagnosis.  
  • Painful or and heavy periods.  
  • Acne 
 

With a comprehensive approach to hormone health and future fertility, we can share our knowledge, to help guide you to make an informed decision of a contraception that can support your needs. There are a wide range of different contraception choices available, which can affect women, or support women on their hormone journey.  

Some contraceptive pills are sequenced, which means they mimic the natural hormonal cycle. Some that are more supportive at helping painful heavy periods or acne.  

Having the time to discuss concerns, past experiences, and needs, helps you to make an informed decision of your contraception choice.  

Virtual Comprehensive Consultation with Doctor

45 minute Consultation
£ 199
  • Discuss all aspects of menstrual, vaginal, sexual and contraceptive health
  • Suitable for those with other medical conditions that need further advice.
  • Summary letter to you and your GP for ongoing care if needed.
  • A private prescription is included in this appointment if needed (cost of contraception is paid separately directly to pharmacy)

Pre-Consultation Information

A blood pressure reading within 4 weeks is required for contraceptive prescriptions as is your body mass index (BMI) (Height and weight).  Your GP, or local pharmacy can check your blood pressure.  You can also purchase your own machine hereWe will send you an extensive health questionnaire so we can look at all aspects of your health and provide safe, individualised advice. 

Contraceptive Choices

There are lots of methods of contraception. By finding out more about each method, you can choose contraception that suits you. Please see below for just a few of the contraceptive choices available. For more information, please see our patient information page all about choosing your contraception.

Progesterone-only Pill

  • This is an oral tablet/pill with progesterone only
  • Costs from £18 – £65
  • You take 1 pill a day, at the same time.
  • It can stop your period, make it lighter or cause irregular bleeding throughout the month.
  • Common side effects can include spotty skin and changes to your mood or sex drive.
  • It is 91% effective with typical use.

Contraceptive Ring

  • Popular in Europe, not prescribed as much in the UK due to costs for GP’s
  • A small, soft plastic ring that you place inside your vagina.
  • Costs from £42
  • You leave ring in for 3 weeks (21 days).
  • It can increase your risk of blood clots (thrombosis), breast cancer and cervical cancer.
  • It can make periods regular, lighter and less painful.
  • Common side effects can include mood changes, nausea, and breast tenderness.
  • It is 91% effective with typical use.

Contraceptive Patch

  • This is a small, sticky patch that sticks to your skin.
  • Costs start from £42-£135
  • Replace with a new patch every 7 days.
  • It can increase your risk of blood clots (thrombosis), breast cancer and cervical cancer.
  • It can make periods regular, lighter and less painful.
  • Common side effects can include mood changes, nausea, and breast tenderness.
  • It is 91% effective with typical use.

Contraceptive Injection

  • This is an injection you can give yourself.
  • Costs start from £40- £70
  • Self-inject every 13 weeks.
  • It can reduce bone density over time, but this returns to usual levels once you stop using the injection.
  • It can make periods lighter, heavier, irregular or stop altogether.
  • Common side effects can include spotty skin, weight gain, or changes to your mood or sex drive.
  • It is 94% with typical use. 

Combined Pill

  • This is an oral tablet/ pill with oestrogen and progesterone
  • Costs start from £19- £98
  • Take 1 pill a day 
  • It can increase your risk of blood clots (thrombosis), breast cancer and cervical cancer.
  • It can make periods regular, lighter and less painful.
  • Common side effects can include mood changes, nausea, and breast tenderness.
  • It is 91% effective with typical use.