Contraception helps to protect you from pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
There are many different types of contraception. Not all are suitable for everyone. Nursing staff at The Corner can discuss different options with you and give you all the information you need. We can help you to make an informed choice about what method suits you. Visit our appointments page to arrange an initial chat with us or contact us here.
It is important to remember that not all forms of contraception protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). Condoms are the only type of contraception that protects against STIs.
For more information on different methods of contraception, visit these links or see our drop down menu below:
Sexwise – honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.
Family Planning Association – products and resources on sexual and reproductive health.
This pill contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen. The combined oral pill works by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). It also thickens the mucus of the cervix which means it is difficult for sperm to reach the egg. It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner, so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
If the combined pill is taken correctly it is over 99% effective.
Advantages:
- It can make your periods more regular, lighter and less painful
- When you stop using the pill your fertility returns to normal
- It can reduce the risk of cancer of the ovary uterus and colon
- It gives you the choice not to have a monthly bleed
- it can improve acne in some people
Disadvantages:
- It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections
- The pill may increase your blood pressure
- You might get some side effects at first including headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changed.
You can get this type of pill from The Corner, sexual health clinic or your GP.
For more information on the combined oral contraceptive, visit:
Sexwise – honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.
This pill contains the hormone progestogen. The progestogen only pill works by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). It also thickens the mucus of the cervix which means it is difficult for sperm to reach the egg. It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner, so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
If the progestogen only pill is taken correctly it is over 99% effective.
Advantages:
- You can use it at any age
- When you stop using it your fertility will return to normal
- You can use it if you cannot take oestrogens
- You can use the progestogen only pill while breast feeding
Disadvantages:
- Your periods might change in a way that is not ok for you. They may be irregular, last longer or stop altogether
- It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections
- You might get some side effects at first including headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes and spotty skin
You can get this type of pill from The Corner, sexual health clinic or your GP.
For more information on the progestogen only pill, visit:
Sexwise – honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.
The patch contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen. It sticks to your skin and releases hormones. The contraceptive patch works by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). It also thickens the mucus of the cervix which means it is difficult for sperm to reach the egg. It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner, so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
If the contraceptive patch is taken correctly it is over 99% effective.
Advantages:
- It can make your periods more regular, lighter and less painful
- When you stop using it your fertility returns to normal
- It is not affected by diarrhoea or vomiting
Disadvantages:
- It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections
- The patch can be seen on your skin.
- It might cause skin irritation
- You might get some side effects at first including headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changes
You can get this type of contraception from The Corner, sexual health clinic or your GP.
For more information on the contraceptive patch, visit:
Sexwise – honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure
The implant, sometimes known as the rod, is a small flexible rod that is placed just under your skin in the upper part of your arm. It releases a progestogen hormone into your body. It works for 3 years.
The implant works by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). It also thickens the mucus of the cervix which means it is difficult for sperm to reach the egg. It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner, so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
The implant is over 99% effective and is one of the most effective methods of contraception.
Advantages:
- It works for 3 years
- Your fertility will return to normal when the implant is removed
- You can use it if you are breast feeding
- It may reduce heavy, painful periods
Disadvantages:
- Your periods may change in a way that is not acceptable to you – your periods may become heavier, lighter or might not come at all
- You might get some side effects at first including headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changes
- It can sometimes make acne worse or you might develop acne
- It is not suitable if you are using some medications
- It requires a small procedure to fit and remove it
- An implant does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections
You can get this type of contraception from The Corner, sexual health clinic or your GP.
For more information on the implant, visit:
Sexwise – honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure
The contraceptive injection contains a progestogen hormone. The injection works by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). It also thickens the mucus of the cervix which means it is difficult for sperm to reach the egg. It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner, so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
Advantages:
- It lasts for 13 weeks
- It is over 99% effective
- It can be used if you are breastfeeding
- Your period may become lighter and less painful
Disadvantages:
- The injection cannot be removed from your body which means if you experience any side effects, they may last for 13 weeks
- It can take some time for your fertility to return if you decide to stop the injection
- Your periods may change in a way that is not acceptable to you – your periods may become heavier, lighter or might not come at all
- You might get some side effects such as spotty skin, hair loss, decreased libido, mood changes and headaches
- The injection does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections
- Some people might put on weight
You can get this type of contraception from The Corner, sexual health clinic or your GP.
For more information on the contraceptive injection, visit:
Sexwise – honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure
The IUS is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into your uterus and releases a progestogen hormone. There are different types of IUS that can work for 3, 4 or 5 years. An IUS is sometimes called the coil.
The IUS works by making the lining of your uterus thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg. It also thickens the mucus of the cervix which means it is difficult for sperm to reach the egg. In some people, it stops the ovaries from releasing an egg. The IUS is over 99% effective.
Advantages:
- You do not need to remember to use it
- Your periods might become much lighter, shorter, and less painful
- Some IUS can help with heavy periods
- It can last for up to 5 years depending on the type of IUS
- It can be used if you are breastfeeding
- Your fertility returns to normal when it is removed
- It is not affected by medicines
- It is useful if you can not use estrogens
Disadvantages:
- Your periods might change in a way that is not acceptable to you
- Some people might get some side effects such as acne, headaches, or breast tenderness for the first few months
- Some people develop small fluid filled cysts on their ovaries that may cause pain
- You will need an internal examination when the IUS is fitted
- The IUS does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections
The Corner do not offer the IUS, but staff can help you to make an appointment for one at the sexual health clinic or at your GP if they fit them.
For more information on the IUS, visit:
Sexwise – honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.
The IUD is a small plastic and copper device that is inserted into your uterus. It works as a method of contraception for up to 10 years depending on the type. An IUD is sometimes called a coil or copper coil.The IUD is over 99% effective.
The IUD prevents sperm from surviving in your uterus. It also changes the mucus at your cervix to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. It may also stop a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus.
Advantages:
- It works as soon as it is put in
- It works for 5 to 10 years depending on the type
- It can be used if you are breast feeding
- It is not affected by other medicines
- Your fertility returns to normal as soon as it is taken out
Disadvantages:
- Your periods may be heavier, longer, or more painful. This might improve after a few months.
- You will need to have an internal examination when the IUD is fitted
- The IUD does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
The Corner do not offer the IUS, but staff can help you to make an appointment for one at the sexual health clinic or at your GP if they fit them.
For more information on the IUD, visit:
Sexwise – – honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.
The vaginal ring is a flexible plastic ring that is inserted into your vagina. It contains the hormones estrogen and progestogen.
The vaginal ring works by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). It also thickens the mucus of the cervix which means it is difficult for sperm to reach the egg. It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner, so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
If the vaginal ring is used correctly it is over 99% effective.
Advantages:
- It is easy to insert and remove
- It is not affected by vomiting or diarrhoea
- Your period will usually become more regular, lighter, and less painful
Disadvantages:
- You might get some temporary side effects such as vaginal infections, headaches, nausea, irregular bleeding, and tender breasts
- You may not feel comfortable inserting and removing it
- Breakthrough bleeding, and spotting can happen in the first few months of use
- There may be a small risk of thrombosis, breast cancer and cervical cancer
- The vaginal ring does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections
The Corner do not provide the contraceptive ring, but you can get it from the sexual health clinic or your GP.
For more information on the vaginal ring, visit:
Sexwise – honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.
Emergency contraception, sometimes known as ‘the morning after pill’ is needed when you have unprotected sex (sex without using a condom) or if you think that the contraception you are using has failed (such as a condom bursting or missed contraception). Its purpose is to try to prevent pregnancy.
Emergency contraception can be very effective, but it is not as effective as using a regular method of contraception. The Corner can discuss your contraceptive choices with you.
It is important to get in touch as soon as you are able to after having unprotected sex as the emergency contraceptive pill needs to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex to have the best chance of working.
You can get emergency contraception for free from The Corner. You can also get it from any sexual health clinic, pharmacies, NHS minor injuries, some hospital accident and emergency departments.
There are two types of emergency contraception:
- The emergency Intrauterine device – known as the IUD. This method is not fitted at The Corner, but we can help you to get an appointment for one. The IUD has to be fitted within 5 days of having unprotected sex.
- An emergency contraceptive pill. There are two different types of pill which can be taken up to 3 days after having unprotected sex and one that can be taken up to 5 days after having unprotected sex. The most suitable one for you can be discussed with a nurse at The Corner.
For more information about emergency contraception and how it works, visit:
Sexwise – honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.
Condoms are usually made of latex or rubber and cover the penis. This is so that semen and other fluids released during sex are not passed between partners. When used correctly, condoms prevent pregnancy and are the only method of contraception that prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. They can be used for oral, anal and vaginal sex. If a condom breaks or you have had unprotected sex, remember to get emergency contraception.
If you are aged 13-19, you can get free condoms and lubrication at The Corner. You can pick up a C Card from staff or download the app on your phone and have your card unlocked so you can access free condoms at various venues across the city. Don’t worry if you do not have C Card – you can still get free condoms. When you ask for condoms at The Corner staff will have a chat with you and ask some questions about relationships, safe sex, consent, sex and the law, alcohol and drugs, contraception and offer a condom demonstration.