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Contraception

Starting, switching, or emergency contraception. Confidential consultation.

Speak to a GP about contraceptionFrom £79
A doctor consulting about Contraception

In short

Choosing contraception depends on your medical history, lifestyle, plans, and preferences. A GP can talk you through the options, prescribe most methods, or refer you for long-acting methods at a free NHS sexual health service.

Overview

What is contraception?

Contraception means preventing pregnancy. There are many methods with different effectiveness rates. The most reliable methods are long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as the implant, coil, or injection, with failure rates under 1%. Daily methods like the pill are reliable when taken consistently.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Not applicable, contraception is preventive

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP when you want to start contraception for the first time, are considering switching methods, have had unprotected sex and need emergency contraception (act quickly, sooner is more effective), or are having problems with your current method.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Severe headache with visual changes (could indicate a blood clot in the brain, stop contraception, call 111 or 999)
  • Calf pain or swelling, or sudden shortness of breath (possible blood clot, call 111 or 999)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Sudden severe migraine that's different from your usual

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Discussion of all available methods based on your needs and medical history
  • Combined hormonal contraception (pill, patch, ring)
  • Progestogen-only pill (mini pill), useful if combined methods aren't suitable
  • Emergency contraception (ulipristal acetate or levonorgestrel), effectiveness drops the longer you wait
  • Referral to an NHS sexual health service for long-acting methods (IUD, IUS, implant, injection) which are free
  • Annual review and prescription renewal

What we don't do

  • Insertion of coils, implants, or other long-acting methods, refer to NHS sexual health services, which provide these free
  • NHS prescriptions

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about contraception starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about contraception

Is emergency contraception 100% effective?
No. Levonorgestrel is around 84% effective if taken within 72 hours, dropping with time. Ulipristal acetate is more effective and works for up to 120 hours. A copper IUD is the most effective emergency option (over 99%).
How long after starting the pill is it effective?
If started on day 1 of your period, the combined pill is effective immediately. Otherwise, use extra protection for 7 days.
Will I gain weight on the pill?
Evidence is limited. Some women experience weight changes, others don't. The progestogen-only injection (Depo) is more consistently associated with weight gain.
Are there options if I've had blood clots?
Yes. Progestogen-only methods (mini pill, implant, IUS, injection) don't carry the same clot risk as combined hormonal contraception.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about contraception?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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