Regular, planned contraception is the most effective way to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. There is lots of helpful information on the many contraceptive methods available online via the Sexwise website. The linked summary page below explains more about all of the forms of contraception currently available:
https://www.sexwise.org.uk/contraception/which-method-contraception-right-me.
Before discussing suitable potential contraceptive methods with you, our Practice Nurse or Doctor will assess your age, medical history, sexual lifestyle and personal views and preferences. No contraceptive method is 100% reliable but in all cases contraceptive methods are more effective if used properly. It is worth remembering that male or female condoms are the only forms of contraception that also protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
We provide ALL available forms of contraception at Riverbank, from pills to coils and implants, also referral for vasectomy and in some cases female sterilisation. Please book an appointment to speak to your GP or the nurse. For coil or implant procedures we are happy for you to directly book in to clinics via the secretaries. However if you would like to discuss first please book an appointment for discussion first as above.
Pill Checks and repeats
Women taking the oral contraceptive pill in particular need a review at least every 12 months to ensure that we are continuing to prescribe safely and effectively for you. We will either send you a text review questionnaire when you request your contraception or you can complete the pill check proforma (click link below) to help make this process as convenient for you as possible.
PLEASE COMPLETE AND SAVE AS A PDF FILE BEFORE SENDING BACK IN)
If you require a paper copy of an information leaflet or the pill check proforma please let our secretaries know and we will happily provide this for you.
You can also use our electronic consulting tool, eConsult which has a similar form which you might find easier to send the information we need. Please see the home page.
Emergency Contraception
If you’ve had unprotected sex, that is, sex without using contraception, or think your contraception might have failed, you can use emergency contraception.
There are three main types of emergency contraception:
- The emergency intrauterine device (IUD): this is the most effective method in preventing an unplanned pregnancy
- An emergency contraceptive pill with the active ingredient ulipristal acetate (UPA)
- An emergency contraceptive pill containing the hormone levonorgestrel
Emergency contraception can be very effective, but it’s not as effective as using other methods of contraception regularly.
Dependent on which type of emergency pill is chosen there is either a 3 or 5 day window in which it can be taken. However it is important to remember that the sooner it is taken after sex, the more effective it will be at preventing a pregnancy. The time in your menstrual cycle at which the unprotected sex took place will also influence how well the pill works.
Emergency contraceptive pills can also be obtained directly from sexual health clinics or pharmacies. Note that they are free of charge if issued by your GP, sexual health clinics and certain pharmacies but there is a one off charge (which is typically between £25 and £35) if purchased from most pharmacies. If you have any questions or would like to request emergency contraception in hours (Monday-Friday 8.30am – 6.30pm) please arrange a phone consultation with one of our GPs. If it is out of hours and you require emergency contraception please call NHS 111 or visit a pharmacy directly to discuss your needs.
The linked page below contains more information on emergency contraception:
https://www.sexwise.org.uk/contraception/emergency-contraception
Pregnancy Choices
If you have had an unexpected positive pregnancy test, you may have mixed feelings about what to do next. Or, if your pregnancy was planned, but sadly after antenatal screening you have been told of a serious foetal anomaly, you may be thinking about wanting to end your pregnancy. We want to know we are here for you at this difficult time and can talk to you about your wishes. You can self refer to discuss your options further with MSI who are contracted to provide NHS services in our area.
Website: https://www.msichoices.org.uk/
Tel: 0345 300 8090
Intrauterine devices(coils) and implants
We offer both coil (IUD all types) and implant fits and removals at the surgery. Please either speak to your GP, the contraception nurse, or if certain what you need you can ask for an appointment via reception. We have a dedicated team to book these appointments so we will call you back to book in.
There is lots of information on the NHS website. You can also download our information leaflets that we send to every patient booking for a procedure.