Emergency Contraception

If you have had sex without using contraception, or you think your contraception has failed, you may be able to use the emergency contraception.  

There are two types of emergency contraception available from pharmacies and our clinics: the emergency contraceptive pill (often referred to as the morning after pill) and the intrauterine device (IUD). The IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception.

Levonelle (Levonorgestrel)

Is a type of emergency contraceptive pill can be taken within three days (72 hours) of unprotected sex.  Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that prevents unwanted pregnancy

EllaOne

This emergency contraceptive pill can be taken five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.

Coil

A coil can be inserted up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex but may also be used beyond that timescale in certain circumstances. This is the most effective type of emergency contraception.

If you have any questions or concerns, our friendly team in the service intelligence centre will be pleased to help. 

Condoms

Condoms work really well in stopping most STIs from being passed from an infected partner to another. Although they are not 100% guaranteed, when used properly condoms are extremely effective.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants.

Contraceptive implant

An implant is a small flexible rod that is placed just under your skin in your upper arm. It releases a progestogen hormone similar to the natural progesterone that women produce in their ovaries and works for up to three years.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

IUD stands for "Intrauterine Device" it a small plastic and copper device, sometimes referred to as a "copper coil" that is put into the uterus (womb). It has one or two threads on the end. These thin threads hang through the opening at the entrance of your uterus (cervix) into the top of your vagina.

Intrauterine system (IUS)

IUS stands for "Intrauterine System" is a small T-shaped plastic device that is put into your uterus (womb) and releases a progestogen hormone. This is similar to the natural progesterone that women produce in their ovaries.

The IUS has two threads at one end which hang through the opening at the entrance of your uterus – (the cervix) into the top of your vagina.

Contraceptive injection

The contraceptive injection contains a progestogen hormone which is similar to the natural progesterone that women produce in their ovaries.

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Combined Pill

The combined pill is usually just called the pill. It contains two hormones – estrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the natural hormones women produce in their ovaries. You should follow the instructions provided with your prescription. 

Progestogen-only Pill

This pill contains a progestogen hormone which is similar to the natural progesterone women produce in their ovaries.

Progestogen-only pills (POPs) contain different types of progestogens. POPs are different to combined pills because they do not contain any estrogen.

Vasectomy is a form of male sterilisation where the tubes are cut or blocked. In many parts of the UK you may no longer be able to have a Vasectomy via the NHS and will have to obtain this a paid for private service.

Wellbeing offers no-scalpel Vasectomy at a number of venues across Essex. The no-scalpel method of vasectomy offers a quick, reliable and easy method of permanent contraception.

The no-scalpel method involves less discomfort, no stitches and faster recovery than the traditional method. The procedure itself takes 10-20 minutes and you will typically only be at the clinic for about an hour. Costs are highly competitive and include consultation, procedure, semen testing and aftercare.

By law, you do not need your partner’s permission to have a vasectomy, but some doctors prefer both partners to agree after they have received information and counselling.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit the Wellbeing Vasectomy Service