We are able to provide a wide range of contraceptive services within the practice.
Our family planning services cover all contraceptive options, matched to your preferences, medical history, current and future requirements.
Our doctors can advise on all aspects of contraception, pills (including emergency contraception), Nexplanon Implant, Mirena Coil, Jaydess Coil and Copper Coil.
Dr Beth Rushton holds specialist qualifications in family planning that enables her to fit all types of coils and contraceptive implants.
Nexplanon
This is the small, thin and flexible arm implant that provides up to 3 years of continuous birth control. It’s placed discreetly under the skin of your inner, upper arm. It’s also reversible and can be removed by your doctor at any time during the 3-year period.
Intrauterine system (IUS)
The intrauterine system is a small, T shaped device that is placed in the uterus (womb).
It is more than 99% effective (less than one in 100 women using this method will get pregnant in the 5 years) and your fertility will return to normal soon after it is removed.
It works for 5 years (Mirena) or 3 years (Jaydess), it can be removed sooner if needed.
It contains and slowly releases the hormone progesterone. Progesterone works by thinning the lining of the uterus (to prevent a fertilized egg implanting) and making a plug of mucus at the top of the vagina creating a barrier to sperm.
The main side effect with the IUS is that the periods become lighter shorter and less painful. Often the periods stop completely. You may experience irregular bleeding or spotting for the first 6 months.
There are other possible side effects from progesterone such as acne, breast tenderness and headaches, but these are infrequent and often settle with time.
Insertion can be uncomfortable but is not usually painful.
Your doctor will discuss the need for screening for sexual infection before your fit.
The IUS is best inserted in the first week of your cycle, if this is the case it can be relied on for your contraceptive cover immediately. If you wish to have an IUS inserted later in your cycle, the doctor will discuss this with you.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
The intrauterine device is a small, T shaped device that is placed in the uterus (womb).
It is more than 99% effective (less than one in 100 women using this method will get pregnant in the 10 years) and your fertility will return to normal soon after it is removed.
It works for 10 years, it can be removed sooner if needed.
It contains copper strings. Copper is toxic to sperm (so the sperm die) and the IUD acts as a foreign body in the uterus to prevent an egg implanting. It does not contain any hormones and therefore is good for women who can’t tolerate hormonal methods of contraception.
The main side effect with the IUD is that the periods can become heavier and longer. This usually settles within about 6-9months. There are no hormonal side effects.
Insertion can be uncomfortable but is not usually painful.
Your doctor will discuss the need for screening for sexual infection before your fit.
The IUS is best inserted in the first week of your cycle, but can be safely fitted up until day 19. If you wish to have an IUS inserted later in your cycle, the doctor will discuss this with you.
Emergency contraception
The IUD can also be used as emergency contraception.
It is the best method of emergency contraception with a failure rate of only 1 in 1000 women who use it as emergency contraception becoming pregnant.
The doctor will speak to you about your cycle length and episodes of unprotected sex to work out whether it can safely be used.
It is kept in until after your next normal period, if you wish to, it can be used as an ongoing method of contraception.
