Let’s talk about Contraception!

The full range of contraceptive options are offered by Gibson Lane Practice.

These include the Oral Combined Pill, the Progesterone Only Pill and the Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs).

There are four types of long-acting reversible contraception.

The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon). A small procedure under local anaesthetic is needed to insert the small, rod-shaped implant under the skin in your upper arm. The implant releases a progestogen hormone. Each implant lasts three years. This is the most effective contraceptive option with a failure rate of 1 in 3000.

The contraceptive injection. An injection of a progestogen hormone is given every three months either by the Practice Nurse (Depo-provera) or self-administered after training (Sayana Press).

The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). This is also known as ‘the copper coil’. It sits inside the womb (uterus) and, once fitted, can stay in your womb for up to ten years. This coil can make periods heavier and more uncomfortable for some but has the advantage of being a hormone free option.

The intrauterine system (IUS–Mirena). This is a type of IUCD which also releases a progestogen hormone into the womb. This generally makes periods lighter and infrequent after a few months. It can last for up to five years. This is especially helpful for women with heavy or painful periods. It can also be used as part of hormone replacement therapy.

Dr Skipp and Dr Grainger both have monthly clinics for IUCD, IUS and Nexplanon fittings. Please make an initial telephone or face to face appointment with either of these GPs to discuss these options, then you will be added to our short waiting list for your fitting date. The other contraceptive options are offered by all the GPs.

Alternatively contraceptive services can be accessed through Leeds Sexual Health Clinics. https://leedssexualhealth.com/