Sexual Health & Family Planning

contraception

Contraception

Contraception is free for most people in the UK. With 15 methods to choose from, you’ll find one that suits you.

Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and if you want to have a baby, but they don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms help to protect against STIs and pregnancy, so whatever other method of contraception you’re using to prevent pregnancy, use condoms as well to protect your and your partner’s health.

Where to get it:

Contraceptive services are free and confidential, including to people under 16 as long as they are mature enough to understand the information and decisions involved. There are strict guidelines to for care professionals who work with people under 16.

You can get contraception free from:

  • This GP surgery – our doctors are able to fit coils and contraceptive implants as well as give you advice on and prescribe other methods of contraception, we also provide emergency contraception and offer a confidential service
  • Walk-in local pharmacies without appointment including Verulam Pharmacy, Bricket Wood, Chiswell and How Wood pharmacy
  • Sexual health clinics (these offer contraceptive and STI testing services)

You can find out more about each type of contraception by contacting:

In addition to your chosen method of contraception, you need to use condoms to prevent STIs. Always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet. This means that they’ve been tested to the high European safety standards. Condoms that don’t have the CE mark won’t meet these standards, so don’t use them.

sexual health

Sexual Health & Family Planning

Midway Surgery Doctors and Practice Nurses offer a confidential family planning and sexual health service. This includes:  

  • family planning and fertility advice;
  • contraception counselling and a wide range of contraceptive alternatives specific to your needs including long-acting contraception such as implant and IUD/coil fittings.  
  • routine chlamydia testing (male and female) for young people aged 16 – 24 years old.

Telephone reception to make an appointment – our Medical Receptionist will be able to advise on the most appropriate clinician to see.  

Emergency contraception is available from your local Pharmacist.  

See other Family Planning Clinics across Hertfordshire.

 

Specialist Sexual Health Services

If you are worried about an STI (sexually transmitted infection) such as HIV, syphilis, herpes, genital warts or contact tracing, then getting tested and treated at a Specialist Sexual Health clinic is confidential and straightforward.  For more information and to find an STI/Sexual Health Clinic go to NHS Livewell.

Telephone: Hertfordshire Booking and Advice Line on 0300 008 5522

For more information please visit the websites below:

External Websites:

NHS Choices - Sexual Health

Sexual & Genital Health Info and Support

Sexual Health Hertfordshire

British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)

iud

Coil and Implant Fitting

Benefits of having a coil

It is a very effective form of contraception (over 99% effective) which is immediately reversible on removal.

They are long lasting; depending on the type fitted they can provide on-going contraception for 5-10 years.

Copper coil Information

Mirena Information leaflet

Preparing for your IUCD fitting

What to expect after fitting

If you are interested in this method, please contact reception who will book a telephone consultation with Dr. Sun to discuss this further.

Contraceptive Implant fitting (Nexplanon) 

A contraceptive implant is a device that is put under the skin in order to offer you an even dose of contraception without you having to take a daily pill.

Contraceptive implant information

Preparing for your implant fitting

If you are interested in this method, please contact reception who will book a telephone consultation with Dr. Sun to discuss this further. You will need to collect a prescription for the implant for your appointment which will be discussed in the telephone consultation.

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2025
Page created: 20 July 2021