Contraception

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception (the ‘morning after pill’) is available free-of-charge from:

  • Some (not all) local pharmacists – see list below
  • The practice
  • Walk-in centres
  • Some family planning or Brook clinics

When should it be taken?

Emergency contraception pills can be effective if taken within 72 hours (3 days) of the event, but it works best when it’s taken as soon as possible. So don’t delay. After 72 hours, and for up to five days, there is the option to have a coil fitted at the local family planning clinic.

Emergency contraception is only available from a pharmacy when a specially trained pharmacist is on the premises. Please telephone the pharmacy to check this before visiting.

The list of pharmacies is provided by NHS Manchester. We cannot guarantee its accuracy or that there haven’t been changes. Some of the pharmacies also provide routine oral contraception and testing and treatment for chlamydia. Other pharmacies may be able to provide emergency contraception but they may charge.

Routine contraception

The practice provides a wide range of contraceptive advice and services, including tablets, injections, implants and the coil (IUD).

The service is free and completely confidential. As well as helping you choose the best type of contraception for you, we also provide ongoing follow-up and monitoring and treat each individual’s contraceptive needs as part of their whole care.

For your first appointment and to discuss your options please book with a GP.

Please bear in mind that only condoms can protect against sexually transmitted diseases – a major cause of ill health and infertility in the UK

Pill checks

If you are taking the contraceptive pill, for your safety you will need check-ups every 6-12 months with the nurse, before your repeat prescriptions can be continued. The GP or nurse will tell you how often you need a check. If you have been advised by the surgery to submit a contraceptive pill review, please complete our online contraceptive medication review form.

If you do need a repeat prescription at the same time as your check-up we can arrange this for you.

Community pharmacies

Some community pharmacies can provide some family planning services. Please phone them first to check the availability of the accredited pharmacist.

They can provide:

  • Repeat combined oral contraceptive pills
  • Repeat Cerazette contraception pills
  • Initial advice on starting the pill