Contraceptive services

There are many types of contraception available. The best option for you will depend on your health, lifestyle, and personal preference.

You can find more information on the Contraception Choices website or book an appointment with one of our clinicians to talk through your options.

Order contraception online (SH:24)

You can order contraception online through SH:24, a free and confidential NHS service for anyone aged 16 and over.

Through SH:24, you can:

Get oral contraception (the pill)
Order repeat supplies of the Sayana Press self-injectable
Request home testing kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

SH:24 has been available locally since February 2022 and is highly rated by users.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception works best the sooner you use it after unprotected sex.

Your options:

Morning after pill – available free from Pharmacy First pharmacies in Northern Ireland
Copper coil (IUD) – the most effective option, available in our clinics

There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills. If you are using or have recently used hormonal contraception, let the pharmacist know so they can advise on the best option.

You can also get emergency contraception from:

Your GP
Our service – Telephone: 028 2826 6163

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

They include:

Copper coil (IUD)
Hormonal coil (IUS)
Implant
Injection

Our waiting times for this service are currently less than 4 weeks.

How long they last:

Mirena IUS – up to 8 years
Kyleena IUS – up to 5 years
Copper coil – 5 to 10 years
Implant (Nexplanon) – 3 years
Injectables – every 12–14 weeks (clinic or self-injected at home)

Young people

We welcome young people.

If you are aged 25 or under, you can also contact Common Youth for advice and contraception:

Telephone: 028 9032 8866

After having a baby (Postnatal contraception)

You need contraception from 3 weeks after giving birth if you are sexually active.

Options:

Progestogen-only methods (pill, injection, implant) – can start anytime
Coils (IUD/IUS) – can be fitted after 4 weeks if not inserted at delivery

If you had a coil fitted during delivery:

It’s normal for threads to feel longer
There’s a slightly higher chance it may move or come out
Use condoms until it has been checked if you are unsure

Read more information about postnatal contraception (NHS).

Planning a pregnancy

The choices you make before pregnancy can have a positive impact on your health and your baby’s future health.

In this short video, Public Health Dietitians share practical diet and lifestyle advice for both men and women who are trying for a baby, helping you take simple steps towards a healthy pregnancy.

Watch the video below to find out more.

Unplanned pregnancy

Support is available:

Informing Choices NI– pregnancy choices counselling and advice
Common Youth – support for under 25s

Heavy or painful periods

Some contraceptives can help with:

Lighter or no periods
Less pain
Conditions such as endometriosis or PMS

We can discuss this with you. We can offer pills or hormone-releasing IUD (Mirena or Kyleena).

See your GP if you have:

Bleeding between periods
Bleeding after sex
Bleeding after menopause

Your GP may refer you to Gynaecology services.

Menopause and contraception

Find out more about our Menopause service

We provide services including fitting and removing the Mirena coil for HRT.

The Mirena coil can:

Protect the womb lining during HRT (for up to 5 years)
Provide contraception
Reduce bleeding

Important:

You still need contraception:
– For 1 year after your last period (if over 50)
– For 2 years (if under 50)
Most contraception can be used with HRT except the combined pill

Your GP or local gynae clinic can also provide this and other menopause advice.

Cervical screening

Please contact your GP surgery if you have been invited for cervical screening.

Useful resources

Menopause Service (Northern Trust)
Contraception Choices
Sexual Health NI
Informing Choices NI
The Lowdown
Family Planning Association
Women’s Health Concern

You can also find detailed guides on:

Hormonal coils (IUS)
Copper coils (IUD)