NHS Pharmacy Contraception
If you have been on the same combined or progesterone-only pill for a while, or you are ready to start one for the first time, you can now use our pharmacy in Urmston instead of waiting weeks for a GP appointment. The NHS Pharmacy Contraception service is free.
A registered pharmacist can: initiate a contraceptive pill if you have never used one before, continue an existing prescription if you are already settled on a pill, perform the blood-pressure and BMI checks that go with it, and change your brand if you have side effects. We do not currently fit coils or implants but we can refer you on.
We cannot prescribe contraception if you are under sixteen unless Fraser criteria are met, if you have certain cardiovascular conditions, migraine with aura on the combined pill, or if you are over fifty on the combined pill. The pharmacist follows UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (UKMEC).
About twenty minutes the first time, ten minutes for a continuation. We measure blood pressure, weight and height, take a short medical history and supply up to twelve months of pills depending on what is clinically appropriate.
Free at the point of use for anyone registered with an NHS GP in England, aged sixteen or over (or under sixteen meeting Fraser criteria).
Just bring a list of any other medication you are taking and the name of the pill you are currently on, if any. No paperwork needed.
Usually yes. If your blood pressure or BMI flags any risk we may ask you to see the GP first.
Yes. Conversations take place in the private consultation room and we follow standard NHS confidentiality, including for young people under Fraser guidelines.