Contraception Service
If you have a question about your contraception, need a repeat prescription of your pills or want to start on the pill for the first time, we offer the new Pharmacy Contraception service.
In the past, you would have had to make an appointment with your doctor or visit a specialist sexual health clinic. Now you can visit your pharmacy and use the new NHS community pharmacy contraception service.
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Who is the service for?
The service is available for any female patient in England and can be accessed from when your periods start through to 54 years old.
What is the Pharmacy Contraception Service?
This service allows you to get contraception from your local pharmacy without having to see a doctor or nurse. The service is available in pharmacies across England and your pharmacy can supply both progesterone-only pills, sometimes called the mini pill, as well as combined pills which use both progesterone and oestrogen.
The service is free of charge and your pharmacist can, where appropriate, supply initially a 3-month supply of pills, but once you are stable this can be extended to 12 months, saving you time and effort accessing the service at your GP.
Accessing the Service
Simply visit your pharmacy and speak to the pharmacist. You do not need a referral from your GP or NHS 111, simply drop by or book an appointment.
When you see your pharmacist you will need to complete a short questionnaire and provide some basic information about your health. Your pharmacist will then discuss your contraception options and help you choose the method that is the most appropriate for you.
If you are already using contraception, you can also use the service to get a repeat supply of your current method. You will need to bring your empty pill packet with you to your pharmacy to make sure you are kept on the same medicine. This is important as there are so many different formulations and combinations available.
Confidentiality
The service is completely confidential so you can be sure that your information will be stored safely and only used for the purpose of providing your requested healthcare service.
Contraception Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to see a GP to get the contraceptive pill?
No. You can get the contraceptive pill from your local Safedale pharmacy without seeing a doctor or nurse, and you don't need a referral from your GP or NHS 111. Just visit the pharmacy and speak to the pharmacist, or book an appointment.
What happens at the consultation?
You'll fill in a short questionnaire and give some basic information about your health. The pharmacist will then go through your options with you. The service is completely confidential, and your information is stored safely and used only to provide your care.
How much will I get, and how do I get more?
If you're starting the pill for the first time, you'll usually get a 3-month supply. Once you're settled on a pill, you can get up to 12 months' supply at a time, so you won't need to come back as often. If you already take the pill, bring your empty packet so we can make sure you get the same one.