We are determined to meet your contraception and sexual health requirements during the Coronavirus pandemic and any periods of lock down.
LOCKDOWN The clinic is continuing to run a system of telephone triage and consultations in order to reduce face to face contacts which risk virus spread. This is for everyone’s safety. Please ensure we have an up to date contact number. There will be situations where patients will need to attend clinic and we will be asking if you have any Coronavirus symptoms of if you are currently self isolating.
Our staff are available from Monday to Thursday and Saturday and we would request that you contact us by phone, text or email for advice. We will make every effort to ensure you receive the help and advice that you need and we aim to respond to your queries within 48hrs.
Current Services
Under 25 Self testing Packs– these are not currently available due to lab workload processing Covid tests. If you have symptoms or have been in contact with a partner with a known STI then please contact the clinic.
Smear Tests– are currently being postponed. For more information about cervical screening visit our Cervical Screening page.
Pregnancy Testing and Advice – contact the clinic to arrange to collect a free test kit or for telephone advice, alternatively test kits can be purchased from pharmacies . Please contact us to arrange a telephone consultation with one of our doctors or nurses to arrange ongoing contraception if negative or advice if your test is positive. The counsellor is available via mobile phone Counsellor Info
Contraception
Emergency Contraception – please contact the clinic and we will get back to you as a matter of priority to arrange a telephone consultation with one of our nurses to discuss your needs. We continue to offer emergency contraception pills and the emergency IUD. Visit our Emergency Contraception page for more info. We can also arrange for you to start contraception and supply pregnancy and STI testing kits along with guidance on their use. Alternatively you can obtain emergency contraception from most pharmacies and also via your GP.
Repeat Contraception – phone, text or email the clinic if you are running out of your pills, mini pills (POP), patches or vaginal rings. It is very helpful if you are able to check your blood pressure and weight at home to give readings to clinic staff. We will be able to issue supplies for you to collect or you can send a friend or family member if you are unwell or in self-isolation.
PLEASE do NOT attend the clinic if you have any symptoms or have be told to self isolate.
Starting Contraception – please contact the clinic to arrange a telephone consultation if you would like to start or change your contraception. Our nurses and doctors will discuss your needs over the phone and you will either be able to collect your contraception from the clinic or will be offered a face to face appointment. It is very helpful if you can tell us information about the date of your last period and if you are able to provide us with your weight and blood pressure if you have access to a machine.
Depo- Provera injections– we are giving depo injections and also teaching Sayana Press self administration. Please contact the clinic to book an appointment. See our Contraception page for more info.
Routine Procedures- We are not currently able to fit, replace or remove implants and IUD’s. Please contact the clinic if your device has expired or you are experiencing any symptoms or complications or to book a telephone consultation to discuss.
If you are interested in having an implant or IUS/IUD fitted:
- visit our Contraception page for more information and to watch the videos about these options.
- Contact us to arrange an initial telephone consultation.
- We are operating a waiting list system and will contact you once we can resume normal services to arrange your appointment.
- We can arrange alternative contraception to cover the time until your device can be fitted.
- Before your appointment we recommend that you watch the videos as above and read this info if you have chosen an IUS or IUD- preparing for your coil fit appointment.
If you are currently self isolating and unable to attend please be reassured that:
- Mirena or Levosert 5 year hormonal IUS– current guidance shows that these are highly effective for up to 6 years but protection can be topped up with either condoms or the progesterone only pill also known as the ‘mini pill’ or POP. Contact the clinic if you would like to arrange additional contraception.
- Copper IUD – 5 year IUD’s can be left for 6 years and 10 year IUD’s for up to 12 years with the addition of condoms or POP.
- Nexplanon 3 year Implant– newest medical evidence shows that this is effective for up to 4 years. Protection can be boosted with the POP or condoms until your implant can be replaced. Contact the clinic as above.
Contraception Problems – If you are having problems with your contraception, such as pain or bleeding, missing IUD threads or other symptoms please contact the clinic to book a telephone consultation with the nurse or doctor.
Condoms – these are available free for collection during clinic opening hours from the landing outside the clinic door.
Sexual Health
If you don’t have any symptoms – we would advise using condoms until we are able to offer screening appointments again. We are not currently able to offer self testing packs due to the current lab workload with Covid testing. Condoms are available free from clinic or from the Orchard Centre.
If you have symptoms, have had a positive result or have had sexual contact with someone with an STI then please contact the clinic to arrange a telephone consultation and any treatment and advice you may need. Alternatively you can contact the Orchard Centre on 707707 or via their FaceBook page message system ‘Orchard Live’ available Friday mornings.
If you have been sexually assaulted then please contact the police Public Protection Unit, Choices or the Orchard Centre for advice and support.
FAQ’s
Sex and Coronavirus– is it still safe to have sex during the pandemic? How do I reduce the risk of spreading or acquiring the virus during sex? Read this useful guide: sex and coronavirus advice