We are able to offer a range of contraceptive choices at the surgery. We prescribe:
Combined oral contraceptive pill
The combined oral contraceptive pill is often just called “the pill”. It contains artificial versions of female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which are produced naturally in the ovaries.
Website
Combined pill – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Leaflet
Tailored Pill RegimeProgesterone only pill
The traditional progestogen-only pill (POP) prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm reaching an egg.
The desogestrel progestogen-only pill can also stop ovulation.
The progestogen-only pill needs to be taken every day to work.
Website
The progestogen-only pill – NHS (www.nhs.uk)Combined hormonal patch (Evra)
The contraceptive patch is a small sticky patch that releases hormones into your body through your skin to prevent pregnancy. In the UK, the patch’s brand name is Evra.
Website
Contraceptive patch – NHS (www.nhs.uk)Depo- Provera injection and Sayana Press
Both are given as an injection every 13 weeks. However, if you prefer you can be shown how to inject Sayana Press yourself and this can be done by you at home. Both injections are as effective as each other with the same side effect profile.
Website
The contraceptive injection – NHS (www.nhs.uk)Contraceptive implant (Nexplanon)
This is injected under the skin on your arm and lasts for three years.
Dr Meade, Dr Sarkar, Dr Andrews and Nurse Stoddart all fit, remove and replace contraceptive implants.
Leaflet
Sexwise- Contraceptive implantIntrauterine Device (Copper coil or IUD)
These last between five to 10 years depending on the type fitted.
Leaflet
Sexwise- IUD guide
Intrauterine System (IUS)
We offer two types at the practice. Mirena which lasts for five years and has more progesterone (52mg), this is very effective at reducing periods and is used for heavy periods even if contraception is not needed. It is also used as part of an HRT package with the addition of a oestrogen patch/gel/tablet.
Kyleena is smaller and has less progesterone (19.5mg) but also lasts for five years. This can not be used for HRT.
Dr Meade, Dr Sarkar, and Nurse Stoddart all fit and replace intrauterine contraceptive devices – copper coils (last five to 10 years).
Hormonal Intrauterine systems (Mirena and Kyleena which last five years).
If you would like to have an implant or coil fitted/replaced please ask reception to book you a telephone consultation with one of the above doctors who will talk through the process and book an appointment.
Leaflet
Having a coil fitted- what you need to know
If you would like to have a coil removed and require ongoing contraception it is best to have a telephone consultation or see a doctor first to initiate this a week before the coil is removed to avoid any gaps in your contraception. Please see the above leaflet.
If you wish to have your coil removed because you no longer require contraception or are trying to conceive please book an appointment with:
Dr Holdcroft, Dr Kuok, Dr Kanan, Dr Meade, Dr Sarkar, Dr Quentin, Nurse Stoddart, or Advanced Nurse Practitioner Sarah Ron.Emergency Hormonal Contraception
There are two types of Emergency oral hormonal contraception that can be given but the gold standard for preventing unwanted pregnancy is the IUD (copper coil).
These can be fitted up to five days after an episode of unprotected Sexual intercourse or up to five days after the calculated ovulation date. These are fitted by Hope House. They can be contacted on 0300 421 6500.
It is important that you advise the receptionist you need a coil for emergency contraception so that you can be prioritised.
Please contact reception at The Aspen Medical Practice for a telephone consultation on the day if you require Emergency Hormonal Contraception.
Emergency hormonal Contraception can also be provided by your local pharmacy and Hope House.
Website
Where can I get emergency contraception?
Leaflet
Emergency contraception – your guide
Hope House also offer screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections both at their clinic and by post.
Brook
Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
Website
BrookSexual Health Helpline
The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Phone
0300 123 7123Family Planning Association
A sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association gives straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
Phone
020 7608 5240
Website
Family Planning AssociationSo what is a vulva anyway?
This booklet is here to help you to understand your vulva and how puberty can change it. You might be worried about how you look or feel and it can be difficult to know where to turn for advice. Everyone’s vulva is unique and will change throughout your life.
Leaflet
So what is a vulva anyway (PDF)Sexual Health Helpline
The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Phone
0300 123 7123Hope House
Hope House Sexual Health Services provides sexual health care across the county. It is free and available to anyone who needs it.
Website
www.hopehouse.nhs.ukSexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual assault or rape, the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Hope House, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, is there to help.
Helpline
0300 421 8400
Phone
01452 754390
0800 090 1234 (out of hours)
Website
www.hopehousesarc.nhs.uk
Email
hopehousesarc@glos-care.nhs.ukNAPAC : Supporting Recovery From Childhood Abuse
Coronavirus (COVID-19) service update. Everyone feels anxious when there is a lot of uncertainty. If you suffered abuse in childhood you might be finding things especially difficult while coronavirus (COVID-19) is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
Website
www.napac.org.uk