Contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant is a thin rod that is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It works for three years and is a very effective method of contraception. It is inserted by a specially trained doctor or nurse in clinic.
The main way the implant works is by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulating) by slowly releasing the hormone progestogen (similar to a natural hormone produced by the ovaries). Once the implant is fitted you do not have to think about it each day or each time you have sex.
If you would like the implant, you will require an initial telephone consultation followed by a face to face appointment to have it fitted.
Your guide to the contraceptive implant Find out more on the Sexwise websiteInjectable contraception
Contraceptive injections work mainly by releasing a hormone (progestogen) which prevents ovulation (release of an egg). They are given every 3 months. There are 2 types available at New Croft:
- Depo-Provera (given into the muscle in the upper arm or buttock by a doctor/nurse)
- Sayana Press (which you give yourself under the skin of thigh or abdomen, after being taught how to by a doctor/nurse).
If you would like the injectable contraception, you will require an initial telephone consultation followed by a face to face appointment for your first injection. If you choose Depo-Provera, you will need a face to face appointment every 3 months. If you choose Sayana Press, you will be given a year’s supply to take home to administer yourself after your first appointment.
Find our more on the Sexwise website Your guide to contraceptive injectionsCopper intrauterine device
The copper intrauterine device (copper coil) is a small plastic and copper device which is inserted into your uterus (womb). It works by preventing sperm reaching an egg, and may also stop a fertilised egg implanting into the womb. A device which lasts 5 years or 10 years is available, although it can be removed sooner than this if you wish.
If you would like the copper IUD, you will require an initial telephone consultation followed by a face to face appointment to have it fitted.
Your guide to IUD Find out more on the Sexwise websiteIntrauterine system
Important
Do not have any sex without a condom in the 7 days leading up to your appointment if you are having your IUC changed. If you are not using contraception, you should not have unprotected sex after your last period or in the 3 weeks leading up to your fitting appointment.
The intrauterine system (hormonal coil) is small plastic devices containing a hormone (progestogen) which is inserted into your uterus (womb). The hormone works mainly by preventing sperm entering the uterus to reach an egg, and by thinning the womb lining to prevent a fertilised egg implanting. There are 3 types of IUS available which contain different levels of hormone:
- The IUS-52 (Mirena or Levosert) can be used for up to 5 years and is also used to treat heavy periods.
- The IUS-19.5 (Kyleena) can also be used for up to 5 years, and
- The IUS-13.5 (Jaydess) can be used for up to 3 years.
If you would like an IUS, you will require an initial telephone consultation followed by a face to face appointment to have it fitted.
What do you need to do before attending for an Intrauterine Contraception (IUC) fit at New Croft Centre?
- Take pain relief 2 hours BEFORE your appointment – ideally paracetamol and ibuprofen together if you can take both – with some food (ibuprofen should not be taken on an empty stomach).
- Eat something before your appointment – you are more likely to feel unwell if you have an empty stomach.
Pain relief for intrauterine contraception
Pain relief at the time intrauterine contraception (coil) fitting is available at New Croft Centre.
There have been recent media reports highlighting cases of individuals who have experienced distressing intrauterine contraception (IUC, previously known as coils) fitting. We would like to take this opportunity to explain that we take great care in providing pain relief for women who may experience discomfort or pain at the time of IUC fitting.
For most women the discomfort associated with the fitting procedure is reported as mild and brief. However, we do know that some individuals find IUC fitting anxiety-provoking and painful.
If you are worried about the discomfort associated with fitting we recommend mentioning this to clinical staff during the telephone consultation that takes place prior to an IUC fitting procedure at New Croft Centre.
The staff will be able to describe options available to you which includes the support of a dedicated health care assistant who will be with you throughout the procedure, an anaesthetic spray applied to the cervix or local anaesthetic injections into the cervix. You will be free to choose what suits you best.
The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) has published a statement on 22 June 2021 regarding IUC fitting which can be viewed here:
Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) website – IUD painWe would like to reassure women that at New Croft Centre our IUC fitters (both doctors and nurses) show the utmost care towards their patients.
IUS Studies
From 1 June 2021, the New Croft Centre will be performing a study of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems (IUSs) – coils that contain hormones – for educational and information purposes.
This study is to find out about the menstrual periods of our patients during their first year of using an IUS so that in future we can provide information on periods to those who want to use the IUS for contraception.
Women aged 16 or older who have an IUS fitted at New Croft and agree to participate in this study would be asked about their menstrual periods, and again by telephone 6 months and 12 months after their IUS was fitted.
Those who agree to take part can withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. Taking part or not taking part in the study will not affect the time it would take to be seen at New Croft or any treatment received.
Progestogen only pill
The progestogen only pill (POP) contains a hormone which works mainly by preventing ovulation (releasing of an egg) and is taken every day with no breaks.
If you would like the POP, you will require a telephone consultation and if suitable, it can be prescribed for you to collect from New Croft reception without the need for a face to face appointment.
Your guide to the progestogen-only pill Find out more on the Sexwise websiteCombined pill
The combined pill contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen, similar to the natural hormones produced by the ovaries. The main way it works is by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).
If you would like to start the combined pill, you will need an initial telephone consultation and to attend a face to face appointment to have your weight, height and blood pressure taken every year.
Your guide to the combined pill Find out more on the Sexwise websiteContraceptive patch
The contraceptive patch is a small, beige patch (like a plaster). It sticks on your skin and releases two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen, similar to the natural hormones produced by the ovaries and like those used in the combined pill. The main way it works is by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). You have to change the patch once a week.
If you would like to start the contraceptive patch, you will need an initial telephone consultation and to attend a face to face appointment to have your weight, height and blood pressure taken every year.
Your guide to the contraceptive patch Find out more on the Sexwise websiteContraceptive vaginal ring
The contraceptive vaginal ring is a flexible, clear plastic ring that is placed in the vagina and releases hormones into the blood through the vaginal wall. You have to take the old ring out and replace it every month. It releases two hormones oestrogen and progestogen, similar to the natural hormones produced by the ovaries and like those used in the combined pill. The ring works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).
If you would like to start the contraceptive vaginal ring, you will need an initial telephone consultation and to attend a face to face appointment to have your weight, height and blood pressure taken every year.
Your guide to the contraceptive vaginal ring Find out more on the Sexwise websiteDiaphragm
The diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It works by stopping sperm from meeting an egg. It is put in the vagina and covers the cervix (the entrance to the womb). It looks like a circular dome. It needs to be used with a spermicide (a cream or gel that kills sperm.)
If you would like a diaphragm, you will require a telephone consultation followed by a face to face appointment.
Your guide to diaphragms and caps Find our more on the Sexwise websiteCondoms
External (male) and internal (female) condoms are barrier methods of contraception. They stop sperm meeting an egg. Free condoms are available to collect at the New Croft Centre entrance and from a number of local pharmacies.
Your guide to condomsC-Card scheme
The C-Card scheme is a service offering free condoms and sexual health information to all young people (under-25) in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland. See section ‘C-Card’ for further information on C-Card outlets to access free condoms.
Your guide to male and female sterilisation
Your guide to male and female sterilisationVideos
View a selection of videos explaining contraceptions choices and how they are fittedContact us
New Croft House
Telephone: 0191 229 2999
