Contraception gives you control to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Contraception is free and confidential, including for young people aged 13 to 16. The doctor or nurse won't tell anyone, including your parents or carer if you're a young person, unless they think you or someone else is at risk of harm.
Find information about each method below including how to access locally. Brook has more information on how each method works, how effective it is and the main advantages and disadvantages.
Pill
Getting the contraceptive pill is free and you can now get it from a local pharmacy without a prescription. The pharmacist will speak with you confidentially and decide which checks you might need including a BMI and blood pressure measurement for combined oral hormone contraception. You can find a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without a prescription at the NHS website.
You can also start or order repeat pill prescriptions at www.kentcht.nhs.uk/freecontraception.
Injection
You can start the contraceptive injection or order more Sayana Press injections at www.kentcht.nhs.uk/freecontraception. Sayana Press is an injection that you give to yourself to prevent pregnancies for three months.
If you received your last injection through our service, you can book your next appointment by texting 07401 302 946 or phoning 0300 790 0245 (Kent) or 0300 123 1678 (Medway)
Implant
An implant is a small rod inserted under the skin that releases hormones to prevent ovulation. Contact us to book an appointment if you would like to have an implant fitted, removed or exchanged.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives including coil
Intrauterine device (IUCD/IUS) also known as a coil, is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilization. Intrauterine contraception (IUC) methods are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) with licensed durations of use ranging between three and 10 years.
You can complete the IUCD pathway request form to request a coil insertion, removal or exchange. You can find instructions if you are coming for a COIL appointment on our website.
Patch
Find out about the patch at Brook. You can start or order repeat contraceptive patches at www.kentcht.nhs.uk/freecontraception.
Condoms
Contraception doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so using condoms is also recommended. You can pick up some free condoms from our clinics. Anyone aged 16 to 24 can order free condoms from Get It.
Emergency contraception
There are two types of emergency contraception: The copper coil and the morning after pill. If you’ve had unprotected sex, you may be able to prevent pregnancy by taking the morning after pill within five days. The copper coil works within five days of unprotected sex to stop pregnancy from occurring.
You can get the morning after pill at your local pharmacy. Phone us to book an urgent appointment if you would like a copper coil to be fitted.
Female sterilisation
Tubal occlusion or having your ‘tubes tied’ is a permanent method of contraception that stops the fallopian tubes receiving an egg through an operation. If this is something you are considering, you may want to find out about types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) which are very effective methods and are reversible. They are the contraceptive implant, contraceptive injection, intrauterine device (IUD) and the intrauterine system (IUS).
You can get information and advice on sterilisation from your GP surgery or contraception and sexual health clinics.
Male sterilisation
Vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception where the tube that takes sperm from the testicles to the penis is tied, cut or sealed. You can get a vasectomy for free on the NHS, although waiting lists can be very long. You can get information and advice on sterilisation from your GP surgery or a sexual health clinic.
When you want to have a child
Find out how to plan your pregnancy to give you the best chance of conceiving and going on to have a healthy pregnancy at Kent Baby.
If you’re pregnant
If you are pleased to be pregnant then you can start receiving antenatal support from your local midwifery service. Your midwife will make sure you and your baby stay healthy during pregnancy and can answer any questions you have.
If you are considering ending a pregnancy, support and care are available through MSI Reproductive Choices, which provides NHS-funded termination services in Kent. Their Maidstone and Aylesford clinics offers medical and surgical abortions, along with counselling and aftercare in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment.
You can contact MSI directly to book a consultation or speak with a health advisor. You don't need to speak to your GP or Sexual Health Service. Free counselling is available to help you explore your options and make the decision that’s right for you.
When you want to have a child
Find out how to plan your pregnancy to give you the best chance of conceiving and going on to have a healthy pregnancy at Kent Baby.
If you’re pregnant
If you are pleased to be pregnant then you can start receiving antenatal support from your local midwifery service. Your midwife will make sure you and your baby stay healthy during pregnancy and can answer any questions you have.
If you are considering ending a pregnancy, support and care are available through MSI Reproductive Choices, which provides NHS-funded abortion services in Kent. Their Maidstone and Aylesford clinics offers medical and surgical abortions, along with counselling and aftercare in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment.
You do not need a GP referral, you can contact MSI directly to book a consultation or speak with a health advisor. Free counselling is available to help you explore your options and make the decision that’s right for you.