Contraception is used to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different methods to choose between including implants, contraceptive pills, and IUDs.

IUDs (coils), implants and injections are becoming more popular. We call these ‘fit and forget' methods because, once fitted, will work for a long time and are very reliable. The implant, for example, works for up to three years.

Lots of women choose to take contraceptive pills - either the combined pill or the mini-pill. Contraceptive pills work well but need to be taken each day (mini-pills) or each day for three weeks each month (combined pills). The pill works well if used according to the instructions.

Condoms can also be used to prevent pregnancy and to protect against STIs. Lots of people choose to use a regular method all of the time, such as the pill, and a condom for extra protection, particularly with new sexual partners.

NHS Choices has lots of information about all contraceptive methods.

Local services

There are lots of health services in Manchester that provide contraception.

Young women can get all forms of contraception, including contraceptive pills, implants, injections and IUDs from Brook (for under 19s) and Fresh clinics (for under 25s)

Women of all ages, including younger women, can also get all forms of contraception from Palatine contraception and sexual health clinics

All GPs in Manchester will prescribe contraceptive pill and some GPs are trained to fit and remove IUDs and implants.

Some pharmacists can also prescribe contraceptive pills. You don't need to go to your GP or to a clinic to get a prescription, the pharmacist will do all this for you.