The NHS Contraception Service at Kamsons Pharmacy.
At Kamsons Pharmacy, we prioritise your sexual health and well-being. We’re here to provide the compassionate care and support you deserve. The NHS Contraception Service allows your local pharmacist to initiate and dispense repeat supplies of oral contraception tailored to your needs—no GP appointment required!
What to Expect
Whether you’re considering starting contraception or need a repeat supply, we’re here to help. You’ll have a consultation with one of our experienced pharmacists, who will offer personalised contraceptive advice. Your privacy and comfort are our top priorities, and you can trust our team to provide confidential consultations in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
This service is completely free for everyone, thanks to the NHS. You can easily book an appointment via phone, or simply walk into your nearest branch.
Options Available
Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC):
Often referred to as “the pill,” this option contains both oestrogen and progestogen. It prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs each month and, when used correctly, is over 99% effective. Additionally, the COC can help manage PMS, endometriosis, acne, and heavy or painful periods.
However, the COC isn’t suitable for everyone. If you’re living with obesity, smoke, are over 35, or have certain health issues, it may not be right for you. Your pharmacist will help guide you to the most suitable option.
There are two main ways to take the COC:
- Everyday Pill: This comes with dummy pills that don’t contain hormones.
- 21-Day Pill: You take the pill for 21 days and then have a 7-day break.
As with most medications, there may be side effects. Your pharmacist can discuss these with you, and a full list will be provided with your medication. Common side effects include bleeding between periods, particularly in the first few months. While rare, there are risks of serious issues like blood clots and cancer, which your pharmacist can help you understand.
Progestogen Only Pill (POP):
Also known as the “mini pill,” this contains the hormone progestogen, which works similarly to progesterone. It prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and is also over 99% effective when taken correctly.
The POP may not be suitable if you have certain conditions, such as breast cancer or cardiovascular disease. However, if you cannot take oestrogen (found in the COC, contraceptive patch, and vaginal ring), the POP could be a good alternative.
For optimal effectiveness, take the mini pill around the same time each day. Each pack contains 28 pills, and you start a new one immediately after finishing the old one—there are no breaks.
Possible side effects include changes to your periods (lighter, more frequent, or even stopping altogether) or spotting between periods.
Other potential risks include the development of ovarian cysts. These are generally not harmful and often resolve on their own without the need for treatment. While they typically don’t cause any symptoms, you might experience some lower tummy pain. There’s also a possibility—though not definitively proven—that there could be a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer, but this risk remains very small. If you have any concerns about side effects, please don’t hesitate to speak with your pharmacist.
At Kamsons Pharmacy, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate your contraceptive options with care and expertise. Your sexual health matters, and we’re here to support you every step of the way! Call up or walk in to your nearest branch and one of our Kamsons pharmacists will be able to help you with the NHS Contraception Service.