NHS Contraception Service Leeds

Participating pharmacies can provide consultations for starting the contraceptive pill for the first time and for ongoing monitoring and repeat supplies. The national service also includes oral emergency contraception, which has a separate time-sensitive pathway.

The service focuses on oral contraception. For implants, injections, coils or other methods, the pharmacy can explain local GP or sexual health service options.

During a first-supply consultation, the clinician discusses your preferences, medical history and the benefits and risks of available oral methods. For a repeat supply, they check how you are getting on, whether anything has changed and whether monitoring is due.

A supply is made only if it is clinically suitable under the NHS service rules. If another method or specialist review would be safer, you will be signposted or referred.

Be prepared to discuss migraines, blood clots, smoking, pregnancy possibility, breastfeeding, recent births, medical conditions, family history and all medicines or supplements. A blood pressure measurement and height and weight information may be needed for some choices.

Tell the clinician if you have missed pills, have been sick, have severe diarrhoea or take a medicine that might affect contraception. This can change the advice about additional precautions or emergency contraception.

The consultation is confidential. You do not have to be registered with a GP to access the national service. The pharmacy will discuss consent before informing a GP practice that you used the service.

Oral contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can reduce STI risk, and sexual health services offer testing and advice.