You are now able to start and renew oral contraception from some local pharmacies for free and without an appointment. You don’t need to see your GP. You can view local pharmacies offering the service on this list.
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. Find out more at Gov.uk.
Pharmacies providing contraception without an appointment in Kent and Medway
You can start or order repeat hormonal supplies (the depo injection*, the pill, Evra Patch, Sayana Press or NuvaRing at www.kentcht.nhs.uk/freecontraception
*If you received your last depo injection through this service to book your next injection contact 0300 790 0245 for Kent or 0300 123 1678 for Medway or text 07401 302 946.
Sayana Press is an easy-to-use hormonal birth control option for women. It is an injection, with a very small needle, that women can give to themselves to prevent pregnancies for three months.
Implant: An implant is a small rod inserted under the skin that releases hormones to prevent ovulation. Complete the form at www.kentcht.nhs.uk/implantpathway for implant fitting, exchange, or removal.
Intrauterine device (IUCD/IUS) also known as a coil: This 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. Guidelines are regularly updated. The effective contraception period for the Mirena hormonal coil was recently raised from five to eight years. Complete the form at www.kentcht.nhs.uk/iucdpathway for coil fitting, exchange, or removal.
Contraception doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so the use of barrier methods like condoms is also recommended. Anyone in Kent or Medway aged 16 to 24 can order free condoms from Get It.