Asking your GP for contraception – the best way to discuss your options

Your GP should explore your medical history and help you choose a contraceptive option that is a best fit with your health, family medical history and lifestyle. It is always beneficial to understand what your options are.

Our contraception pages and contraceptive articles have information about all types of contraceptives you can ask your GP for. We also giving further insights such as ‘what to expect at your coil fitting’ or ‘can your contraceptive affect your mood’ on our Health Hub.

Throughout this article, we take a look at everything you need to know when discussing contraception with your GP. 

If you are looking to explore your contraceptive options with a GP, then here at The Lowdown we offer a contraceptive consultation service with women’s health specialist GPs. They have years of experience in contraception and women’s health and can provide a virtual appointment at a convenient time that suits you to discuss your contraceptive options.  

Alternatively, you can take our contraception recommender to help choose the best contraception for you specifically. You can also use the contraception comparison, to compare every method of contraception, in helping you choose which will be most effective for you. 

How do I talk to my doctor about contraception?

When talking to your GP about birth control it can be helpful to research your options before the appointment. Whilst your GP can talk you through each contraception type and will assess what is right for you, we’d recommend looking at each of our contraception pages such as the copper coil, hormonal coil or combined pill plus our contraception reviews to help inform you before your appointment. If you would prefer to speak to a female doctor for your consultation, then request this at the time of booking.   

At The Lowdown we offer a contraceptive consultation where you can book to discuss your contraception options. If you decide you want to try a contraceptive pill you can access this for free via the NHS or you can order your contraceptive pill directly through The Lowdown.  

What questions to ask your GP about contraception?

Your GP should will discuss all aspects of each contraceptive, but you may find it helpful to come prepared with a list of questions to ask. If you are interested in finding out more about a particular contraceptive before speaking with your GP, then read our contraceptive articles where we cover all the facts you need to know.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your GP about each option of birth control. 

• How effective is this method?
• How long does it last? 
• How regularly does it need to be taken/changed?
• Can I use this method with my medical history or family history? 
• What side effects might I experience? 
• How will it affect my periods?
• Are there any risks associated with this method?
• Will the contraception affect my weight/skin/moods?
• How soon after starting will you be protected from pregnancy?
• Are there any types of medication that may make it less effective?
• How soon after stopping the contraception could I get pregnant?

Can a GP refuse to prescribe my normal contraception?

Yes, a GP can refuse to prescribe your normal contraception if they consider it to be unsafe for you. You may have had changes in your lifestyle or health which could mean a particular contraceptive now causes you more risk. For example, in the 6 weeks after having a baby, the risk of having a blood clot in your legs or lungs is increased. As the combined pill may slightly increase your risk of blood clots, an alternative method should be considered during this time.  If you have taken up smoking since starting your contraception and you are over the age of 35, then combined hormonal contraception could be refused by your GP. 

Do you see a doctor or nurse about contraception?

You can see a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about your contraception. Most GP practices will offer nurse clinics where you can discuss your contraception with a nurse to start or get a renewal of your current contraceptive. You can also know do this at a pharmacy for oral ocntracveptives. The GP practice may however ask you to see a doctor if you have a complicated medical history.

Can I get emergency contraception from my GP?

Yes, your GP or sexual health clinic can supply emergency contraception. If you require emergency contraception then it is important to contact your GP or sexual health clinic as soon as possible to get an appointment as you only have a small window in which to use it to prevent pregnancy.

Levonelle, the emergency contraceptive pill should be taken within three days and ellaOne within five days of unprotected sex.

Your GP practice may also offer an IUD (also known as the copper coil) which is the most effective way of preventing pregnancy. If not they can put you in contact with a local service providing emergency IUDs. The IUD can be fitted five days after ovulation (when you have released an egg) after unprotected sex. Our article on getting the coil fitted, explains everything you can expect. 

Can you get free contraception from your GP?

Yes, any contraception that is prescribed by your doctor will be free. You can also order free contraceptive pills directly through The Lowdown through our online contraception ordering service. One of our pharmacy clinicians will review your order and your medical history and the pill will be delivered directly to your door within a couple of days. 

Can a GP prescribe contraception to under 16s?

Yes, a GP can prescribe contraception to those under 16 if they feel that the patient is mature enough to make their own decisions and understand the implications of those decisions.  If you are under 16 and would like to explore your possibilities for birth control, then we recommend that you talk to your parents or an appropriate adult if you feel comfortable in doing so. As well as discussing contraception with your GP, there is the option of a sexual health clinic (use this handy sexual health clinic finder) or young people’s services.  

Where can I get contraception without seeing a doctor?

You can get contraceptive pills straight from a pharmacy without having to speak to a doctor. You do, however, have to speak to the pharmacist. You can also now get birth control from The Lowdown website without speaking to a doctor or making a GP appointment.  

Want to speak to an online doctor about your contraception? Get advice from our specialist GPs at The Lowdown.