Picking the right birth control can feel like a big decision. There are so many different types out there, and what works perfectly for one person might not suit another at all. The thing is, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own or wait ages for a doctor’s appointment. Your local pharmacy can actually help you more than you might think. At Imaan Pharmacy Werneth, we talk to people every day about effective contraception, and we’re here to make the whole process easier and less stressful for you.
Why Come to Your Pharmacy First for Effective Contraception?
A lot of people still think they need to see their GP for everything related to birth control. That used to be true, but things have changed quite a bit. Pharmacies now offer proper consultations where you can discuss your options and get what you need.
Pharmacists go through training specifically about contraception. We can chat through what might work for you, look at your health background, and often sort you out there and then. No waiting around for weeks just to get a prescription renewed or ask a quick question.
The Contraceptive Pill
Pills are still really popular, and it’s easy to see why. They work well when you take them properly, stopping you from getting pregnant more than 99% of the time. In real life, when people forget the odd one here and there, that drops to about 91%, but that’s still pretty good.
There are two kinds you’ll come across. One type has two different hormones in it. These stop your ovaries from releasing eggs and make other changes that prevent pregnancy. You usually take them for three weeks, then stop for a week. Some newer ones let you take them without a break.
The other type only has one hormone. You need to take this one at roughly the same time every day. Doctors often suggest this type if you can’t have estrogen for whatever reason, or if you’re breastfeeding.
Getting your pills from a pharmacy is actually really straightforward now. Here at Imaan Pharmacy Werneth, we can do a consultation with you and give you your pills without sending you back to the doctor every single time. Just ring us on 0161 624 1229 and we’ll get you sorted.
Emergency Contraception When You Need It
Sometimes condoms split, or you realize you forgot your pill. That’s when you need emergency contraception, and you can get it from your pharmacy.
There are two different pills available. One works for up to three days after sex, and the other gives you up to five days. The sooner you take them, the better they work, though.
Coming into the pharmacy for this is nothing to worry about. Honestly, we see people needing emergency contraception all the time. It’s completely normal. We just need to ask you a few questions to make sure we give you the right one, and then you’re done. No lectures, no judgment, just help.
Patches and Rings
Not everyone wants to remember a pill every single day. If that sounds like you, there are other options that need way less thinking about.
Patches look like big plasters that you stick on your skin. You change them once a week for three weeks, then have a week off. The ring goes inside your vagina and stays there for three weeks before you take it out for a week.
Both of these release hormones like the combination pill does, and they work just as well. You only have to think about your contraception once a week or once a month instead of daily, which suits some people much better.
Longer-Lasting Options
Maybe you want something that lasts for months or years without any hassle. That’s what long-acting contraception is all about.
The implant is a tiny rod that goes under the skin on your arm. It sits there working away for three years. The injection needs to be done every two or three months, depending on which type you get.
Then there’s the coil, which sits in your womb. Some types have hormones and last three to five years. Others are made of copper and can last ten years. These are brilliant if you want something really reliable. Less than one in 100 women gets pregnant using them.
We can’t put these in at the pharmacy, but we can tell you loads about them and point you toward the right place to get them fitted. It helps to know what you’re getting into before you book an appointment.
Don’t Forget About Condoms
Condoms are important because they’re the only thing that stops sexually transmitted infections as well as pregnancy. They work about 98% of the time if you use them right every time.
You can buy them from any pharmacy. No prescription needed, no questions asked. You can also get them free from sexual health clinics. Using condoms plus another method like the pill gives you really good protection all around.
Finding Your Best Fit
The absolute best contraception is whatever you’ll actually use. There’s no point choosing something super effective if it doesn’t fit your life or makes you feel rubbish.
Think about how you live day to day. Are you always on the move? Do you hate needles? Would you like your periods to be lighter? These things matter when you’re choosing.
When you come and see us at Imaan Pharmacy Werneth, we take time to understand what’s important to you. We’ll go through the good points and downsides of different types so you can make a choice that feels right.
Getting Help
You really don’t have to work all this out by yourself. Pop into Imaan Pharmacy Werneth whenever you’re passing, or give us a ring on 0161 624 1229. If you’d rather send an email first, that’s fine too. Our address is wernethpharmacy@imaanhealthcare.com.
We do consultations about contraception, we can give you emergency contraception if you need it, and we sort out ongoing prescriptions. We want to make sure you understand how to use whatever you choose properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get contraception from a pharmacy without seeing my doctor?
Yes, loads of pharmacies do this now. A pharmacist will have a chat with you first, then they can give you certain types, like the pill or emergency contraception. For things like implants or coils that need putting in, you’ll still need to go to your GP or a sexual health clinic.
How quickly does the pill start working?
If you start taking the combination pill on the first day of your period, you’re protected straight away. Start it any other time, and you need to wait a week. The mini pill works immediately if you start within the first five days of your period; otherwise, wait two days.
What should I do if I miss a pill?
It depends on what pill you’re on and how many you’ve missed. Usually, if you miss one, just take it when you remember and carry on as normal. Miss more than that and you might need to use condoms for a bit. Your pharmacist can tell you exactly what to do based on which pill you take.
Is emergency contraception the same as an abortion pill?
No, completely different. Emergency contraception stops you from getting pregnant in the first place. It stops your ovary from releasing an egg. If you’re already pregnant, it won’t do anything. It doesn’t end pregnancies.
Can I use two types of contraception together?
Definitely. Using condoms with the pill or another hormonal method is actually a smart move. You get protection from pregnancy and infections. Just don’t use two hormonal methods together without asking someone first, because that doesn’t make them work better and might cause problems.
