Contraception
What is contraception?
Contraception refers to the methods that are used to prevent pregnancy. Some methods of contraception (condoms and internal condoms) can also be used to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Healthy lives for young people
Brook operates a number of sexual health and wellbeing services across the UK and they are committed to supporting young people.
Here's their page on contraception.
Types of contraception
There is a range of different contraceptive options currently available and the type that works best for you will depend on your health and circumstances.
Some types of contraception are for men, some are for women, although certain people may not cope well with different types of contraception, they are recommended to anyone who is sexually active and not seeking a pregnancy.
You can start by finding out about the methods of contraception you can choose from, including how they work, who can use them and possible side effects.
To find out about the different methods and which is the right one for you please visit the Sexwise page on contraception.
Where can I get free contraception?
Contraception is FREE on the NHS for all ages so you won’t have to pay anything. You can get it from a range of places including GP surgeries, GUM or sexual health clinics and family planning services.
Here are direct links to sexual services websites across Bedford, Luton & Milton Keynes:
iCaSH stands for 'integrated Contraception and Sexual Health'.
iCaSH Bedfordshire has two hubs across Bedford Borough, bringing all aspects of sexual health under one roof. The two clinics available to Bedford Borough residents are:
- Kings Brook Clinic at 5 St Johns Street, Bedford, MK42 0AH
- Dunstable Priory at Priory Gardens Surgery, Church Street Dunstable, LU6 3SU
- No. 624 at 624 South Fifth Street, Milton Keynes Central, MK9 2FX
Luton Sexual Health (Community Hub, 1st Floor, Arndale House The Mall, Luton LU1 2LJ) can provide STI screening, contraception, and advice regarding your sexual health. Please see visit their website for more info on services they provide, and ways to contact them.
A number of pharmacies in Luton also provide free EHC (the morning after pill):
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Name |
Address |
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255 Birdsfoot Lane, Luton LU3 2HX |
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157A Biscot Road, Luton LU3 1AW |
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62 Calverton Road, Luton LU3 2SZ |
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731 Dunstable Road, Luton LU4 0DU |
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165A, 165B Dunstable Rd, Luton |
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Unit 3 Luton Mall, 46-48 George Street, Luton LU1 2AZ |
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198B Dunstable Road, Luton LU4 8JJ |
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Tudor House, 1 Bishopscote Road, Luton LU3 1NX |