Contraception is free for most people in the UK, and there are 15 types to choose from. Find out what's available and where you can get it.
Contraceptive methods protect against pregnancy, so if you use contraception correctly you can have sex without worrying about getting pregnant or getting someone pregnant.
Most methods of contraception won’t protect you against catching or passing on a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms are the only method to protect against both STIs and pregnancy. Protect your own and your partner's health by using condoms as well as your chosen method of contraception.
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under 16 years old. This means that the doctor or nurse won’t tell your parents, or anyone else, as long as they believe that you're mature enough to understand the information and decisions involved. There are strict guidelines for healthcare professionals who work with people under 16. If they believe that there's is a risk to your safety and welfare, they may decide to tell your parents.
Where to get it
You can get contraception and condoms free from:
- most GP surgeries (talk to your GP or practice nurse),
- community contraceptive clinics,
- some genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics,
- sexual health clinics (these offer contraceptive and STI testing services), and
- some young people's services.
Find your nearest clinic here. Many of these places offer information, testing and treatment for STIs, including chlamydia. If you've been exposed to the risk of pregnancy, you're also at risk of catching an STI.
Video: types of contraception
Dr Tina Peers, consultant in contraception and sexual health, explains how teenage girls can find the right type of contraception.
There are lots of contraceptive methods to choose from, so don't be put off if the first thing you use isn't quite right for you. You can try another. You don't have to use a particular type just because your friends are. Before you make an appointment, read about the contraceptive options available so that you can decide which one will suit you best:
Two types of contraception are permanent:
You can also find out more about all 15 of these options by contacting:
- fpa: 0845 122 8690.
- Brook Advisory Service: 0808 802 1234 (for under-25s).
- Sexual Health Line: 0800 567 123 (for under-18s only).
In addition to your chosen method of contraception, you need to use condoms to prevent STIs. Always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet. This means that they've been tested to the high European safety standards. Condoms that don't have the CE mark won't meet these standards, so don't use them.
Find a service near you
You can find your nearest contraceptive service by using the NHS Choices service search. Enter your postcode, click Search, then click on Contraceptives.
Or you can look in the phone book under Sexual health, or call fpa on 0845 122 8690.
To find your nearest young people's service (for under-25s), call the Brook helpline on 0808 802 1234.
