Sexual Health and Contraception

  • Contraception
    • Most types are available free through NHS to all men and women in the UK.
    • Free supplies from welfare officers or directly from CUSU (17 Mill Lane). Supplies include:
      • Condoms – regular, snug, large, ribbed, latex-free
      • Female condoms
      • Dental dams
      • Pregnancy tests
    • Can also purchase online from https://www.saveembarrassment.com
    • Register for a C-card to be able to pick up free condoms and dams at various locations in the city: https://www.ccardcambs.com
    • Emergency contraception (pill) is available at pharmacies, GPs and sexual health clinics. Sexual health clinics and GPs should also be able to fit you with an emergency contraception IUD.
    • Male and Female condoms are the only form of contraception that also protects against STIs.
    • Other common ones include:
      • Barrier methods(caps, rings and diaphragms) for women.
      • Birth control pills and patches for women (hormonal).
      • Long acting reversible contraception for women (LARC) that last 1-10 years including:
        • Hormonal : Intra-uterine systems (IUSs), injections and implants that go under your skin.
        • Non-hormonal : Copper coil (IUDs).
      • Natural family planning/Fertility Awareness methods.
      • Permanent sterilisation for men and women.
    • Effectiveness rates with normal and perfect use are most concisely presented here.
    • Visit the NHS website, see your GP to discuss different options, or for a check-up regarding your current method.
    • Free emergency contraception from most GP surgeries, but if not Lime Tree Clinic (iCASH) at 315 Mill Road can sort you out.