Our contraception service offers a range of contraception to help you prevent unplanned pregnancy.
This is available to anyone living in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, G69 and G39 postcodes, and Argyll and Bute.
You can self-refer, meaning you don’t need to go to your GP first.
On this page you will find information on:
The types of contraception we offer
Help finding the right contraception for you
What to expect at your appointment
Types of contraception we offer
We offer a range of contraception types. Booking depends on the type you want. Find out more below.
Please note: Your GP can also help with contraception, and pharmacies can give you emergency contraception, condoms and 3 months of the contraceptive pill for free in Scotland.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception helps you prevent pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex (if you didn’t use a condom or it broke, or you didn’t use contraception or missed your usual dose).
Emergency contraception can be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex, but acting quickly is key as the sooner you get it, the more effective it is.
What you need to know
There are two types:
- Emergency pill – Free from most pharmacies, GP practices, A&E (for out of hours) and Sandyford.
- Copper coil (IUD) – Free from Sandyford and some GP practices. It can be fitted up to 5 days after sex and used as ongoing contraception.
Find out more on NHS inform.
How to get emergency contraception
Call us or visit your local pharmacy or GP
To arrange emergency contraception from Sandyford call 0141 211 8130
(Monday to Friday, 8:45 – noon, 1pm – 4pm)
You can also get emergency contraception for free from any GP or pharmacy in Scotland.
Hormonal or non-hormonal IUDs (coils)
These are a long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) where T-shaped devices are inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy.
What you need to know
There are two types of intrauterine contraception which we can fit, a hormonal and non-hormonal option. We will discuss the best option for you at your appointment and this will be in your information pack. Please keep a note of this for your own reference. You will not be contacted when it is time to remove or replace your coil.
If this is a new coil or your coil/contraceptive method has expired, you must use adequate contraception for 21 days (3 weeks) prior to the appointment.
How long they last
Non-hormonal (copper) coils
Either 5 or 10 year coils are commonly used. If ANY copper coil is inserted after 40 years of age, this will NOT need replaced even if it is a 5-year coil. It can be used for contraception until age 55 years, when it should then be removed.
Hormone coils
These come in 3 strengths, and last different amounts of time:
- 13.5 milligramme coil eg Jaydess® – lasts 3 years for contraception
- 19.5 milligramme coil eg Kyleena® – lasts 5 years for contraception
- 52 milligramme coil eg Benilexa®, Levosert® or Mirena® – last 8 years for contraception
- If using an 8-year hormone coil as part of HRT – this must be replaced after 5 years
To find out more about the different types of coils, how they work and how long they last for, visit: NHS inform
How to book
Book your coil/IUD appointment online
Book online to have your coil inserted, replaced or removed. The national sexual health online booking portal allows you to make, change, and cancel appointments at a time that suits you.
If your replacement is overdue, please speak to your GP first.
Please note: If no appointments are available online then we are fully booked.
The portal and our phonelines operate from the same system so additional appointments won’t be offered over the phone.
Please continue checking regularly for appointments which will be online as they become available.
The portal is currently being improved. More information on the portal can be found here.
If you can’t book online call 0141 211 8130 (Mon – Fri, 8:45 – noon, 1pm – 4pm)
Contraceptive implants
The contraceptive implant is a highly effective, long-acting reversible method of contraception (LARC) that lasts up to 3 years and contains progestogen, which prevents ovulation.
What you need to know
The contraceptive implant is fitted under local anaesthetic. This means the area of your upper arm is numbed before the implant is inserted, making the procedure quick and generally painless. The appointment generally lasts for 30 minutes.
For more information on implants visit: NHS inform
How to book
Book your implant appointment online
The national sexual health online booking portal allows you to make, change, and cancel appointments at a time that suits you.
Please note: If no appointments are available online then we are fully booked.
The portal and our phonelines operate from the same system so additional appointments won’t be offered over the phone.
Please continue regularly checking for appointments which will be online as they become available.
The portal is currently being improved. More information on the portal can be found here.
If you can’t book online call 0141 211 8130 (Mon – Fri, 8:45 – noon, 1pm – 4pm)
Vasectomy
Vasectomy (male sterilisation) is a small operation that prevents pregnancy.
What you need to know
It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Vasectomy is intended as a permanent method of contraception. Reversing it isn’t easy, and is not available on the NHS. In most cases, vasectomy is more than 99% effective.
How to book
This service cannot be booked online as it requires a referral.
Visit the Vasectomy page for full details.
Condoms
Condoms help keep yourself and others safe, as they are the only contraception that protects you from sexually transmitted infections.
Free condoms are available to anyone over 13 years in Greater Glasgow and Clyde via our Free Condoms service.
It’s confidential and easy to use, with lots of different outlets to choose from.
We offer limited support for
Contraceptive injection
We don’t offer appointments for repeat injections, but we can provide you with your first dose if you feel you would like to start this. Follow-up doses will need to be discussed with your GP. Please call us on 0141 211 8130 if you would like to make an appointment.
Contraceptive pill
We only offer repeat prescriptions of the contraceptive pill in our Young People Service but can supply those over 18 with their first prescription. Call us on 0141 211 8130 to arrange this.
Your GP can also prescribe you the contraceptive pill, and Scottish pharmacies can now give you an initial 3-month supply of the progestogen-only pill as part of a new initiative.
Finding the right contraception for you
All contraception reduces the chance of pregnancy, but some methods are more effective than others. It’s important you find what works best for you but remember – condoms are the only method that also protect against STIs.
The right contraception for you (video)
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Contraception after having a baby
After having a baby, it’s important to discuss contraception with your GP or practice nurse early, as fertility can return within 3 weeks – even if you’re breastfeeding.
What to expect at your appointment
Coming to clinic
Location
All of our locations offer emergency contraception and free condoms. Coil or implant appointments are currently available at some venues. For directions, accessibility, and more details, visit our Locations page.
Arriving
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment for check in. When you arrive, go to the reception desk. Some locations will have self check-in in operation.
Waiting area and facilities
You’ll wait in the main waiting area in front of reception. Bathrooms are available nearby, just ask a member of staff.
Attending with children policy
If possible, please avoid bringing children to your appointment unless someone can stay with them in the waiting area. Consultations may involve sensitive questions about your sexual history and could include procedures in a medical setting that are not safe for unsupervised children. If we’re unable to carry out your appointment safely, we won’t be able to proceed. Thank you for your understanding.
During your appointment
We’ll explain everything you need to know to help you decide if this contraception is right for you. The nurse or doctor may take your weight, blood pressure, and ask about your menstrual cycle and sexual history. You’re welcome to ask questions at any time – we want you to feel comfortable and at ease.
Trainee members of staff
As a training centre, we frequently have trainees at our services and may ask you if a trainee can sit in on your appointment. You will always be given the chance to say no to this request.
Find out more information on what to expect when visiting a sexual health service.
After your appointment
Some people feel mild discomfort or pain during or after procedures. We’ll explain what to expect and recommend reading about contraception types on NHS Inform to help you feel prepared.
Coils:
If you’re having a coil fitted, you’ll be asked to wait around 20 minutes after your appointment to ensure you’re safe to leave. Please factor this extra time in when planning your visit.
Find out more about the different contraception methods on NHS inform.
Find out more about contraception
NHS 111 can provide advice and support when Sandyford and other services are closed.