Contraception
Contraception available and how to access it.
Last updated 23 July 2024.
Contents
- What types of contraception are available?
- How can I access contraception?
- Online contraception
- I am under 16 years old, can I get contraception?
- Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
- Emergency contraception
- Condom Distribution Scheme (C-Card)
- NHS contraception videos
What types of contraception are available?
Visit the NHS contraception guide for information on the different types of contraception available.
How can I access contraception?
Contraception can be accessed from the following services:
- Ordering online
- Sexual health clinic
- Your GP or practice nurse
- Your school nurse
- Pharmacies
See below for further information.
Online contraception
Surrey Residents aged 18 and over can now order the pill online from the specialist sexual health service, Central and North West London (CNWL).
This includes:
- New or repeat progestogen only pill
- Repeat combined pill (existing sexual health patients of CNWL only)
- Combined Transdermal Patch (Evra)
- Combined vaginal ring
For more information, please visit: sexual health and contraception.
I am under 16 years old, can I get contraception?
If you are under 16, you can still get confidential contraceptive and other sexual health services including free condoms. Contact the sexual health and contraception service. You can also read more about additional services for young people under 25 years of age.
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Long-acting reversible contraception is contraception that doesn't depend on you remembering to take or use it to be effective. It's highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Visit the NHS contraception guide for information on the different types of contraception available.
Where can I access LARC?
There are a few options in Surrey:
- Book an appointment at the sexual health and contraception service.
- Enquire at your GP surgery
LARC (coil and implants) hub for patients living in the Surrey Downs area
A new LARC hub has opened for patients aged 18+ and registered at GP practices in Epsom, Ewell, Stoneleigh Banstead, Tadworth, Cobham, Oxshott and Leatherhead.
Appointments for coil and implant fits are available in three venues in the Surrey Downs area and at various times, including on a Saturday.
Find out more about coil and implant fitting and how to book.
Emergency contraception
You can use emergency contraception if you've had unprotected sex (sex without using contraception) or if you think your contraceptive method may have failed (such as a condom breaking). Emergency contraception can be used up to 3 days (72 hours) and some methods up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. The sooner you get emergency contraception the more effective it is.
There are two types of emergency contraception available:
- Emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the 'morning after pill')
- Intrauterine device (IUD), sometimes referred to as 'the coil', is fitted by a specially trained nurse or doctor within five days of unprotected sex. This is available from the sexual health service.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
There are a few options in Surrey:
- Your local pharmacy
- Sexual health clinics. You can walk in to Buryfields Clinic or Earnsdale Clinic, Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm for emergency contraception.
- Your GP surgery
- Surrey walk-in centres
- A&E Departments (except St Peter's Hospital)
- Can be purchased from local pharmacies
Condom Distribution Scheme (C-Card)
What is the C-Card?
The C-Card Scheme is a free and confidential condom distribution network for young people aged 13–24 years old in Surrey.
Providing regular, easy and confidential access to condoms and sexual health information. You can get free condoms at a number of outlets across Surrey. Some outlets may have limited opening times and some, such as colleges, may only be able to see young people who attend their college.
Register for C-Card and find your nearest C-Card outlet.
How does it work?
Registering with the scheme. If you are between 18-24 years old you can register online, all you need to do is fill out your details and we will email you with a virtual c-card and post you out your first supply of condoms. Your virtual card will allow you to pick up free condoms at any participating outlet across Surrey.
If you are under 18 years old you can still register for c-card by visiting your nearest outlet that provides the registration service and get signed up with a trained professional. Find your nearest C-Card outlet. Once registered you'll receive a C-Card that gives you regular, easy access to free condoms at any outlet displaying the Surrey Sexual Wellbeing logo.
After 10 visits you will have a quick review with your registration point- this gives you the chance to ask any questions you might have or find out about other sexual health services.
Can not find a venue? Want more information?
Call the Outreach Team on 01483 846421. For information on sexual health and contraception services in Surrey visit: sexual health and contraception.
Over 25?
If you are over 25 and living in Surrey you can access a small supply of condoms from one of our Sexual health clinics.
Information for professionals: C-Card outlets
Want to offer C-Card from your service or organisation?
If you work with or support young people aged 13-24 years old, the Outreach Team work with professionals across Surrey, offering free training and resources to enable a service to offer the Condom Distribution Scheme.
The training and process is free and very simple to implement within your service.
Training sessions for Surrey C-Card chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing for under 25 years are available to book online. If you would like any more information or would like to find out about the next training dates, please contact the team by email cnw-tr.admin.outreach@nhs.net or call 01483 846421.
To find out more visit workforce development.
NHS contraception videos
Where to get the morning after pill (for free)
How to put a condom on
How to choose the right size condom
Fitting the contraceptive implant
Removing the contraceptive implant
Fitting the coil
Removing the coil
In this section
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Under 25 year olds
The free sexual health services available to young people.