There are many different types of contraception available and so you should be able to find the right method for you. You may have to try several different things before you choose the one you like most.

We are improving and expanding our contraception services.

We currently hold a Nurse led family planning clinic on a Tuesday afternoon. 

However, from October 2026, we will be offering a monthly Tuesday afternoon clinic, where you can see a Doctor or Nurse about different methods of contraception.

We currently offer a variety of pills, depot injections, coils, and hope to introduce contraceptive Implants in October 2026. 

Please note, this clinic monthly Doctor and Nurse clinic will unfortunately not be able to offer routine pill checks - if you are established on a pill and require a repeat prescription you will need to see the pharmacy as usual. 

For free and confidential advice regarding contraception at the surgery please contact our Patient Support Team to get details of how to book. 

We strongly recommend that you watch this film IUS IUD (contraceptive coil) (8 mins, copyright NHS Lothian 2017), as it gives you all the information you need about intra-uterine methods.

The above below will help you decide if you are ready to have the IUD/IUS fitted.

 About the coil:

A doctor or nurse will discuss your contraceptive needs and explain the pros and cons of the coil. They will decide if a hormone coil (Mirena) or a copper coil (IUD) will be best for you. We will try to fit your coil on your first appointment but this may not always be possible.

A coil fitting appointment usually takes about 30 minutes; this will include a consultation, examination, possible testing for infection and coil fitting. Please make sure you have plenty of time for your appointment. Where possible please find childcare for small children.

It is very important that there is no possibility that you are pregnant at the time of a coil fitting - so please make sure that you have used contraception carefully for at least three weeks before your appointment.

It is normal to have erratic bleeding or sometimes heavy bleeding after a coil fitting but if you develop a smelly discharge or pain this could be a sign of infection, please contact us for advice.

Women who have a hormone (Mirena) coil fitted should expect some irregular bleeding which may last for a few months. For this reason it may be sensible to avoid fitting the Mirena coil just before a special event e.g. a holiday.

Will I need painkillers?

Some women do find coil fitting uncomfortable, we suggest that you take your usual painkillers, e.g. two 500mg Paracetamol tablets or one 400mg Ibuprofen tablet one hour prior to the coil fitting.

Many women have a crampy period type pain and light discharge for a few days afterwards. Women who have a hormone (Mirena) coil fitted should expect some irregular bleeding which may last for a few months. For this reason it may be sensible to avoid fitting the Mirena coil just before a special event e.g. a holiday. It is normal to have erratic bleeding or sometimes heavy bleeding after a coil fitting but if you develop a smelly discharge or pain this could be a sign of infection, please contact us for advice.

NetDoctor

A Family Planning specialist writes about the different types of contraception, the benefits and pitfalls and how effective they are

Contraception - NHS Choices

Information on Contraception from NHS Choices including why, when and how it should be used and with links to other useful resources.

Hormonal Contraception

This factsheet is for women who are taking hormonal contraceptives, or who would like information about them.