posted by: Jonathan Shaw
Updated 23.07.20
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic we have had to significantly reduce the provision of routine contraception across our service. This included the suspension of all routine provision of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs). LARCs are methods including all hormonal and non-hormonal coils, implants and contraceptive injections.
We are now in a position to offer limited access to LARCs – more information is available here.
We are ensuring that contraception should be available to those that need it. We have now implemented a telephone triage system for all contraception needs. Please call your local clinic to access this triage system.
At present we are offering telephone triage to assess for and provide:
Helpful advice has been supplied to clinics like ours from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH – here). This includes reassuring information for people who already have a LARC inserted that is due to, or has, expired. There is good evidence that extended use of:
with arrangements made for removal/replacement after the COVID-19 crisis is over. Women can leave the LARC in place and add a progestogen-only pill (POP) on top if they are worried, but the risk of pregnancy is likely to be small.
Helpful advice from the FSRH is available to support your contraceptive choices during these challenging times – link
Finally please remember that condoms remain an effective and widely available form of barrier contraception.
A note on moon cups:
We are aware that the use of moon cups and other menstrual cups is increasing due to concerns about the environment. With COVID-related travel restrictions in place they also offer a convenient way of managing periods when access to other sanitary products might be difficult.
We are seeing an increase in numbers of coils becoming dislodged or even removed by the use of such menstrual cups. We wish to advise caution, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic which means access to our service is limited.
Please follow the recommendations below when using a menstrual cup if you have a coil:
The manufacturer of the Moon Cup® recommends waiting for 6 weeks following the insertion of IUC before using the menstrual cup. They also state that the Moon Cup should be placed low in the vagina with an adequate seal, which should be broken before the cup is removed. The manufacturer also recommends checking for IUC threads after each menses. If the threads cannot be located, or if a woman thinks her Cu-IUD has moved or if a woman experiences pain, the manufacturer recommends using additional contraception and consulting with an appropriate health care professional. (FSRH guidance on Intrauterine contraception)
Please note that due to COVID-19 we will not be able to refit a coil that has become dislodged or removed but we will be able to remove a dislodged coil to ensure you are safe and pain free.
If you do have concerns about your coil please phone your local clinic for advice.
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How to access our service:
We have now implemented a telephone triage system for all of our clinics. This system will be in place for the duration of the pandemic. Please contact our services to access this triage system. Our central telephone number is 0300 303 3989.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Coronavirus please do not attend the clinic. Clear advice for people with symptoms of coronavirus is available at nhs.uk/coronavirus .
Advice from our service:
We have updated information on the provision of routine contraception during this pandemic here.
If you need the combined contraceptive pill please try (if you can) to get updated measurements of your height, weight and blood pressure before calling us.
We are currently prioritising these groups for coil and implant (LARC) fits:
More details on LARC fittings at our service are found here
There is also specific advice on coronavirus available for People Living with HIV here, and for pregnant women here.
Self-requested Sexual Health screening by post is available for for under 25s only - more info here
For others with testing requirements please contact the service on 0300 303 3989.
Information is now also available to advise on sexual contact during a time of social distancing here.
Alternative provision:
Please be aware that we may have to cancel, rearrange or shut clinical services in response to changing clinical and staffing pressures created by the Coronavirus pandemic.
If you are struggling to access sexual health services, alternatives may be available: