Contraception advice

Contraception Advice: Find What’s Right for You

Choosing a method of contraception is a personal decision — one that can change depending on your lifestyle, your health and your plans. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming to know which is right for you.

At Happiher, we believe contraception advice should be bespoke, not templated. As a private gynaecologist in London, I help women explore their options in a supportive, informed environment — so your choice fits your body and your goals.

Why Bespoke Contraception Advice Matters

Contraception isn’t one-size-fits-all. What suits your best friend or even your past self might not suit you today. Your medical history, menstrual health, lifestyle and reproductive plans all play a part in finding the right solution.

During your appointment you can expect full care that includes consultations, physical examinations and investigations to address your reproductive health concerns.

At Happiher we take time to discuss:

• Your medical background (including blood pressure, migraines, family history etc.)

• Your menstrual cycle and hormonal profile

• Hormonal or non-hormonal options

• Short term or long term contraception

• Fertility preservation for the future

• Side effects you’re willing — or not willing — to manage

What is Contraception

Contraception means using methods or devices to prevent pregnancy and is an essential part of reproductive health and women’s health. There are many contraception methods available, hormonal and non-hormonal, including the combined pill, vaginal rings and barrier methods like condoms.

Contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy and also to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and manage symptoms like heavy periods and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Reliable methods of contraception like IUDs and implants can provide long term protection against pregnancy and are suitable for women who want to delay or space out their pregnancies.

Emergency contraception like the morning after pill can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex and it’s essential to have access to this type of contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies. Contraception information and services should be available to all women, including girls and young women, to help them make informed decisions about their reproductive health.A consultant gynaecologist can help you find the right contraception for your individual needs and guide you through the various options available. Contraception methods have different benefits and risks and it’s important to consider these when choosing a method, thinking about effectiveness, convenience and potential side effects.

Women’s health clinics and services can offer access to a range of contraception methods, hormonal and non-hormonal and reproductive health and fertility awareness. Contraception is a key part of women’s health and it’s essential to prioritise access to quality contraception services and information to protect women’s health and wellbeing.

Types of Contraception

Here’s a quick rundown of what we may discuss:

Health professionals can advise on different methods based on personal circumstances, effectiveness and potential side effects.

Hormonal Methods

• Combined oral contraceptive pill (“the pill”) — hormonal methods use hormones like oestrogen and progestogen

• Progestogen-only pill (mini pill) — used when oestrogen is not advised

• Contraceptive patch — worn on the skin and changed weekly

• Vaginal ring — a soft ring inserted into the vagina, replaced monthly

• Contraceptive injection — given every 8-13 weeks

• Hormonal intrauterine system (IUS) — e.g., Mirena coil, lasting 3-5 years

Non-Hormonal Methods

• Copper intrauterine device (IUD) — non-hormonal coil lasting up to 10 years

• Barrier methods — condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps

Another non-hormonal option is the withdrawal method which involves interrupting intercourse before ejaculation to prevent pregnancy. However this is considered less reliable with 22 in 100 couples experiencing pregnancy within a year.

Permanent Options

• Female sterilisation — surgical procedure to block fallopian tubes

• Vasectomy (for male partners) — simple outpatient procedure

When considering these permanent options it’s important to also think about the cost implications as both female sterilisation and vasectomy can be expensive.

Natural Methods

Each method has different benefits, potential side effects and considerations. A conversation with an experienced gynaecologist can help you weigh these up.By tracking your cycle you can discover your fertility patterns and understand your reproductive health.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Contraception

When we discuss contraception at Happiher we look at:

• Effectiveness (based on typical use, not perfect use)

• Ease of use and lifestyle fit

• Control over menstrual symptoms (lighter periods, reduced cramping)

• Hormonal side effects (e.g., mood changes, acne, breast tenderness)

• Future fertility goals

• Medical risks or contraindications

Initial investigations can help identify the most suitable contraception method.

Be honest about what you’re willing to accept — whether that’s a hormone free option, minimal maintenance or extra protection against heavy periods.

Contraception for Specific Needs

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may need specific contraception methods to manage their symptoms, such as hormonal contraception to regulate their periods and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women with heavy periods may benefit from using contraception methods like the IUD or hormonal pills to reduce bleeding and symptoms.

Women who experience anxiety or pain during sex may need to consider alternative contraception methods, such as non-hormonal options or barrier methods, to prioritise their comfort and wellbeing. Women who have had a previous abortion or are considering abortion may need to access emergency contraception or other reproductive health services to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Women with fibroids or other gynaecological conditions may need special contraception methods or treatment options to manage their symptoms and protect their reproductive health. Women trying to conceive may need to use fertility awareness methods or see a fertility specialist to increase their chances of getting pregnant.

Women who have had robotic-assisted surgery for gynaecological conditions may need to consider alternative contraception methods or treatment options to prioritise their reproductive health and wellbeing. Women with a history of breast cancer may need to avoid certain contraception methods, such as hormonal pills, and instead opt for non-hormonal options or barrier methods to reduce their risk of recurrence.

Women who experience menopause symptoms may need to consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other treatment options to manage their symptoms and prioritise their reproductive health. Women who have concerns about their reproductive health or are experiencing symptoms like pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding should see a consultant gynaecologist or women’s health clinic to access quality care and treatment options.

Managing Contraceptive Side Effects

Most side effects settle after a few months but if they persist or affect your life, they’re worth talking about. Common concerns include:

• Changes in bleeding

• Mood swings

• Weight changes

• Headaches

• Libido changes

We can adjust, switch or replan your contraception if needed. At Happiher you’re never “stuck” with a method that doesn’t suit you.

Evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of various contraceptive methods for diverse populations including adolescents and women with different reproductive histories.

Contraception Across Life Stages

Your contraceptive needs change with age and life situation:

• Teens and young women: ease of use, skin benefits, STI protection

• Postpartum women: breastfeeding safe options

• Women over 40: transition options for perimenopause and menopause

• Women with medical conditions: personalised plans for migraines, clotting risks, endometriosis etc.

Personalised advice helps you navigate these transitions smoothly. Different life stages and relationships can also impact your contraceptive needs.

Emergency Contraception

If you’ve had unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g. condom breakage, missed pills) emergency contraception is available. Options include:

• Emergency pill (within 3-5 days depending on the type)

• Copper IUD insertion (the most effective method up to 5 days after ovulation)

Early advice can maximise effectiveness — don’t wait to get in touch.

Prompt diagnosis of contraceptive failure can help choose the most effective emergency contraception.

Why Choose Happiher for Contraception Advice?

If you need contraception advice in London Happiher offers:

• Specialist private consultations and full gynaecology services

• Full range of contraception options explained

• On-site coil and implant fitting where possible

• Immediate support for side effects or changes

• Discreet, patient-centred care

Patients can have on-site testing to ensure comprehensive care.

Choosing contraception is about more than just preventing pregnancy — it’s about your life, your choices and your future.

Last words

You want contraception that suits you — not just what’s most popular. Whether you’re starting out, need a change or just want to know your options, expert advice makes all the difference.

Happiher is here for you every step of the way — with clarity, kindness and expertise.