Short acting methods of contraception are methods that rely on the user taking them to be effective.
The methods of short acting contraception that we provide at Outpatients East include:
- The contraceptive patch
- The combined pill
- The progestogen only pill (POP)
- The vaginal ring
The Contraceptive Patch
The contraceptive patch is a small patch that you stick to your skin to prevent pregnancy. The patch is thin and sticky, a bit like a plaster. It’s beige-coloured and about 5cm x 5cm in size. It works by steadily releasing 2 hormones through your skin and into your body. The hormones are called oestrogen and progestogen. They’re similar to the natural hormones made by the ovaries. Each patch lasts for one week. After a week you take it off and put on a new one.
Where can I get the contraceptive patch?
- From your GP
- You can get the patch from Barking Community Hospital by attending our walk ins
The Combined Pill
The combined pill is a small pill you take once a day to stop you getting pregnant. It’s usually just called “the pill“. The pill releases 2 hormones called oestrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the natural hormones made by the ovaries. There are different types of combined pill and different ways to take it, please click the link below to find out more.
Where can I get the combined pill?
- You can get the patch from Barking Community Hospital by attending our walk ins
- You can also get it from your GP
- You can also get the combined pill for free without a prescription from certain pharmacies. To find your nearest participating pharmacy click here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-offering-contraceptive-pill-without-prescription/
Black voices on contraception video: https://youtu.be/Kru5C-Wd1_Q
Progestogen-Only Pill (POP)
Progestogen-Only Pill (POP)
The progestogen-only pill is a pill you take every day to stop you getting pregnant. It has a progestogen hormone similar to the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries. The POP is different from the combined pill because it doesn’t have the hormone oestrogen. There are a few different types of POP, click the link below to find out more.
Where can I get Progestogen-Only Pill
- You can get the patch from Barking Community Hospital by attending our walk ins
- You can also get it from your GP
- You can also get the Progestogen Only Pill for free without a prescription from certain pharmacies. To find your nearest participating pharmacy click here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-offering-contraceptive-pill-without-prescription/
Black voices on contraception video: https://youtu.be/qJLdp0bWHB8
The Vaginal Ring
The contraceptive vaginal ring is a small, squashy plastic ring that you use to prevent pregnancy. You put the ring in your vagina. It works by steadily releasing 2 hormones through the sides of the vagina into your body. The hormones are called oestrogen and progestogen. They’re similar to the natural hormones made by the ovaries. After 3 weeks, you take the ring out and put in a new one.
Where can I get the vaginal ring?
- You can get the patch from Barking Community Hospital by attending our walk ins
- You can also get it from your GP