Sexual Health and Contraception

This service is not just about contraception but is about how people look after themselves during their reproductive years, including pre- conception, menopausal care and sexual health.

We offer a wide range of services in surgery including Long-Acting Reversible Contraception and sexual health screening.

What is Long-Acting Reversible Contraception?

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception, also known as LARC, are forms of contraception that don't depend on you remembering to take or use them to be effective – they are highly effective at preventing pregnancy.

Coils and Implants are examples of LARC, which have many advantages over alternative contraception methods (like the pill) such as:

  1. Highly Effective
    • Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy — among the most reliable forms of contraception available.
    • No “user error” like forgetting a pill or misusing condoms.
  2. Long-Lasting Protection
    • Work for up to 10 years depending on the method.
    • No need to remember daily, weekly, or monthly doses.
  3. Reversible
    • Fertility usually returns quickly once the device is removed.
  4. Low Maintenance
    • “Fit and Forget” — once inserted, you don’t have to think about it until it’s time to replace or remove it.
  5. Cost-Effective Over Time
    • As this is a service provided by the NHS there is no initial cost to the patient, thus becomes much more cost-effective that buying shorter-term contraceptives (even if on prescription).
  6. Suitable for Most People (Non-Hormonal IUD)
    • Safe for many who cannot use hormonal contraception (due to specific health conditions or other risk factors).
  7. Can Improve Period Symptoms (Hormonal IUS)
    • Can make periods lighter, less painful, or stop them altogether in some cases.

CoSRH have a dedicated online patient resource 'Contraception Choices'. Developed by a team of doctors, nurses, and researchers from University College London (UCL) in collaboration with young women, Contraception Choices aims to help people decide which method of contraception might suit them best via information based on research evidence and theory, professional guidelines, and user views and experiences of contraception.

How to access the LARC Service at Laurel Bank Surgery?

You will need an initial triage appointment with one of our clinical team (GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner) who will discuss the different options available and their suitability for your needs.

You will then be added to a waiting list and contacted with an appointment for your fitting.

Please Note

While we always strive to offer appointments as soon as possible, there may be a wait for this service.

You can also access contraception and sexual health help via Cheshire West & Chester Sexual Health Hub in Chester – for more information please visit: Sexual Health in Cheshire West and Chester | Sexual Health Hub

Emergency Contraception

There are 2 main forms of emergency contraception

1. “The morning after pill” which needs to be taken within 72 hours of the time sex took place but the sooner the pill is taken the more effective it is.

2. The Copper Coil or IUCD. This must be fitted within 5 days of the time sex took place (Please note we cannot offer this service in surgery).

If you require emergency contraception you should see a doctor within 48 hours, preferably 24 hours, tell the receptionist you need an urgent appointment. If you cannot get to the surgery, the local pharmacist or Sexual Health Clinic may be able to help.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

If you are concerned you may have a sexually transmitted infection, you can discuss this with your GP or access the specialist Sexual Health Service available in Chester by visiting: Sexual Health in Cheshire West and Chester | Sexual Health Hub

We are also able to offer opportunistic chlamydia screening for those aged 16-24.

Page last reviewed: 25 June 2026
Page created: 01 March 2024