Will the contraceptive pill make me gain weight?

There is no strong clinical evidence to suggest that the pill causes significant weight gain for most people. Some women may experience slight fluid retention or an increase in appetite when they first start, but this usually settles within a few months. We can discuss different brands of the pill if this is a specific concern for you.

How soon is the morning-after pill effective?

Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective the sooner they are taken after unprotected sex. One type (Levonelle) can be taken up to 72 hours later, while another (EllaOne) can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) later. However, the copper coil is the most effective form of emergency contraception and can be fitted up to 5 days after the encounter.

Can I get pregnant immediately after stopping the pill?

Yes, for most hormonal methods like the pill, patch, or ring, your fertility usually returns to its natural baseline very quickly once you stop. If you are planning a pregnancy, we recommend stopping your contraception a few months in advance to allow your natural cycle to regulate, but you can technically conceive within the first month.

Is the coil painful to have fitted?

Most women find the fitting of an IUD or IUS involves some period-like cramping and discomfort, but it is usually very brief. We can advise on taking simple pain relief before your appointment to make the process more comfortable. If you are particularly concerned, we can discuss the various options for local anaesthetic during the procedure.

Home Treatments Private GPFamily Planning Contraception

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Private Family Planning and Contraception Services

Choosing the right method of contraception is a highly personal decision that impacts your daily life, your health, and your future plans. With so many options available - ranging from daily pills to devices that last for several years - it can be difficult to know which one best suits your body and lifestyle. At Kinvara Private Hospital, our GPs provide a supportive and discreet environment where you can discuss your options in detail. We believe that family planning should be a collaborative process, where your concerns about side effects, cycle control, and ease of use are addressed with expert clinical knowledge. By choosing a private consultation, you gain the time needed to explore all available methods without feeling rushed, ensuring you make a choice that you feel confident and comfortable with.

Medically Reviewed By

Mr Vasu Karri, Medical Director • Updated 2026-01-24

✓CQC Good rated private hospital
✓Consultant-led care from start to finish
✓No GP referral necessary
✓All-inclusive prices, no hidden costs
✓0% finance available over 12 months

Accessing high-quality family planning advice is essential for maintaining your reproductive health and personal autonomy. Our private GP service offers comprehensive consultations that cover the full spectrum of modern contraception. We move beyond simply providing a prescription; we conduct a thorough health screen to ensure your chosen method is safe for you based on your medical history, BMI, and lifestyle factors. Whether you are starting contraception for the first time, looking to switch methods due to side effects, or requiring emergency care, we provide rapid and professional support. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to manage your fertility effectively and safely, in a setting that prioritises your privacy and dignity.

Screening and Suitability Assessment

Every family planning consultation at Kinvara begins with a comprehensive health assessment. We record your blood pressure and weight, as these are vital baseline measurements for anyone starting or continuing hormonal contraception. We also discuss your family medical history, looking specifically for any history of cardiovascular disease or breast cancer, which may influence our recommendations. This initial screening ensures that any method we prescribe is clinically appropriate and minimises your risk of complications. We provide a space where you can be entirely honest about your lifestyle and health concerns.

We also perform a detailed review of your menstrual cycle. If you suffer from particularly heavy or painful periods (menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea), we might suggest methods that are known to alleviate these symptoms, such as the Mirena coil (IUS) or the combined pill. Conversely, if you prefer to maintain a natural monthly cycle, we may focus on non-hormonal options. For those considering an IUD or IUS, we may also recommend a screening for STIs beforehand to ensure the procedure can be performed safely without the risk of spreading an undiagnosed infection into the uterus. This proactive approach to screening is a hallmark of our private GP care.

If you are visiting us for emergency contraception, we conduct a rapid assessment to determine the most effective course of action. This depends on how long it has been since the unprotected encounter and where you are in your menstrual cycle. We provide a sensitive, non-judgmental environment for this discussion, ensuring you understand the options available to you, including the emergency contraceptive pill ('the morning-after pill') or the emergency insertion of a copper IUD, which is actually the most effective form of emergency birth control. Our goal is to provide immediate clarity and support during what can be a stressful time.

An Expert Insight into Reproductive Choice

Contraception works by interrupting the normal process of ovulation, fertilisation, or implantation. Broadly, methods are categorised into hormonal and non-hormonal options. Hormonal methods, such as the pill, patch, or injection, use synthetic versions of oestrogen and progestogen to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg and to thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb. Non-hormonal methods, like the copper IUD (intrauterine device), work by creating an environment in the womb that is toxic to sperm, preventing fertilisation without affecting your natural hormonal cycle. Understanding these biological mechanisms is the first step in choosing a method that aligns with your health preferences.

During a private consultation, we look closely at how different methods interact with your unique physiology. For many women, hormonal contraception provides benefits beyond birth control, such as lighter, less painful periods and improved skin. However, for others, these same hormones can lead to headaches, mood fluctuations, or changes in libido. Our GPs use their clinical expertise to help you weigh these pros and cons. We also discuss the 'failure rates' of different methods, distinguishing between 'perfect use' and 'typical use.' For example, while the pill is highly effective, its real-world success depends on remembering to take it at the same time every day, whereas long-acting methods like the implant remove the element of human error.

We also address the specific needs of different life stages. A woman in her early twenties may have very different priorities compared to someone approaching perimenopause. For those in the later stages of their reproductive life, certain contraceptive methods can also help manage the symptoms of hormonal transition. Conversely, for those planning to start a family in the near future, we discuss 'return to fertility' times - how quickly you can expect to conceive once you stop using a particular method. By taking a holistic view of your life and health, we ensure that your family planning choice supports your well-being both now and in the future.

Benefits

Extended consultation times to discuss side effects, lifestyle, and preferences in detail
Rapid access to a wide range of contraceptive prescriptions and LARC options
A completely discreet and confidential service for sensitive family planning needs
Expert health screening including blood pressure and BMI checks as standard
Emergency contraception available with rapid appointments for immediate peace of mind

Factors Influencing Your Choice

Your medical history is the most critical factor in determining which contraceptive methods are safe for you. For instance, the combined oral contraceptive pill, which contains oestrogen, is generally not recommended for women who experience migraines with aura, have high blood pressure, or have an increased risk of blood clots. In these cases, we would explore 'progestogen-only' options or non-hormonal methods. We also consider your BMI and smoking status, as these can further influence the safety profile of certain hormonal treatments. Our GPs perform these safety checks thoroughly during every consultation.

Lifestyle and daily routine also play a significant role in method selection. If you have a busy, unpredictable schedule, a daily pill might not be the most reliable choice. In such cases, Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC), such as the injection (every 13 weeks), the implant (every 3 years), or the coil (up to 10 years), may provide much greater peace of mind. We also discuss the importance of STI protection; while medical contraception prevents pregnancy, only barrier methods like condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections. Many of our patients choose a 'dual-protection' approach, and we are happy to provide guidance on how to combine methods effectively.

Comprehensive Contraceptive Options

Conservative Management

Short-acting methods are those that require regular action from the user. These include the combined oral contraceptive pill, the progestogen-only pill (mini-pill), contraceptive patches, and the vaginal ring. These options offer great flexibility, as they can be started or stopped easily if your circumstances change. We provide a full range of prescriptions and detailed instructions on what to do if you miss a dose, ensuring you stay protected. We also offer the contraceptive injection, which provides 13 weeks of protection with a single visit to the clinic.

Surgical Options

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) provides 'fit and forget' protection and is highly recommended for those who want the highest level of reliability. This includes the contraceptive implant, a small flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm, and intrauterine devices (the copper coil) or systems (the hormonal coil like Mirena or Kyleena). While our GPs provide the initial consultation and suitability check, we can also coordinate the physical fitting of these devices in a sterile, professional clinical setting. For men or couples seeking a permanent solution, we can facilitate referrals for vasectomy consultations.

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