Contraception
There are many different methods of contraception. Your GP will discuss your choices with you to find the type
that will work best for you.
Contraception is free for most people in the UK and allows you to choose when and if you want to have a baby.
The only way to help protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is to use a condom every time
you have sex. Other methods of contraception prevent pregnancy but don't protect against STIs.
The morning after pill is available by appointment with the GP at the surgery. This should be taken within 72
hours of unprotected intercourse, the sooner the better. Between 72 hours and 120 hours taking emergency
contraception is better than doing nothing but efficacy is greatly reduced. The best method, in this timeframe of 35 days after intercourse is the fitting of an intra-uterine device (coil) at the family planning association clinic.
Sexual Health and Contraceptive Services close to where you live
NHS Bedfordshire together with Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and Brook have launched a new sexual health
service in Bedfordshire. A number of new clinics now run across the county offering sexual health information
and advice, contraceptive services and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Please
note the differing clinics for those over and under 25 years old.
Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) clinics for Over 25 year olds
Bedford
First Floor, Broadway House, 4/6 The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TE
Monday 6pm – 9pm, Thurs 5pm – 8pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm
Flitwick
Flitwick Health Centre, The Highlands, Flitwick Beds MK45 1DZ
Monday 1pm – 3pm
Biggleswade
Biggleswade Health Centre, Saffron Road, Biggleswade Beds SG18 8DJ
Tuesday 6pm – 9pm
Dunstable
Dunstable Health Centre, Priory Gardens, Dunstable Beds LU6 3SU
Wednesday 6pm -9pm
Outreach Clinics at venues across Bedford
Saturday 1pm – 5pm
For further information call THT on 01234 761080
Brook Clinics for all young people under 25
Brook at Bedford
First Floor, Broadway House, 4/6 The Broadway Bedford MK40 2TE
Tuesday 3.45pm – 6.45pm, Saturday 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Brook at Flitwick
Flitwick Health Centre, The Highlands, Flitwick Beds MK45 1DZ
Monday 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Brook at Biggleswade
Biggleswade Health Centre, Saffron Road, Biggleswade Beds SG18 8DJ
Thursday 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Brook at Dunstable
Dunstable Health Centre, Priory Gardens, Dunstable Beds LU6 3SU
Monday 12 noon – 2pm
Brook at Leighton Buzzard
Leighton Buzzard Health Centre, 25 Bassett Road, Leighton Buzzard Beds LU7 1AR
Wednesday 4pm – 6pm
Brook at Houghton Regis
Tithe Farm Neighbourhood Centre, Tithe Farm Road, Houghton Regis, Beds LU5 5QN
Tuesday 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Brook at Sandy
Sandy Health Centre, Northcroft, Sand Beds SG19 1JQ
Friday 4pm – 6pm
Brook will also be providing outreach clinics in schools and further education settings across Bedfordshire. For
further information call Brook on 01234 761090
Link to website: http://www.under-cover.org.uk/ (free condom scheme for under 25’s)
External Websites:
Contraception explained - NHS Choices