Contraception and Termination

Contraception and Termination

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Methods of contraception

Find out about the different methods of contraception for preventing pregnancy, how to get them and how well they work.

  • Combined pill

    Combined pill

    The combined contraceptive pill (also called the pill) is a type of hormonal contraception.

     
  • Progestogen-only pill

    Progestogen-only pill

    The progestogen-only pill, also called the mini pill, is a type of hormonal contraception.

     
  • IUD (intrauterine device) or copper coil

    IUD (intrauterine device) or copper coil

    Inserted into the womb (uterus), does not contain hormones and can be used as emergency contraception.

     
  • IUS (intrauterine system) or hormonal coil

    IUS (intrauterine system) or hormonal coil

    Inserted into the womb (uterus) and releases the hormone progestogen.

  • Contraceptive implant

    Contraceptive implant

    Inserted under the skin of your arm and releases the hormone Progestogen. 

  • Contraceptive injection

    Contraceptive injection

    An injection which contains the hormone Progestogen. 

  • Contraceptive patch

    Contraceptive patch

    A sticky patch is worn on the skin and releases the hormones Progestogen and Oestrogen.

  • Vaginal ring

    Vaginal ring

    A soft flexible ring put in the Vagina, releasing the hormones Progestogen and Oestrogen.

  • Condoms

    Condoms

    Worn on the penis to help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

  • Emergency pill

    Emergency pill

    This pill is taken within 3 to 5 days after sex, depending on the type of pill.

If you need contraception, you can visit your local Sexual Health Clinic or get in touch with your GP, alternatively some pharmacies offer access to the contraceptive pill without the need of a prescription.

Use our webpage to find a pharmacy near you and find out more about accessing the contraceptive pill at your local pharmacy, without a prescription.

New Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Services from 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (SSOT ICB) will be introducing new contracts for Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) services to improve access and patient choice.

What’s Changing?

NUPAS will continue to offer services across the area, with clinics in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Cannock, and Burton. Surgical abortions (up to 17 weeks and 6 days) will still be available at the Newcastle clinic.

We’re also pleased to welcome two additional providers—BPAS and MSI—who will be opening new clinics in Stafford and Tamworth.

Why the Change?

The aim of these changes is to give patients more choice, reduce travel times, and make services more accessible. This new approach also follows national NHS England guidance to help improve abortion care across the country.

What Support Is Available?

Women and girls can seek abortions without the need to go via a GP. All TOPs services accept self-referrals; consultations and procedures are confidential and are not included in patients NHS record (unless they consent to their GP being informed).

NG140 Patient decision aid on choosing between medical or surgical abortion before 14 weeks

NG140 Patient decision aid on choosing between medical or surgical abortion from 14 weeks up to 24 weeks

All three providers—NUPAS, BPAS, and MSI—offer:

  • Counselling to support you in making informed decisions
  • STI testing, if appropriate
  • Contraception advice and access, including long-acting reversible options (LARC)

You can speak to your GP or contact the providers directly for more information and to access care:

OrganisationBPASMSINUPAS
Websitewww.bpas.orgwww.msichoices.org.uk  www.nupas.co.uk
Telephone number0345 7304030 Phone lines are open 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and 9.30 am to 2.30 pm on Sundays.0345 3008090   Booking line is available everyday 7am to 6pm0333 004 6666 Lines are open 8am – 10pm, 7 days a week
Pills by post (where clinically appropriate)✓✓✓
Medical clinicsGrosvenor house. Telford Millbank, StaffordSandwell, Dudley, WalsallLaurel House, Tamworth Rising Brook, Stafford MerryhillWharf Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme Hednesford Valley, Cannock All Saints Road, Burton
Surgical clinicsBirmingham (up to 24 Weeks) Chester (Up to 13weeks and 6 days) Merseyside (up to 24 Weeks) Sandwell (Up to 13 weeks and 6 days)Birmingham – Up to 23 weeks and 6 days (opening date TBC) Leeds – Up to 23 weeks and 6 days Manchester – Up to 23 weeks and 6 days South Yorkshire, Rotherham – Up to 23 weeks and 6 daysNewcastle under Lyme (up to 17 weeks and 6 days) Bolton (up to 24 weeks)

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To learn more, please email ssotics.comms@staffsstoke.icb.nhs.uk