Sexual health
Emergency (post-coital) contraception
All of our doctors are able to assess for and prescribe emergency contraception. The effectiveness of these treatments are directly linked with how soon they are used. If you think you might require emergency contraception please contact the practice and ask for an urgent advice call from the Duty Doctor as soon as possible. The most effective method is usually the fitting of an intra-uterine device (copper "coil") for which you will be directed to the walk-in service offered by Abacus, but if it is agreed that oral medication ("the morning-after pill") is the preferred option we will provide a (free) prescription for this.
Contraceptive Pill repeat prescriptions
If you are taking the contraceptive pill, and are due for a repeat prescription, we now offer the facility to authorise this via online eConsult for low-risk patients. Follow this link and follow the prompts, the answers will be reviewed by a doctor, and provided everything is satisfactory, we may be able to reauthorise and issue your prescription without the need for a trip to the surgery. Please note:
- Although the eConsult says "optional" for the height, weight and blood pressure measurements, we will only be able to issue a prescription for combined hormonal contraception if these are completed. We are happy to accept home blood pressure measurements if you or a family member has a machine, similarly a weight measurement from your own scales is fine; if you can't do either a BP or weight at home, then will need to come in to have these measured by our healthcare assistant
- If the clinician has any queries or concerns raised by the eConsult, you may still be called or asked to come in
- If you are asked to attend, routine appointments may be up to three weeks away, so please ensure you make your initial request in plenty of time so that you don't run out if you do need to come in.
General contraceptive & family planning advice
We offer an extensive sexual health service at the practice - several of our doctors have additional qualifications in sexual and reproductive healthcare. If you are looking for advice about contraception, or perhaps pre-conception advice before trying for a baby, then we will be able to help. There are a lot of contraceptive choices available, to make the most of your limited-time appointment with the doctor you could have a look at the options available and narrow it down to a few - this website has some excellent information.
In addition to offering prescriptions for contraceptive pills, patches and rings, we offer the 3-monthly injection and the contraceptive implant in the practice. Unfortunately we are unable to offer intra-uterine contraception (IUC - sometimes referred to as "coils") at the moment, but hopefully we will be able to resume this service soon. If you would like to have an IUC fitted or replaced, then for now you will need to contact the Axess Sexual Health service (see below).
We can also offer testing for sexually-transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea via a simple urine specimen, and where appropriate arrange for HIV testing. We can arrange onward referral to the genito-urinary medicine service at the Royal Liverpool for more complicated cases.
Axess Sexual Health
Axess in Liverpool is now offering a mixture of walk-in clinics, telephone bookable appointments, on-line booking and virtual care. They will no longer be providing contraception via the online SH:24 partner.
Liverpool residents will still be able to order an STI postal testing kit via their digital partner; SH:24.
Visit their website for clinic times and information.
