Explore your free contraception options this September

Sexual Health Week is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about sexual health and wellbeing. It focuses on educating the public about different aspects of sexual health, including contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), consent and healthy relationships.

With World Contraception Day also taking place later this month (26 September), it provides a timely reminder of the importance of accessible, effective contraception for everyone. Walsall’s services are here to support residents in making informed choices about their reproductive health.

There are many types of contraception available and choosing the right one depends on lifestyle, health and future plans. Whether someone is just starting a sexual relationship, thinking about having children or managing reproductive health later in life, contraception is still an important part of the journey.

One of the most effective and convenient options is Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC), which includes implants, injections and the coil. These last a long period of time and are fitted by a trained doctor or nurse. They are highly effective without requiring daily attention. They can also be removed at any time. 

While many forms of contraception are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, only condoms also offer protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Residents are encouraged to use condoms alongside other methods of contraception. This can provide peace of mind and enhanced protection.

The Contraception Choices website offers clear, honest and valuable information to help individuals compare methods and find what works best.

Services are available in Walsall to help residents at every stage in life. WiSH (Walsall's Integrated Sexual Health Service) provides a free and confidential sexual health service in Walsall. Services include contraception, STI testing and advice to Walsall residents to help them look after their sexual health. Residents can also access oral contraception (such as the pill method) and emergency hormonal contraception from certain local pharmacies or their GP. Long acting forms of contraception are also available from a range of GP practices in the borough. 

Sexual Health Week encourages everyone to understand their rights and options. Contraceptive advice and services are available free through local clinics, GPs and certain pharmacies.

The WiSH service provides sexual health and contraception clinics from two separate locations in Walsall. To book an appointment, call 01922 270400. To find out more about WiSH, visit www.walsallsexualhealth.nhs.uk. 

For contraceptive options in local pharmacies, visit:

• Find a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without a prescription - NHS
• Find emergency contraception - NHS

About contraception

• Contraception is promoted to improve sexual and reproductive health by enabling people to control their fertility, which can prevent unintended pregnancies and improve health outcomes.
• Effective contraception enables people to control their reproductive lives, making informed choices about family planning. In addition to preventing pregnancy, the correct and consistent use of male condoms (a barrier method) reduces the risk of HIV and other STIs including infections like chlamydia, gonococcus, and trichomoniasis.
• In Walsall there are several ways you can access contraception. You can get a Pill method/emergency hormonal contraception from certain NHS pharmacies, or your local GP Practice. You can also access long-acting contraception from your GP. In addition, WiSH provide a range of contraceptive options, using evidence-based guidelines, and quality standards. This service highlights available methods, including reliable and effective long-acting options like implants and IUDs, as well as regular methods such as pills and patches.