Private Contraception Clinic in Manchester & Cheshire

We offer comprehensive guidance on all available contraceptive methods, each with unique benefits:

• Long-acting Reversible Contraception (LARC):
  • Intrauterine Devices (IUD): Copper-based, non-hormonal protection
  • Hormonal Coil (IUS): Progesterone-releasing system
  • Contraceptive Implant: Tiny, soft plastic device inserted beneath the arm
  • Injectable Contraception: Hormone injection every 12 weeks
• Short-acting Methods:
  • Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill: Contains oestrogen and progesterone
  • Contraceptive Patch: Small sticky patch worn on the skin, releasing oestrogen and progestogen, changed weekly for three weeks with one patch-free week
  • Progesterone-only Pill: Suitable for those who can’t take oestrogen
  • Barrier Methods: Including condoms and diaphragms

Finding the right contraception is a personal decision based on several factors. During your consultation, we’ll have an in-depth discussion about:

• Your medical history and any existing health conditions
• Lifestyle factors including work patterns and daily routine
• Future pregnancy plans and fertility considerations
• Previous experiences with different contraceptive methods
• Personal preferences regarding hormonal vs non-hormonal options
• Potential side effects and benefits of each method
• Ease of use and reliability requirements

The coil fitting process involves several steps to ensure safety and comfort:

• Before the Procedure:
  • Comprehensive consultation to discuss the procedure
  • STI screening if required
  • Pregnancy test if needed

• During the Fitting:
  • Performed under sterile conditions by Dr Summerhill
  • Takes approximately 15-20 minutes
  • Local anaesthetic available if needed
  • Step-by-step explanation throughout

• After Fitting:
  • Post-procedure care instructions
  • Guidance for post-procedure recovery and care
  • Follow-up arrangements
  • 24-hour contact details for any concerns

Different contraceptive methods offer varying durations of protection:

• Long-term Options:
  • Copper IUD (Copper Coil): 5-10 years depending on type
  • Hormonal IUS (Hormonal Coil): 3-10 years depending on brand and age at insertion
  • Contraceptive Implant: 3 years
  • Injectable Contraception: 12 weeks

• Short-term Options:
  • Combined Pill: Daily administration
  • Progesterone-only Pill: Daily administration
  • Barrier Methods: Single use

At Summerhill Health, we offer convenient coil fitting services at our private clinic in Hale, serving patients throughout Manchester and Cheshire. Dr Natalie Summerhill is fully qualified with specific competence recognition for fitting contraceptive devices, ensuring you receive expert care close to home.

Our central location is easily accessible with:

• Dedicated parking facilities
• Proximity to public transport links
• Flexible appointment times including evenings
• Usually, same-week appointments are available

We understand that having a coil fitted is a personal procedure, and many women prefer to access this service near their homes or workplaces. Our private setting offers both convenience and discretion, with comprehensive aftercare support following your appointment. Unlike some NHS services where waiting times can be several weeks or months, we can typically arrange your coil fitting within days of your initial enquiry.

Most women can return to normal activities immediately after coil fitting, though you may experience:

• Mild cramping for 24-48 hours
• Light spotting for a few days to weeks
• Period pattern changes, especially with hormonal coils

You’ll receive comprehensive recovery guidance, with ongoing support available if you have any questions or concerns.

Yes, we can usually remove coils even when threads aren’t visible. If removal proves challenging, we’ll refer you to a specialist clinic and may arrange an ultrasound scan.

Yes, you can switch between methods with proper planning. We’ll help you:

• Time the transition to maintain continuous protection
• Manage any temporary side effects
• Understand how the new method works
• Monitor how you adapt to the change

The switching process varies depending on your current and chosen methods, and we’ll create a personalised switching plan during your consultation.

Yes, you still need effective contraception during perimenopause as pregnancy is still possible. While fertility naturally declines from your mid-30s, contraception should be continued until you reach menopause.

• Women aged 50 and above need to continue contraception until 12 months after their final menstrual period.
• Women under 50 should continue contraception for two years after your last period.

Some contraceptive methods can mask menopause symptoms or affect your bleeding pattern, making it difficult to know when you’ve reached menopause. For suitable candidates under 50, combined hormonal contraception may help with perimenopause symptoms. The hormonal IUS offers dual benefits as both contraception and part of hormone replacement therapy.

HRT alone is not a form of contraception, so additional contraceptive protection is needed if you’re taking HRT during perimenopause. During your consultation, we can discuss suitable contraceptive options for your stage of life and help you plan when to safely stop contraception.

The implant can be removed at any time, though we recommend trying it for 3-6 months to allow your body to adjust. If you experience concerning bleeding patterns, please discuss this with us before deciding on removal.

A pressure bandage will be applied to reduce bruising and swelling, which should be kept on for 2-3 hours. The dressing can be removed after three days.

Emergency contraception is highly effective when taken promptly. The morning-after pill works best within 24 hours, though it remains effective for up to 72 hours.

We offer same-day appointments whenever possible, as earlier treatment gives you the best chance of preventing pregnancy. We’ll also discuss ongoing contraception options during your visit to help prevent future emergencies.

The combined pill offers more than just contraception. While being over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, it can also help manage troublesome periods, reduce PMS symptoms, and improve acne.

You’ll typically take it for 21 days followed by a 7-day break, during which you’ll have a withdrawal bleed. Many women appreciate the predictability this method offers, along with the flexibility to skip periods when desired.

The mini pill is an excellent option if you can’t take oestrogen or are breastfeeding. Unlike the combined pill, you take it every day without breaks, ideally at the same time.

While some women experience irregular bleeding initially, many find their periods become lighter or stop completely. It’s just as effective as the combined pill when taken correctly.

The vaginal ring offers monthly contraception without daily pill-taking. You insert it yourself, leave it in place for three weeks, then remove it for a week.

Most women and their partners don’t notice it during sex, and you can use tampons as normal. It’s particularly popular among women who want a lower-maintenance option but prefer to be in control of their contraception.

The patch works like a plaster that you change weekly for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week. It’s ideal if you’re likely to forget daily pills but want a method you can start and stop yourself.

You can shower, swim and exercise as normal – most women forget they’re wearing it. The patch is especially popular among busy women who want a simple but effective method.

The injection provides 13 weeks of reliable contraception with a single treatment. It’s particularly suitable if you want a very private method or struggle to remember regular contraception.

Many women find their periods become lighter or stop completely while using the injection. You’ll need to visit our clinic every 13 weeks for your next dose, and we’ll help you keep track of when it’s due.