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

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

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.

Both sit in the same place inside the womb, and both are highly effective, but they work in different ways and suit different people.

The hormonal coil releases a small amount of progesterone locally. It tends to make periods lighter and shorter, and many women find their periods stop altogether after the first year. It lasts three to eight years, depending on the brand.

The copper coil, sometimes called the IUD, contains no hormones at all. It works by changing the environment inside the womb to prevent pregnancy. It can make periods heavier and more painful, particularly in the first few months. It lasts five to ten years, depending on the device.

If hormone-free contraception matters to you, the copper coil may be the better choice. If lighter periods sound appealing, the hormonal coil tends to be more comfortable for many women. We’ll talk through your priorities at your consultation and recommend what fits best.

A coil fitting appointment at Summerhill Health usually takes around 45 minutes from start to finish. Here’s what to expect:

1. Consultation: we’ll go through your medical history, discuss the different options and answer any questions.
2. Preparation: you’ll be shown to the procedure room and asked to undress from the waist down. A sheet is provided for privacy.
3. The fitting: a speculum examination is followed by passing the coil gently through the cervix into the womb. The fitting itself usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Recovery: you’ll have time to rest, get dressed and ask any final questions before you head home.

What to bring:

• A sanitary pad for any spotting afterwards
• Loose, comfortable clothing
• Someone to drive you home if you’d prefer (most women feel fine to drive themselves)

If you’d like to take pain relief beforehand, ibuprofen or paracetamol about an hour before your appointment is a sensible option.

“I’m worried about the pain. Can I take something beforehand?”

This is one of the questions we hear most often, and it’s a fair one. Coil fitting can be uncomfortable, particularly during the brief moments when the coil is being passed through the cervix. Some women describe it as a sharp cramp. Others find it more manageable than they expected. Experiences genuinely vary.

We offer several ways to make the appointment more comfortable:

• Taking ibuprofen or paracetamol around an hour before your appointment
• Local anaesthetic gel applied to the cervix
• A longer appointment time, so we’re never rushing
• The option to bring someone with you for support

We’ll talk through your individual concerns at the start of the appointment and adjust based on what feels right for you.

It’s something we’ll discuss at your consultation, but in many cases, yes. Fitting a coil while an untreated infection is present can carry a small risk of pelvic infection, so we’d rather check first.

If you’ve had a recent STI screen and feel confident your results are up to date, we can sometimes proceed without retesting. If not, we can arrange a quick screen at the same appointment, so everything is straightforward.

Summerhill Health is based in Hale, in the heart of South Manchester, and we see patients from across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Our clinic is easy to reach from:

• Altrincham, Bowdon and Hale Barns (a few minutes by car)
• Wilmslow, Knutsford and Alderley Edge (around 15 to 20 minutes)
• Manchester city centre (around 25 to 30 minutes by car or via Metrolink)
• Stockport, Cheadle and Sale (a short drive)

We have evening and same-week appointments available, so coil fitting can fit around work and family commitments without weeks of waiting.

Most women feel fine within a few hours of fitting, although it’s normal to experience some cramping and spotting in the days afterwards. Here’s a rough timeline:

The first 24 hours: mild to moderate cramping similar to period pain. Some spotting or light bleeding is normal. Paracetamol or ibuprofen helps most women manage the discomfort.

The first week: cramping should ease day by day. Light bleeding may continue. You can return to work, exercise and normal activities as soon as you feel ready, often the next day.

The first six weeks: bleeding patterns will be settling. Some women have irregular spotting during this time, which is normal as your body adjusts.

The six-week check: we’ll see you for a follow-up to make sure everything is in place and you’re feeling well.

Practical aftercare:

• Sex: wait 24 to 48 hours, mainly to give the cervix time to settle
• Tampons: wait at least 24 hours, then they’re absolutely fine
• Baths and swimming: wait 24 hours
• Thread check: a quick monthly check after a period helps you feel confident the coil is still in place. Wash your hands, find a comfortable position, and feel for two thin threads coming through the cervix. Don’t pull on them, just check they’re there.

If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain that doesn’t settle with painkillers, fever or unusual discharge at any point, get in touch with us straight away.

We believe in being upfront about pricing, so you can plan with confidence. Coil fitting at Summerhill Health starts at £295 (copper coil) and £350 (hormonal coil):

• A consultation to discuss your options and medical history
• The coil device itself
• The fitting procedure
• Time to ask questions and recover before you leave
• A follow-up appointment to check everything is settling well

Same-week appointments are usually available, and we’ll always be clear about what’s included before you book.

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.

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.

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.