Buying birth control in the UK

[Mary Jane]

I need to get some birth control. I prefer the pill, but I don't know where to go to get some. I went to a clinic in the US where I only had to pay about $7/pack for it.

I'm not eligible for public funds (so no NHS). Is there anywhere I can go to buy birth control here?

Thanks.

[Annabella]

Birth control is free in the UK whether you're NHS or not.

I am unsure where you are living but there will be a designated GUM clinic near you that will supply you with a prescription.

{edit} The combined pill is the most commonly dished out form of birth control in the country - there are other things available, that iirc are more popular in the US like depo and the implant. The brand of pill you get will be a lottery unfortunately.
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[Mary Jane]

What is a GUM clinic and how much will it cost?

Also: I've had depo provera before and didn't like it at all. I've been on low-dose BC pills for a while and am used to that.

[-Savage-]

<<- not an authority on the matter but,,

afaik, you can get the pill for free in special clinics GUM, (dont know what it stands for) you have to go and register with them, and then they give you a script for the pill, or dispense the pill themselves. you have to keep going back every so often to get topped up. They also do STD tests and the like, supply condoms, and give advice on all sexual/ genital matters.
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[Chriss]

Prescription will be about £6.80, I think.

Google GUM clinic for more on 'what they are'. Just sexual health centres though.
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[Weedy]

Once registered with a doctor you can be prescribed the combined pill for free
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[Mary Jane]

ok. How much does it cost to get registered with a doctor then?

And what's the typical charge for them to prescribe it for you?

Will I have to go have an exam first? If so, how much will that cost?

[Weedy]

Go to your nearest doctor and tell them you want to register, you don't need to pay.

They might ask you to go for a medical to get all your details correct on their files etc.

NHS prescribe contraceptives free of charge to women, so you wont have to pay. When the doctor gives you the prescription slip, on the back there is a bit where you have to sign and date, above it just tick the "free of charge contraceptives" box
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[Mary Jane]

I am a recent (within the last two weeks) immigrant from the US, and my visa specifically states "no work or recourse to public funds" so what may be no-cost for you, is almost certain to cost me. I'm not eligible for anything NHS provides.

I googled local GUM clinics and found one close to here, but they aren't answering their phone and it states all hours are for appointments only except for their under-20-walk-in hours. I'm starting to get a little frustrated because I've only got about a week's worth of pills left from the pack I brought with me when I moved over. And I can't find any information online or by phone to what I'll need to do, and how much it'll cost me.

[Pte1643]

Funny ain't it.

We can get access to free contraceptives in the UK.

"The Pill" is Free via doctors prescription, you can even get Free condoms from your local "Clinic".

So why do we have such a Shite record for teenage pregnancy?

[Pte1643]

[Mary Jane]

Ok, just spoke to 'officials', so problem solved.

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

[Mary Jane]

[Weedy]

[Annabella]

Contraception is completely free whether you are registered with a doctor or not.

Should you need GP attention you can fill in a 'visitor' form which may take you about 15 minutes but will mean you will see a GP.

Basically, whilst you say you aren't eligable for NHS treatment, you will be provided with the treatment no matter what - it's then up to whichever organisation treated you to reclaim the cost from elsewhere.

GUM clinics should see you within 48 hours, if it takes longer than that for you to get an appointment, kick up a fuss and remind them it is a statutary duty as of (today!) to provide treatment within that time period.

GUM = Genito-Urinary Medicine
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[Mary Jane]

[JonB]

[Weedy]

[quote="Jon B"]

[queen of string]

If you get really stuck, and youre sure your blood pressure is ok, I'm sure theres a girlie on here who is on the same brand. I for one would be happy to post you a pack just to put you on . Better than unwanted babies imo.
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[Black Knight]

You been here two weeks and you're getting laid already. I've been here 26 years and i'm still trying
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[Fee400]

[kawakid]

Why can't you get NHS, it sounds rediculous.

Lots of areas are full of Western hating people, who can't speak english, but all seem to get free doctors and bennefits.
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[Whitey]

GUM - Genito Urinary Medicine

I work in a nurse/ doctor training centre.

And that's the end of that chapter lol

edit: didn't completely read Annabella's reply lol
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[treesey200]

Have you tried going to your local family planning clinic? They should be able to advise you!

H
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[Paivi]