Contraception
If you would like to avoid becoming pregnant, Umbrella offers a range of free contraception options across Birmingham and Solihull.
There are many different types of contraception, and some work better than others for different people. Some types (condoms) can help to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections, but most just prevent pregnancy.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods of contraception work by physically stopping the sperm from fertilising the egg. They include condoms, diaphragms and caps.
Short-acting methods
Short-acting methods of contraception work by releasing hormones. They include the pill, patch and vaginal ring.
Long-acting methods
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods don’t rely on you remembering to take them, but they do need a trained doctor or nurse to administer or fit them for you.
Permanent methods
Permanent methods of contraception involve male or female sterilisation.
Natural family planning
Natural family planning is when a woman works out when she’s in the most fertile phase of her monthly cycle, and avoids sex without contraception during this time.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception can stop you becoming pregnant if you’ve had sex without using contraception, or if you think your contraception might have failed.
Contraception FAQs
Still looking for answers? Try our contraception frequently asked questions.
FREE STI kit
Take your own samples at home and return
them to us for testing, all for free…
Service locator
Need more help? Find local GPs, clinics and pharmacies to
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Free condoms
Condoms are available for free from Umbrella
clinics and pharmacies, and from some GPs.