Contraception services for women over 25: Email your PCT!

There are now fifteen different types of contraception available in the UK, allowing women to plan when and if they want a baby. Contraception methods available to women include long-acting contraceptives such as the contraceptive implant, ongoing contraceptives such as the combined pill, and one-use contraceptives such as condoms. This range and variety of contraceptives allows women to chose a method which suits them and their lifestyle to protect them against unwanted pregnancy.

However, because of NHS targets to reduce teenage pregnancy, many community contraceptive services, such as walk-in clinics, are aimed at women under 25. Whilst teen pregnancy is an important issue that needs to be tackled, the latest statistics show that unplanned pregnancy is as much of an issue for older women as it is for young teenagers. In 2008, women across England aged 40–44 had the same rate of abortion as women under the age of 16 and the rate of abortion for women aged 25–29 was the same as that for women aged 15–19.

Whilst all women can get contraceptives from their GP, women over 25 cannot access community contraceptive services in some areas. Many women may prefer to use community services because they can be more anonymous and flexible. Because these community services are specialist, they can also provide a wider range of choices, allowing women to choose an option that best suits them.

We're asking you to write to your PCT and encourage them to assess the contraception needs of women over 25. Please fill in your details below to bring up a template email to send to your PCT, and help improve contraception services in your area!