Contraception · Alfreton, Derbyshire
Free, confidential NHS contraception in Alfreton.
A short, private consultation with our pharmacist. We can start you on the pill for the first time, or continue your existing prescription, both free on the NHS for eligible patients.
Book online
Book your contraception consultation.
Pick a time that suits you. Everything you discuss with the pharmacist stays confidential and takes place in our private consultation room.
Prefer to ask something first? Call us on 01773 836328 or contact us, discreetly and with no details needed up front.
What we can do
Start the pill, or keep yours going.
Under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, our pharmacist can do two things: initiate the pill (start you on it for the first time), or continue your existing prescription. Either way you get a proper clinical check, in private, and you walk out with the medication when it is suitable.
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1
A quick, private chat
A short medical history and a few questions about your needs, whether you're starting the pill for the first time or continuing the one you already take. Bring the name of your current pill, or the pack, if you have it.
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2
A proper clinical check
Blood-pressure and BMI checks, included free, so the pharmacist can make a safe decision. It all happens in our private consultation room, never at the open counter.
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3
Walk out sorted
Where it's clinically suitable you get your supply on the day, plus a clear plan for ongoing supply. No trip back to the GP just for a repeat, and your GP record is kept up to date.
Your options
Combined pill or progestogen-only?
The two main types of contraceptive pill work in slightly different ways, with different things to consider. Neither is "better". The right one depends on your health, your lifestyle and what suits you. The pharmacist will talk through this in detail at the consultation; this is just a rough orientation.
Combined oral contraceptive
- Contains both oestrogen and progestogen
- Typically taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day break, though some regimens vary
- Often helps with heavy or painful periods
- Not suitable for everyone, including some women with high blood pressure, migraines with aura, a history of blood clots, or who smoke and are over 35
"Mini" pill
- Contains only progestogen, no oestrogen
- Taken every day, no break between packs
- An option for many women who cannot take the combined pill
- Can be used while breastfeeding
- Some types need to be taken within a tighter daily window than others
This is general information, not personal advice. The pharmacist makes the clinical decision after a full consultation.
Discretion
Confidential, from start to finish.
- The consultation is in our private room, behind a closed door, never at the open counter
- Nothing about your enquiry is visible to other customers in the pharmacy
- You collect your medication discreetly, with anything else you are picking up
- Your consultation is recorded only in our secure clinical record
- Records are kept confidential under UK pharmacy and GDPR rules
- We keep your GP record accurate in line with NHS guidance, and explain this before you agree
Common questions
Contraception FAQ.
Is the contraception service really free?
Yes. The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is free if you are eligible. There is no charge for the consultation or for the medication itself, provided you are entitled to NHS prescriptions.
Can I start the pill for the first time at Medicine Stop?
Yes. Our pharmacist can initiate either the combined pill or the progestogen-only pill, where it is clinically appropriate. We carry out a short consultation including blood-pressure and BMI checks before supplying.
Can I continue my existing prescription with you?
Yes. If you already take the pill (started by a GP, sexual-health clinic or another pharmacy), our pharmacist can continue supplying it after a check that it is still working well for you.
Is the consultation private?
Yes. Every consultation takes place in our private consultation room, behind a closed door, never at the open counter. Nothing about your visit is visible to other customers in the pharmacy.
Will my GP be told?
We may share information with your GP in line with NHS guidance and good clinical practice, especially so your medical record is up to date. The pharmacist explains this clearly at the consultation, and you can ask any questions before agreeing to anything.
How long does the consultation take?
Usually 15 to 20 minutes, including a short medical history, blood-pressure and BMI check, and the pharmacist's clinical decision. If we supply medication on the day, that adds a few minutes.
What if the pharmacist cannot supply me the pill?
If the pill is not clinically suitable, the pharmacist will explain why and suggest alternatives, including talking to your GP or local sexual-health service. There is no charge either way.
Quietly, properly, in person.
Free NHS contraception consultations for Alfreton, Somercotes, Riddings, Swanwick, Ripley and the wider Amber Valley.