Contraception

If you’re thinking about having sex or are having sex already, it’s a good idea to have a chat with a professional about contraception (with Brook, with your GP or other local sexual health clinic) to make sure you know how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

There are lots of different types of contraception but a professional will be able to advise you on the best sort for you.

• Find out more about types of contraception - Spectrum website (external link) (formally Brook and The Shine)

Emergency contraception

If you’ve had sex without using contraception, or you think your contraception may have failed for some reason (like if the condom broke, you forgot to take your pill or you vomited after taking your pill) don’t panic, you can usually prevent pregnancy by using emergency contraception if you act fast.

• Find out more about emergency contraception - Spectrum website (external link)

If you choose to use the emergency contraceptive pill, you need to take it as soon as possible after you’ve had sex. This is important because the sooner you take it the more likely it is to work.

The emergency contraceptive pill isn’t the same thing as the ‘abortion pill’. The emergency contraceptive pill prevents a pregnancy from happening; the ‘abortion pill’ ends a pregnancy that’s already started.

You can get the emergency contraceptive pill for free at the following places:

• Spectrum (external link) (01942 483188)
• Family planning clinics
• GPs
• Some accident and emergency departments
• Most pharmacists - Find your nearest pharmacy offering emergency contraception (external link). Please ring the pharmacy beforehand to check that their EHC Authorised Pharmacist is on duty.

You can also call the Sexual Healthline on 0300 123 7123.

Are you worried you might be pregnant?

If you are worried you might be pregnant, get in touch with Spectrum on 01942 483188. You can make an appointment to call in and speak with one of the team. They will give you lots of support and won’t judge you. They have clinics across the borough so you may not need to go into Wigan.

Help and support

• Find your local clinics (external link)

Spectrum (formally Brook and The Shine) give advice and support on all aspects of sexual health across Wigan and Leigh, call 01942 483188. Services run from two main clinics:

• Wigan - Galleries Shopping Centre, 6 Wigan Galleries, Wigan, WN1 1AR – (formally known as The Shine Centre)
• Leigh – Leigh Health Centre, Entrance C, The Avenue, Leigh, WN7 IHR.

If you need help when Spectrum is closed you can call the Sexual Healthline on 0300 123 7123.