FSRH press release: Telephone and online consultations ensure women can access contraception during covid-19 lockdown

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) has today issued advice for women who need to get a new or repeat prescription for contraception. The advice covers what methods women can expect to be able to access during the pandemic and how they can get their prescriptions filled. Most GPs will be able to send an electronic prescription to the pharmacy for collection. Many community clinics are posting prescriptions or medications to patients. Doctors, nurses and other clinicians will be able to tell women how they can collect any necessary medication.

Due to the social distancing rules introduced by the Government, face-to-face consultations for contraception are not recommended. Women are urged not to visit a clinic in person, and to only access services if their need for care is immediate.

Dr Anne Lashford, Vice President of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), said:

“ Women must be able to access safe and effective contraception during the covid-19 outbreak. Their first port of call should be the place where they have accessed care before – that could be their GP or their local sexual and reproductive healthcare clinic.

“Women should not attend the clinic in person, but make contact by telephone or email instead. Women will be asked to participate in a telephone or video consultation to discuss their needs. This is to minimise the potential spread of covid-19 and to avoid unnecessary travel. If further examination is required, a face-to-face appointment may be arranged.

“It may not be possible to start a woman’s chosen contraceptive method at this time, but they will be provided with an effective temporary method. The progestogen-only pill is a good option as an effective temporary ‘bridging’ method of contraception.

“If women are having problems with their current contraceptive method, they should contact their GP or local contraception clinic by phone or e-mail.”

Becky Gunn, member of the Women's Network of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), said:

"There have been a lot of changes in our lives in recent weeks and many health services have had to adapt in order to protect service users and staff. However, it is vital that women remain able to access safe, effective contraception in their local area in a timely manner.

“It is reassuring to see that guidance has been developed and this new information will help women to decide what option is most suitable for them.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Camila Azevedo, FSRH External Affairs Manager, at cazevedo@fsrh.org or 07379408587.

Notes to Editors

• The full guidance can be found here
• FSRH has also launched further guidance on:
• Essential services that should be maintained and/or adapted during the covid-19 outbreak
• Clinical advice to support healthcare professionals in the provision of effective contraception during the COVID-19 outbreak
• Recommendation on extended use of the etonogestrel implant and 52mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system during COVID restrictions
• FSRH has a dedicated webpage featuring COVID-19 resources and information for SRH professionals

About FSRH

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) is the largest UK professional membership organisation working at the heart of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), supporting healthcare professionals to deliver high quality care. It works with its 15,000 members, to shape sexual reproductive health for all. It produces evidence-based clinical guidance, standards, training, qualifications and research into SRH. It also delivers conferences and publishes the journal BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health in partnership with the BMJ.