Coil Fitting
ALL patients requesting IUS/IUD (even if they have had an IUS/IUD previously or currently) are asked to look at the LOTHIAN SEXUAL HEALTH website to watch a short video about the procedure, complete the self assessment checklist and bring it along to your appointment. Please click here http://www.lothiansexualhealth.scot.nhs.uk
Mirena Coils
The license for Mirena intrauterine system for contraception only has been increased from five years to eight years from the date of insertion.
This change came into effect on Friday 12th January 2024 and is for Mirena only and not for other hormone containing devices such as Kyleena, Levosert and Benilexa.
The extension in license is also only when the Mirena is used for contraception.
What does this mean if you are using Mirena?
If
you are getting a Mirena inserted from now, you will be advised it can be used for eight years to provide contraceptive protection.
If you are already using a Mirena you can continue with your current device for eight years to prevent pregnancy.
If you are aged 45 years or over at the time of insertion and using it only for contraception you will continue to be advised it can be used for 10 years or to age 55 (outside of the license).
Example
A Mirena inserted on 2nd February 2019 can be continued and will provide contraception until 2nd February 2027.
Why you might want Mirena changed before the eight years of use?
If you start to have bleeding again we would look for other reasons for this and may offer a Mirena change. Please contact the practice.
If you are using Mirena as HRT you must have this changed after five years.
Free, friendly, confidential and non-judgemental sexual health advice in Dalkeith, Penicuik, Bonnyrigg and Newtongrange for young people (aged 12 to 21).
MYPAS can provide relationship advice, contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing and treatment, C card and free condoms.
Dalkeith
Croft Street Cente, 18 Croft Street, Dalkeith (opposite Morrisons Supermarket)
Tuesday: 4.30-7.30pm
Friday: 1.00-4.00pm
Lasswade Community High School, Conference Room, 1st Floor of Community Wing, Bonnyrigg (includes C:Card)
Thursday: 3.30-5.30pm
Newbattle Community Learning Centre, 67 Gardiner Place, Newtongrange (includes C:Card)
Monday: 3.30-5.30pm
A friendly drop in clinic for 13 to 18 year olds at Chalmers Centre, 2A Chalmers Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9ES
Friday mornings - simply turn up at 9am on a Friday for their walk in clinic which includes providing contraception, STI testing
On the day HIV testing is available at 3 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh. Call 0131 5581425. They also offer Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing although results take longer than one day.
*COVID-19 - you can't enter the practice to pick up condoms but if you urgently require contraception call us*
A c:card is a plastic card which is yours to keep and use to collect free condoms and other safer sex products on the c:card range. You can drop in to a centre or order online at www.ccard.org.uk/free-condoms-by-post/ and they will post condoms and lube to you.
It’s free
This free service is managed by NHS Lothian and facilitated by partner agencies in a variety of settings - schools, colleges, universities, youth agencies, health settings, and many other places. So it should be easy to find a point that’s close to you. The first step is to go along to a c:card point to register and get your c:card.
You don't need to give your name or address to register for your c:card. All you will be asked for is your date of birth and the first part of your post code.
Once you are registered, you will be given a c:card card with your own personal number on it - this is your c:card to keep and use again. Once you are registered and have your card it couldn’t be simpler. Just turn up at any c:card point , show your card and collect your condoms for free!
It’s friendly
When you get to your nearest c:card point you will be seen by a trained worker who is committed to providing a high quality service which is friendly, welcoming and easy to use. We realise that some people find it difficult, awkward or embarrassing to access sexual health services. That’s why all c:card workers will provide you with an open, welcoming service that treats you with respect.
It’s fair
c:card is open for everyone in Edinburgh and the Lothians who are aged 13 or older. There are no upper age limits – no one’s too old to use a c:card.
c:card is a non judgemental service which responds positively to clients sexual health needs. We are an inclusive service which is open to all people - straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. All clients will be treated fairly and respectfully no matter what their gender, sexuality, ethnic origin, age etc.
It’s confidential
Any information you give to a c:card worker will remain private and confidential unless the c:card worker believes that a young person under the age of 16 years of age is or has been at risk of harm.
c:card direct - 16+
If you are age 16 or older, you can go to any c:card point - c:card direct or c:card plus.
Some c:card plus points that are based within youth agencies may have an upper age limit, but as a service c:card doesn’t have any upper age limit. If in doubt check out the information on 'find a c:card point' page.