OUR SERVICES

Barclay+ is a long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) service provided by Barclay Medical Practice, with the core belief that contraceptive care should be inclusive and accessible to all.

We offer fittings and replacements for both the hormonal coil (IUS) and non-hormonal copper coil (IUD), as well as fittings, replacements and removals for the NEXPLANON® etonogestrel contraceptive implant. These options are fully covered for all patients eligible for NHS care in Edinburgh and the Lothians. It is not a requirement for you to be registered with a Barclay GP to use our service.

All our fitting procedures are carried out discreetly and professionally by Barclay Medical Practice’s clinical teams. During your consultation, one of our care providers will take time to understand your medical history, any ongoing treatments you’re having, your cycle and fertility history, and your sexual health. You’re also welcome to ask any questions you have. If you’re happy to proceed, we’ll carry out the fitting. Aftercare instructions will also be provided as part of your treatment to ensure you’re completely at ease with your newly fitted contraceptive device.

Your comfort and autonomy are our top priorities. For this reason, local anaesthetic is provided at all NEXPLANON® fitting appointments, and routinely available at all IUD and IUS fitting appointments should you require it.

See below for more information about the contraception choices available at our Lothian clinics.

An intrauterine system (IUS), also known as the hormonal coil, is a small T-shaped plastic device inserted into your womb (uterus) to prevent pregnancy. It periodically releases low doses of a progestogen hormone called levonorgestrel, which prevents or delays ovulation. It can also thicken your cervical mucus, which stops sperm from travelling to the egg and fertilising it, and thin your womb lining, which stops a fertilised egg from implanting. A hormonal coil can provide continuous protection against pregnancy for up to three or eight years, depending on the brand used.

Hormonal coil brands offered at Barclay+ are Mirena® (52 mg LNg), Levosert® (52 mg LNg), Kyleena® (19.5 mg LNg) and Jaydess® (13.5 mg LNg). All brands we use are fully licensed in the UK. Some brands, such as Mirena® and Levosert®, may also be used to treat heavy and uncomfortable menstrual periods.

We are able to offer hormonal coil fittings and replacements.

An intrauterine device (IUD), also known as the non-hormonal coil or the copper coil, outwardly resembles a hormonal coil – in that it is also a small T-shaped plastic device inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy – but instead of releasing hormones, an IUD has a thin smooth copper wire that coils around the stem part of the "T", which delivers small amounts of copper ions into your uterus. This makes it difficult for sperm to get to an egg by changing the way it moves. It can also prevent a fertilised egg from implantation by causing a functional, localised immune response in the uterus.

We are able to offer non-hormonal coil fittings and replacements.

NEXPLANON®, also known as the implant, is an etonogestrel contraceptive device. It is subdermal, which means it is inserted just under the skin of your inner, non-dominant upper arm, and it is a small, flexible plastic rod that releases a steady dose of the hormone progestin into your bloodstream. NEXPLANON® works by preventing ovulation and can be left in place for up to three years.

We are able to offer NEXPLANON® fittings, replacements and removals.

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