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Contraception: it's your choice – SEXtember 2025

Get the facts from the NHS and make the right decision about your contraception

Contraception is available free of charge in Wales – and there are lots of different kinds, so there’s one to suit you and your lifestyle

If you’re having sex but don’t want to get pregnant, then reliable long-term contraception options like implants and coils are highly effective – and can give you security and peace of mind.

Condoms, and other barrier methods of contraception, also help to protect against common sexually transmitted infections – and are recommended for new sexual partners, or if you are unsure of your partner’s status. Natural family planning and withdrawal can lead to higher rates of unplanned pregnancy.

Your doctor or local sexual health clinic can give you information and advice you can trust, and help you make the right choice for your circumstances.
 

Read more about methods of contraception

There are lots of great resources which can help you decide what will be most effective for you.

Free, confidential and non-judgemental advice and free contraception is available for all ages, genders and backgrounds at sexual health clinics across North Wales. Free condoms are also available through the C Card scheme.

If you need it, emergency contraception can stop pregnancy before it starts — but the sooner, the better. Ask your pharmacist, GP, or local clinic for help.
 

Find out more about our clinics near you

Your local sexual health clinic can provide detailed help and advice to support your sexual health and wellbeing. 

We offer help with contraception and safer sex advice, check-ups, free testing and treatment for common sexual health conditions, HIV care, and medicines to help prevent sexually-transmitted infections and HIV (including PrEP and PEP).

We can talk to you about your pregnancy, and support you with pregnancy choicesSpecialist support and services are also available for people who have been sexually assaulted.  

 

About our campaign

SEXtember is Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's annual sexual health campaign, which promotes awareness around sexual health during the month of September.

The aims of the SEXtember campaign are to:

  • increase awareness around local sexual health services, including STI/HIV, contraception, abortion, sexual assault;
  • encourage people to get tested for STIs and HIV;
  • reduce unplanned pregnancies by promoting contraception choices;
  • promote sexual health to help avoid infections, reduce transmission, and especially late diagnosis of HIV;
  • reduce stigma around STIs and HIV; and
  • raise the profile of sexual health services.

Our campaign is designed to raise awareness of sexual health services in North Wales. If you live elsewhere in Wales, you can find information about services close to you at NHS 111 Wales.

If you would like further information about the SEXtember campaign, contact Dr Ushan Andrady, Campaign Lead, Consultant in Sexual Health/HIV on BCU.SextemberCampaign@wales.nhs.uk