Contraception is a medical decision that affects a woman’s health, body and lifestyle; it deserves real time, attentive listening, and a personalized assessment so every patient can make an informed choice. At our private clinic in London, experienced gynaecologists with established professional backgrounds welcome their patients in a caring, confidential setting.
Whatever the reason for your contraception appointment, you are given the time to weigh each option, understand its benefits, its limits and any potential side effects, and leave with a solution that truly fits your profile.
Our
private gynaecologists
at Kensington International Clinic !
Contraception appointments are delivered by the clinic’s three gynaecologists : Dr Emily Kara, Dr Madhu Ghosh and Dr Rami Wakim. Each brings significant hospital experience and has been practising privately for several years; consultations take place in English or French.
Dr. Emily Kara : Bilingual French-English GP, adults, children and gynaecology
Dr Emily Kara is both a GP and a gynaecologist. She handles general gynaecological consultations and women’s health follow-up for adolescents and adults alike. Her bilingual French/English practice makes her a natural point of contact for London’s French-speaking community as well as native English speakers;
Dr Madhu Ghosh :consultant gynaecologist
Dr Madhu Ghosh covers all gynaecological consultations, including routine examinations, screenings, gynaecological conditions, contraception and menopause support;
Dr Rami Wakim : gynaecologist and fertility specialis
Dr Rami Wakim brings a rare dual expertise in gynaecology and fertility, which allows him to support patients from standard gynaecological consultations through to fertility care and the conception journey.
Review your contraception
In London, contraception is widely accessible through the NHS. Still, access to a private gynaecological appointment, with a dedicated specialist, an in-depth conversation and real consideration of long-term implications, remains genuinely valuable. At Kensington International Clinic, every patient benefits from several advantages:
- Extended consultation time: your gynaecologist dedicates a genuine medical conversation to you;
- Choice of specialist: you can see the same gynaecologist at every visit, ensuring real continuity of care;
- IUD or implant fitting with no waiting list: procedures are scheduled quickly, in optimal conditions;
- A confidential, international setting: consultations are available in English, French, German, Arabic and Spanish for an international patient base.
Our aim is to offer an alternative for patients who want more personalised and faster care, delivered end to end by the same specialist.
What to expect from your contraception appointment
Your first contraception appointment lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. It follows three stages :
Medical conversation
Personal and family history, menstrual cycle, sexual activity, lifestyle, smoking, pregnancy plans, any issues linked to previous contraception;
Clinical examination if needed
Blood pressure, weight, gynaecological examination where the method under consideration requires it (IUD fitting in particular);
Shared choice of method
Your gynaecologist presents the options relevant to your profile, with their benefits, drawbacks and any contraindications. You leave with a prescription or a scheduled appointment for a fitting.
A follow-up is offered 3 to 6 months after starting a new method, to assess how well you are tolerating it and adjust if needed.
Switching methods or stopping contraception
A changing lifestyle, a pregnancy plan taking shape, side effects becoming bothersome, a new medical condition… All these situations call for reopening the conversation about your current method, with a private gynaecologist. At Kensington International Clinic in London, our team supports both method changes and discontinuation.
Good to know: a pre-conception appointment can be offered at this point, to review your overall health and optimise conditions for a future pregnancy.
Contraception appointment pricing
At Kensington International Clinic, we operate a transparent pricing policy. Here is our reference table for contraception services.
Service | Duration | Fee |
Initial gynaecology consultation (contraception) | 30 min | £250 |
Initial couple consultation | 30 min | £300 |
Video consultation | 30 min | £180 |
Follow-up consultation | 30 min | £220 |
IUD or IUS placement | 30 min | £320 + device cost |
IUD or IUS removal | 30 min | £240 |
Emergency consultation / post-coital IUD placement | 30 min | £390 |
Good to know: some private health insurance policies cover all or part of a contraception appointment, particularly for expatriate patients. We recommend checking your cover directly with your insurer.
Booking terms: a £70 deposit is required when booking your appointment. The balance is paid on the day of the consultation.
Cancellation policy:
- More than 72 hours in advance: full refund;
- Between 48 and 72 hours: the £70 deposit is retained;
- Less than 48 hours: the consultation is charged in full.
Insurance reimbursement: some private health insurers and expatriate schemes cover all or part of gynaecological consultations and packages at our private clinic. We recommend checking your cover directly with your insurer before your appointment.
FAQ
Is having an IUD fitted painful?
IUD fitting generally causes a brief sensation of abdominal cramping at the moment of insertion, similar to a moderately intense period cramp, but the discomfort fades quickly after the procedure. Your gynaecologist can prescribe a painkiller to take before your appointment and share preparation tips to help reduce any discomfort.
The whole procedure takes around 15 minutes!
How long does a contraception appointment last?
Between 30 and 45 minutes.
This length of first contraception appointment at Kensington International Clinic allows a genuine medical conversation about your history, your cycle, your lifestyle and your preferences, before choosing the method best suited to you. A follow-up appointment, held 3 to 6 months after starting a new method, lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
What is the most effective method of contraception?
The hormonal IUS, the copper IUD and the contraceptive implant (Nexplanon).
The pill and the patch are also highly effective when used perfectly, but their real-world failure rate is higher, mainly due to missed doses !
What is the difference between a hormonal IUS and a copper IUD?
The hormonal IUS releases a low dose of progestogen locally, lightens or even stops periods, and remains effective for 3 to 8 years depending on the model. The copper IUD contains no hormones, can make periods heavier, and provides protection for 5 to 10 years.
The choice depends on your medical profile, your hormonal tolerance and your personal preferences.
Do I need a prescription to get the contraceptive pill?
Yes, the contraceptive pill requires a medical prescription.
This prescription can be issued by your GP through the NHS, or by a private gynaecologist. At Kensington International Clinic, the specialist assesses your medical profile during a first appointment and prescribes the pill best suited to your situation.
Can I see a private gynaecologist without a GP referral?
Yes.
Unlike the NHS pathway, a private clinic appointment does not require a referral letter from your GP. You can book directly with one of the gynaecologists at Kensington International Clinic.
