Contraception

Free. Confidential. Convenient.

Looking for reliable contraception without the wait? At Million Pharmacy Sunderland, we offer a free and confidential NHS contraception service, making it quicker and easier to access the support and treatment you need — without needing a GP appointment.

Delivered in our private consultation room by trained pharmacy professionals, our service is discreet, supportive and focused on helping you make an informed choice about your contraception. Your privacy, safety and wellbeing are always our priority.

How does the service work?

If you visit us in store this service is COMPLETELY FREE under the NHS Contraception Service. However, you can also buy your contraception from us online if you don’t live locally or if you prefer to do this.

Start Online Consultation

Visit us in store

What happens during your consultation?

This service is available to eligible patients under the NHS Contraception Scheme.

During your consultation, we will:

Discuss your medical history
Check your blood pressure and BMI (where required)
Assess clinical suitability
Help you choose the most appropriate contraceptive pill
Provide clear instructions on how to take it
Offer advice on possible side effects
Arrange ongoing repeat supplies where appropriate

Consultations are confidential and take place in our private consultation room.

Who can access the service?

Individuals from menarche (when periods begin) are eligible to access the NHS contraception service, subject to clinical suitability.

If you are unsure whether this service is right for you, our team will be happy to advise.

What contraception can the pharmacy offer?

We supply oral contraceptive pills following a clinical suitability assessment.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

The Combined Pill contains both oestrogen and progestogen. It is supplied after:

A medical suitability check
Blood pressure measurement
BMI assessment

The Combined Pill may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, including a history of blood clots, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or certain types of migraine.

Progestogen-Only Pill (POP / “Mini Pill”)

The Progestogen-Only Pill does not contain oestrogen. It may be recommended if:

You cannot take oestrogen
You have a higher risk of blood clots
You have migraine with aura
You prefer an oestrogen-free option

Our pharmacist will help determine which option is safest and most suitable for you.

Important information

Contraceptive pills are supplied following a clinical assessment to ensure they are safe and appropriate.
You must provide accurate medical information during your consultation.
Contraceptive pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If you experience severe side effects (such as chest pain, severe headache, leg swelling or vision changes), seek urgent medical attention.
Ongoing reviews may be required to continue supply safely.

If appropriate, we can also inform your GP of your contraception supply to support continuity of care.

Confidential & Professional service

In person consultations are delivered free of charge under the NHS contraception scheme in a private setting
Supplied by trained pharmacy professionals
Operates in accordance with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) standards
Your information is handled securely in line with UK data protection legislation

At Million Pharmacy Sunderland, we make accessing contraception straightforward, supportive and confidential — so you can feel confident in your choice.