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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Gp surgery / contraception.

26 replies

Geordielass1987 · 14/07/2022 10:10

Been on the pill for years, had a pill review done last Monday was told script would be sent to pharmacy by the Thursday. Still nothing! I’ve been told by friends it’s getting harder and harder to access contraception from the GP now, apparently they don’t want to do it. Am I wrong for being annoyed? I have the pill to stop my periods as they are horrendous. I am not having a period and soaking through a super plus tampon in under 30 minutes. I need access to my medication.

OP posts:
Original poster
Geordielass1987 · 14/07/2022 10:10

I am now having a period sorry.

OP posts:
TheFreaksShallInheritTheEarth · 14/07/2022 10:17

apparently they don’t want to do it

Maybe they shouldn't become GPs then!! What do they expect people to do?
Sorry, it's not 'people' is it, it's women. Only women; so of course it's not important.

ThreeLittleDots · 14/07/2022 10:18

Sexual health clinics are often better? There are some online services too in many areas.

TamSamLam · 14/07/2022 10:22

Call the gp, if it's on the system receptionist can get it sent over straight away, if it's not then it's not coming and kick up a fuss.

TheFreaksShallInheritTheEarth · 14/07/2022 10:23

ThreeLittleDots · 14/07/2022 10:18

Sexual health clinics are often better? There are some online services too in many areas.

SH clinics are not necessarily close by or easily accessible for everyone though. Contraception should be easy to access.

littlejellyfish · 14/07/2022 10:25

So you HAD an appointment for your review… how does that now mean they don’t want to do it?? Just phone reception and query where the prescription is rather then trying to stir up more hate. if we keep on like this soon there won’t be any GP’s at all.

Helenloveslee4eva · 14/07/2022 10:27

Stop panicking and just politely call and ask if it’s been forgotten and could they please do it ?
it really isn’t going to be personal

Carrieonmywaywardsun · 14/07/2022 10:59

What did they say when you phoned the surgery to ask where it was?

ShirleyPhallus · 14/07/2022 11:01

What did they say when you called up to ask where it was? I wouldn’t take the word of someone else that they “just don’t want to do it” tbh

Cas112 · 14/07/2022 11:08

They have probably just forgot. Why would they pretend they are going to do something and then not do it out of stance. Doesn't make sense, its not that personal.

Call them

Original poster
Geordielass1987 · 14/07/2022 11:21

To all the people questioning why I haven’t asked where it is. I Obviously have asked. I’m not that stupid. I keep being told it’s on the list, but for this long? Really? I’ve obviously chased it up before coming onto here.

i have been told by other people that gps don’t want to offer this service anymore and they want people to buy it. So are making it more difficult. Seems to be true.

OP posts:
Onlyhuman123 · 14/07/2022 11:25

I've not heard of GP surgeries not wanting to supply birth control advice/prescriptions OP; not where I live anyway? If they provided a contraceptive review appointment, this would indicate that they are still very much 'on board' for providing advice and prescriptions. It's more likely that the pharmacy that has your prescription hasn't had a qualified pharmacist available for a few days to sign off/deal with your prescription or they may just have a massive back log due to lack of staffing?

Original poster
Geordielass1987 · 14/07/2022 11:28

@Onlyhuman123 i agree! It does seem strange. I know they are so busy and over worked and I know it’s not like I’m in pain or need antibiotics or anything like that. Just so frustrating, and I’m probably quite hormonal too!

OP posts:
justagirlstandinginfrontofcake · 14/07/2022 11:30

If you use the same pharmacy as you usually do, they will generally give you enough to tide you over.

Jalisco · 14/07/2022 11:33

i have been told by other people that gps don’t want to offer this service anymore and they want people to buy it. So are making it more difficult. Seems to be true.

People have told me that the moon is made from cheese. It doesn't make it true.

If your GP was stopping the prescription you would have been told. This is far more likely to be a plain, old-fashioned screw up. I recently had a prescription review and ended up with three lots of my(monthly) meds in 5 weeks - including a controlled drug that should never be prescribed in duplicate quantities. Mistakes happen.

It's hard enough providing a GP service without ridiculous conspiracy allegations flying around. There are not enough people left to provide a national GP service because doctors don't want to be GP's any more. Small wonder.

Ontomatopea · 14/07/2022 11:35

Geordielass1987 · 14/07/2022 11:21

To all the people questioning why I haven’t asked where it is. I Obviously have asked. I’m not that stupid. I keep being told it’s on the list, but for this long? Really? I’ve obviously chased it up before coming onto here.

i have been told by other people that gps don’t want to offer this service anymore and they want people to buy it. So are making it more difficult. Seems to be true.

Who are these other people? If anything my GP seems ultra keen to push contraception on people.

AndSoFinally · 14/07/2022 11:51

i have been told by other people that gps don’t want to offer this service anymore and they want people to buy it. So are making it more difficult. Seems to be true.

I would strongly suggest you check your sources...

Mummydoctor · 14/07/2022 11:56

For goodness sake GPs are human and sometimes prescriptions are delayed because of simple human error (forgetting to tick EPS for example or being distracted by something more urgent when you’re trying to get through your admin. Myself and colleagues are snowed under and certainly not trying to put barriers in the way of women accessing contraception. I suggest you contact the surgery to request the script is signed today as you have been waiting and have run out.

HiccoughPanda · 14/07/2022 11:59

Let's deal with the matter at hand - you are having a horrendous period and you don't usually have to deal with them. I am sure that you have considered the following options, but just in case;


  • Super plus extra tampons are available and MUCH better than super plus

  • Taking ibuprofen is known to reduce a heavy flow

  • Lil-lets do maternity pads which are very absorbent but not the really thick kind (just huge in their span) you can order in bulk on Amazon to double up with tampons

  • Drink plenty of water

  • I have bought some enormous washable sanitary towels / period pants but that might be extreme if you are planning to get back onto your pill soon and not face this regularly

Next time you are due a review, make sure that you book in extra early just in case there is a similar delay. I am not suggesting this is your fault in any way, they have had PLENTY of time to sort out your prescription since last Monday but now you know how long it can take you can protect yourself against this happening again.
Apologies if this comes across as patronising - I am only trying to help you with some practical advice for your current situation xx

girlmom21 · 14/07/2022 12:01

Phone 111 and ask them to sort you an emergency prescription if the surgery is too busy. They'll normally give you 2 weeks worth.

Beneficialchampion · 14/07/2022 12:06

There is absolutely zero logic in GP's denying contraception, the burden to the NHS of unwanted pregnancies would be much higher.

All this talk of them not wanting to give out contraception is codswallop.

Just keep calling them until you get the answers you need. Once on repeat you can order it yourself.

byrons · 14/07/2022 12:13

In my area Gp takes approx 2 days to send prescription over to pharmacy.

Ive had to chase pain meds and I know it's frustrating. Prescriptions do get lost in the system.

Give them a call. Explain again what you need and don't be fobbed off with an excuse. If you're chasing more than once try and speak to the same person for consistency.

Once you've got your meds if you're unhappy with the service you might want to consider changing surgeries.

Good luck

JorisBonson · 14/07/2022 12:28

My GP actively encourages me to carry on with my contraception.

gogohmm · 14/07/2022 13:02

It may be the pharmacy. My doctor sent my prescription on time but boots sat on it for 10 days and only did it last week when I refused to move from the shop (along with several other very angry customers)

Ontomatopea · 14/07/2022 13:03

gogohmm · 14/07/2022 13:02

It may be the pharmacy. My doctor sent my prescription on time but boots sat on it for 10 days and only did it last week when I refused to move from the shop (along with several other very angry customers)

That's true might be the pharmacy