Contraception and Women's Health: Private GP Consultations for the Pill, Coil, and Reproductive Health in London

Last updated: March 2026

The Online GP by The Wellness

The Online GP by The Wellness provides same-day private GP consultations for contraception, reproductive health, and general women's health. Our GMC-registered doctors can prescribe the combined pill, the progesterone-only pill, and other hormonal contraception, as well as assess and refer for coil fittings (IUD and IUS), implant insertion, and other long-acting methods. We also provide consultations for period problems, PCOS, menopause and HRT, pre-conception health, cervical screening, and general gynaecological concerns. Video consultations start from £250. Telephone consultations for prescription renewals start from £150. All prescribing and clinical decisions are at the sole discretion of the assessing doctor. All cases are accepted at the complete discretion of the clinic.

WhatsApp us for a same-day women's health consultation | Call 020 3951 3428 | Email team@thewellnesslondon.com

Can a private GP prescribe contraception?

Yes. A GMC-registered GP can prescribe all forms of hormonal contraception available in the UK, including the combined oral contraceptive pill (Microgynon, Rigevidon, Yasmin, Cilest, Marvelon, and others), the progesterone-only pill (Cerazette/desogestrel, Noriday, Norgeston), the contraceptive patch (Evra), the contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing), and emergency hormonal contraception (levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate).

For long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), the GP can assess suitability, discuss options, and refer for fitting. LARC methods include the intrauterine device (IUD/copper coil), the intrauterine system (IUS/hormonal coil, such as Mirena or Kyleena), and the contraceptive implant (Nexplanon). Coil and implant fittings require a trained practitioner with specific equipment and are not performed during a standard GP consultation, but the GP arranges the referral.

The GP conducts a clinical assessment including blood pressure measurement, medical history, and risk factor screening before prescribing. This is not a formality. Combined hormonal contraception carries specific risks (venous thromboembolism, stroke, migraine with aura) that must be individually assessed. The UKMEC (UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use) guidelines published by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) provide the framework the doctor uses to determine which methods are safe for each patient.

Need a contraceptive prescription? WhatsApp us.

Why see a private GP for contraception?

NHS GP access for contraception has become increasingly difficult. Many NHS practices offer only telephone triage for pill requests, with limited appointment availability for the clinical assessment and blood pressure check that combined contraception requires. NHS sexual health clinics have faced significant funding cuts, with the Advisory Group on Contraception reporting a 20% reduction in contraceptive service funding between 2015 and 2024.

A private GP consultation provides adequate time to discuss all available options (not just the cheapest), a thorough risk assessment using UKMEC criteria, same-day prescribing for hormonal methods, clear guidance on how to start, switch, or manage side effects, and support for patients who feel their contraceptive needs have not been adequately addressed by their NHS GP.

The Online GP provides consultations specifically designed for contraceptive needs, with enough time to discuss options properly rather than rushing through a prescription renewal.

Period problems and heavy menstrual bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) affects approximately 1 in 4 women in the UK according to NICE, yet many women tolerate symptoms for years before seeking medical help. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, it is one of the most common reasons women are referred to gynaecology.

You should see a GP about your periods if bleeding is heavy enough to require changing pads or tampons every one to two hours, you are passing clots larger than a 10p coin, bleeding lasts longer than seven days, your periods are significantly affecting your quality of life or ability to work, you are experiencing bleeding between periods or after sex, or your periods have become significantly more painful.

The GP can take a detailed menstrual history, arrange blood tests (full blood count to check for anaemia, ferritin, thyroid function, coagulation screen where indicated), prescribe medical treatments (tranexamic acid, mefenamic acid, hormonal options), and refer to a private gynaecologist for further investigation if needed. An ultrasound referral can be arranged same-day to investigate structural causes such as fibroids, polyps, and endometrial abnormalities.

Struggling with heavy or painful periods? WhatsApp us.

PCOS assessment and management

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 1 in 10 women in the UK according to the NHS. Symptoms include irregular or absent periods, difficulty conceiving, excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, weight gain, and thinning hair. Despite being common, PCOS is frequently underdiagnosed, with many women waiting years for a diagnosis.

The GP can assess for PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria (two of three features: irregular ovulation, clinical or biochemical signs of excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound). Blood tests include testosterone, SHBG, DHEA-S, LH, FSH, prolactin, thyroid function, HbA1c, and lipid profile. Ultrasound referral can be arranged same-day.

Management is tailored to the individual patient's priorities, whether that is menstrual regulation, fertility, acne management, hirsutism treatment, or metabolic risk reduction. The GP can initiate treatment and refer to a private gynaecologist or endocrinologist where specialist input is needed.

Menopause and HRT

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age in the UK being 51 according to the British Menopause Society. Perimenopause (the transition phase) can begin several years earlier. Symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood changes, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, joint pain, brain fog, and fatigue.

A GP can assess menopausal symptoms, discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options, prescribe HRT where clinically appropriate, and provide ongoing monitoring. The NICE guideline on menopause (NG23) recommends that HRT should be offered to women with menopausal symptoms after a discussion of the individual benefits and risks. Our dedicated menopause page and HRT page cover this in detail.

Pre-conception health and fertility assessment

For women planning a pregnancy, a pre-conception consultation with a GP can identify and address factors that affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The consultation covers a review of current medications (some medications must be stopped or changed before conception), folic acid supplementation (recommended at least three months before conception), assessment of rubella immunity, screening for conditions that could affect pregnancy (thyroid disorders, diabetes, anaemia), discussion of lifestyle factors (weight, alcohol, smoking), review of cervical screening status, and baseline blood tests.

If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if over 35) without success, the GP can arrange initial fertility investigations including day 2-5 hormones (FSH, LH, oestradiol, prolactin, TSH, AMH), mid-luteal progesterone (day 21 if regular cycles), and referral for pelvic ultrasound and partner semen analysis. Same-day referral to a private fertility specialist can be arranged.

How much does a women's health consultation cost?

Video consultation from £250. Suitable for contraceptive consultations, menstrual history assessment, menopause review, and pre-conception planning. Same-day appointments available.

Telephone consultation from £150. Suitable for contraceptive prescription renewals and straightforward follow-up reviews where the doctor has previously assessed the patient.

In-person consultation from £295. Recommended where a physical examination is needed.

Blood tests from £195 depending on the panel. Hormone panels, PCOS screening, fertility investigations, and general health panels available.

Ultrasound referral arranged same-day. Pelvic ultrasound from £225 at our clinic or partner facilities. Our ultrasound page covers this in detail.

Specialist referral letter included within the consultation fee where clinically appropriate.

Ongoing management and prescription renewals from £150 per follow-up consultation.

WhatsApp us to book a women's health consultation

Important information

All prescribing and clinical decisions are at the sole discretion of the assessing doctor. This includes whether a specific contraceptive method is safe for you, based on UKMEC criteria and your individual risk factors.

Contraception is a clinical decision, not a consumer product. The GP will not prescribe a specific method if it is contraindicated for your medical profile, even if you have used it before or request it specifically.

Acceptance of cases is at the complete discretion of the clinic. Final charges are determined by clinical complexity.

All doctors are GMC-registered. The Online GP operates as part of The Wellness, a private medical clinic at 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London.

If you need emergency contraception, time is critical. The emergency pill is most effective within the first 24 hours. WhatsApp us immediately or contact your nearest pharmacy.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get the pill prescribed via video consultation? Yes, for the progesterone-only pill. For the combined pill, a blood pressure reading is required before prescribing (FSRH guideline). You can take this at home with a validated monitor, at a pharmacy, or attend our clinic. The doctor will advise.

Can a private GP fit a coil or implant? Coil and implant fittings require specific training and equipment. The GP assesses suitability and refers to a trained practitioner for fitting. We can arrange this at partner clinics with short waiting times.

Is a private contraceptive prescription more expensive than the NHS? The GP consultation carries a fee. The prescription itself is a private prescription, so you pay the pharmacy directly for the medication (typically £10-30 per month for the pill). NHS contraception is free at point of use, but accessing it often involves significant waiting times.

Can you prescribe HRT? Yes. HRT prescribing is covered in detail on our HRT page.

The Online GP by The Wellness 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London Phone: 020 3951 3428 WhatsApp to book | Book online: thewellness.co.uk

Women's health consultations from £250 (video), £150 (telephone follow-up), £295 (in-person). All prescribing at the sole clinical discretion of the assessing doctor. All cases accepted at the discretion of the clinic. Final charges determined by clinical complexity.