Contraception · Review or change
Review or change contraception with an online GP
If your current contraception no longer fits, you can talk through what has changed and what you want next. The GP will review your current contraception, health and priorities before recommending the next step.
Can I discuss continuing, reviewing or changing contraception online?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can review how your current contraception is working and help you consider continuing, changing or stopping. This is a useful telehealth appointment when you want to discuss side effects, changed health information or whether the option still fits. The GP will explain if a current measurement, test or face-to-face assessment is needed.
Reasons to ask for a review
You do not need to wait until something feels seriously wrong. A review can be useful if you have noticed symptoms, bleeding changes, difficulty using the method consistently, a change in your health or medicines, different pregnancy plans, or simply a preference for something else.
You may also be happy with your current method and want to understand what information is needed to continue. Previous use is helpful context, but it does not answer every current health question.
Bring the current picture
Use the guided intake to describe what is working, what has changed, what you want from the review and every concern you want the GP to consider. You can respond to follow-up questions and upload relevant documents before HerDoc organises the information for the GP.
Have the method name and any label, packaging or previous treatment details available if you can. Note when you started it, how you use it, whether anything has been missed or delayed, and when the concern began.
Also have a list of medicines and supplements, allergies, relevant diagnoses and any recent measurements or results. Mention pregnancy possibility and changes such as migraines, blood pressure, smoking, blood clots, recent birth or breastfeeding where relevant.
Talk about symptoms without jumping to a cause
Bleeding, headaches, mood changes, skin changes, pain or another symptom may occur while someone is using contraception, but timing alone does not prove the cause. Explain what the symptom feels like, when it started, how it is changing and what else was happening at the time.
The GP can consider whether the current method may be relevant, whether another cause warrants assessment and whether detailed period, sexual-health or other care would be more useful.
Discuss continuing, changing or stopping
Tell the GP what you would prefer and what you want to avoid. They can explain the options and create an individual plan, including whether a current check, test, examination or local procedure should happen first.
Do not rely on general website instructions for stopping, switching, overlap, backup or missed use. Those details depend on the exact method, timing and pregnancy possibility, so ask a GP or pharmacist for advice that applies to you.
Plan the next conversation
Before the appointment ends, ask what to do next, what changes should prompt earlier review and whether follow-up is recommended. Repeat HerDoc appointments are welcome, and booking the same GP is subject to availability; every follow-up appointment is booked and paid for separately.
When an online review is not enough
The GP may recommend a current measurement, pregnancy or STI testing, examination or other local assessment before deciding how to proceed. HerDoc cannot complete those physical steps by phone.
Seek prompt local care for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, very heavy bleeding, fainting, a serious pregnancy concern, chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, new weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, a sudden severe headache or another situation that feels unsafe. Call 000 for an emergency.
Related pages
FAQs
Can I review my current contraception with an online GP?
Yes. You can discuss how it is working, any concerns and whether your health or priorities have changed. The GP can explain what information is needed and what the next step may be.
Can I discuss continuing my current contraception?
Yes. Have the method details, how long you have used it and any recent health changes or symptoms handy. The GP will explain whether current information or a check is needed before deciding the next step.
Can I ask to change because of side effects?
Yes. Describe the symptom, timing, severity and effect on daily life, and explain what you would prefer from another option. The GP will consider whether the symptom may relate to contraception and whether another cause needs attention.
What if my bleeding pattern has changed?
Tell the GP what your usual pattern is and what is different now, including timing, flow, pain and pregnancy possibility. The change may relate to contraception or another cause; use the period-problems page for detailed bleeding investigation guidance.
Can I discuss mood changes, headaches, skin changes or other symptoms?
Yes. A GP can review the timing and pattern alongside your health, medicines and other changes. Seek prompt help for severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms rather than assuming they are a routine side effect.
What if I find my current method difficult to use consistently?
Say what is difficult, such as remembering, timing, privacy, access or fitting it into your routine. The GP can discuss broad alternatives and give individual advice about your immediate next step.
Which changes in my health should I mention?
Mention new diagnoses, migraines, sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, blood-pressure changes, smoking, blood clots, surgery, recent birth, breastfeeding, pregnancy possibility and any significant new symptom. Also mention changes to medicines or supplements.
Will I need a current blood-pressure reading or another check?
Possibly. The need for a reading, test or examination depends on the exact option, your health and what information is current. The GP should explain why a check matters and where to have it completed.
Can new medicines or supplements affect my current contraception?
Yes. Some medicines and supplements can affect contraception or change the health information relevant to it. Have a complete list ready and do not alter another treatment without individual advice.
Can I discuss stopping contraception?
Yes. The GP can talk through your reason, pregnancy intentions, symptoms and what you may need to plan for next. Do not use generic stopping instructions when the exact method, timing or pregnancy possibility could change the advice.
Can the GP explain how to move from one option to another?
Yes. Switching advice depends on the methods involved, timing and pregnancy possibility. The GP can explain what to do and whether any additional precautions are needed.
Can HerDoc share a consultation summary with my regular GP?
Yes. Ask the doctor during your appointment if you want a consultation summary sent to your regular GP. The doctor can arrange this, and sharing information can help connect the review with ongoing monitoring or face-to-face care.
Can I return to the same HerDoc GP for follow-up?
You can look for another appointment with the same GP, but availability is not assured. Any follow-up is a separately booked and paid HerDoc consultation, so choose a time that works and check current pricing.
When might a review need examination, testing or face-to-face care?
Local care may be needed when a physical examination, measurement, pregnancy or STI test, procedure or prompt assessment would change the decision. The GP should explain what needs to happen and how soon.
Which symptoms while using contraception need prompt or urgent care?
Seek prompt care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, very heavy bleeding, fainting, serious pregnancy concerns, sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, severe chest pain or severe breathing difficulty. Call 000 for collapse or another emergency.