Contraception

A small rod which releases a progestogen is placed in the upper arm under the skin

– Well over 99% effective
– Lasts up to 5 years
– Periods can stay the same, stop, or be frequent or irregular

Some GPs are able to fit and remove implants, ask your GP if this is a service they offer.

A progestogen is injected into the muscle normally your buttock.

– Over 99% effective (if you get your repeat injections on time, as advised)
– Lasts for 14 weeks
– Periods usually stop – this may take 2 or 3 injections

All GPs are able to offer the contraceptive injection.

(also known as the hormone coil)

A small T-shaped plastic device is placed in the uterus.

– Well over 99% effective
– Lasts up to 8 years depending on type fitted
– Periods may be lighter or stop
– Fitting involves a small genital procedure

Some GPs are able to fit an IUS, ask your GP if this is a service they offer.

All GPs and Practice Nurses can remove an IUS.

Please note: We do not routinely fit an IUS for non-contraceptive purposes

(also known as the copper coil)

A small plastic and copper device is placed in the uterus

– Well over 99% effective
– Lasts for up to 10 years
– Periods may stay the same, or be heavier/longer/more painful
– Fitting involves a small genital procedure

Some GPs are able to fit an IUD, ask your GP if this is a service they offer.

All GPs and Practice Nurses can remove an IUD.

Please note: We do not routinely fit an IUD for non-contraceptive purposes.

Thin latex or plastic sheath is put over the erect penis

– Around 82% effective with typical use
– Protects against some STIs
– Need to remember before sex

Watch a video on how to put a condom on correctly on our C-Card page. You can also find information on this page on how to register for a C-Card, to get free condoms.

Thin plastic sheath that lines the vagina and covers the outer area of the vagina

– Around 79% effective with typical use
– Protects against STIs
– Need to remember before sex
– Periods won’t change

The pill contains oestrogen and a progestogen and is taken by mouth

– 91% effective with typical use
– Taken every day for at least 3 weeks, with or without a break
– You can control when or whether you bleed, and it often makes periods lighter and less painful

Some pharmacies can offer the contraceptive pill.

Missed a pill? See what to do next.

The pill contains a progestogen and is taken by mouth

– 91% effective with typical use
– You need to take it every day, continuously
– Periods can stay the same, stop, or be frequent or irregular

Some pharmacies can offer the contraceptive pill.

Missed a pill? See what to do next.

A small, thin, beige coloured patch, which you stick on your skin and it releases oestrogen and a progestogen.

– 91% effective with typical use
– Used every week for at least 3 weeks, with or without a break
– You can control when or whether you bleed, and it often makes periods lighter and less painful

A soft plastic ring is put in, and removed from, the vagina by you. It releases oestrogen and a progestogen.

– 91% effective with typical use
– Each ring lasts for three weeks, and can be used with or without a break
– You can control when or whether you bleed, and it often makes periods lighter and less painful

A cup made of silicone is put at the top of the vagina, to cover the cervix.

– It is used with spermicide.
– Around 88% effective with typical use
– Most people can use them, as they don’t contain hormones
– You insert the diaphragm up to 3 hours before sex, and remove 6 hours after sex

(sometimes known as “natural family planning”)

Ovulation date is predicted based on signs of fertility such as body temperature, type of vaginal discharge, and recording period dates over several months. Unprotected sex is then avoided on most fertile days.

– Up to 76% effective
– Can be tricky to learn, and daily monitoring is needed
– Unsuitable if cycles are irregular or unpredictable
– Apps which only record period dates are not reliable enough to be used for contraception; most are unregulated

The partner pulls the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation.

– Up to 78% effective

– Often fails due to small amounts of sperm being released before ejaculation

– Can be difficult to do it every time