Find out about the different methods of contraception for preventing pregnancy, how to get them and how well they work
There are 2 permanent methods of contraception:
Choosing a method of contraception
There are some things to think about when deciding which contraception to use. It can depend on what's important to you.
How well contraception works at preventing pregnancy
Some methods of contraception are more effective than others.
For example, the contraceptive implant works very well at preventing pregnancy. It's over 99% effective if used correctly all the time (sometimes called perfect use).
This means that if 100 women use the implant for a year, less than 1 will get pregnant in that time.
This page lists the methods in order of how well they work if used correctly all the time, starting with the most effective first.
It also shows how well each method works if not used correctly all the time. Incorrect use (sometimes called typical use) includes things like forgetting to take your pill.
Important
Contraception is less effective if not used correctly all the time.
Incorrect use (also called typical use) includes things like missing a pill, a condom coming off during sex or forgetting to replace a vaginal ring.
How contraception is used
How often you need to use it
You need to use some methods of contraception every time you have sex. Others involve taking a pill every day or changing a patch or vaginal ring every week.
Some methods, called long-acting methods, can last for several months or years. Sterilisation lasts forever (permanent).
Every time you have sex
Methods you need to use every time you have sex are:
Every day
Methods you need to take every day are:
- combined pill (the pill)
- progestogen-only pill (the mini pill)
Every week
Methods you need to change every week are:
- contraceptive patch
- vaginal ring
Long-acting methods
Methods that last for months or years are:
- IUD (copper coil): 5 or 10 years depending on the type
- IUS (hormonal coil): 3 or 6 years depending on the type
- contraceptive implant: 3 years
- contraceptive injection: 8 to 13 weeks depending on the type
Permanent methods
Methods that last forever are:
- vasectomy (male sterilisation)
- female sterilisation
How you use it
You can use, or take, some methods of contraception yourself after an initial appointment with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. With others, a doctor or nurse needs to give it to you.
Methods you can use yourself
Methods you can use yourself are:
- combined pill
- progestogen-only pill
- contraceptive patch
- condoms
- diaphragm
- cap
- vaginal ring
Methods that a doctor or nurse gives you
Methods a doctor or nurse needs to give you are:
- IUD (copper coil)
- IUS (hormonal coil)
- contraceptive implant
- contraceptive injection
Contraception and sex
You need to put a condom in place immediately before sex. You can put a diaphragm or cap in a few hours before sex.
With other methods of contraception, you do not need to remember them every time you have sex.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Only condoms can protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.
If you’re at high risk of getting HIV you may be able to take a tablet to prevent HIV infection (called PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis). This does not prevent pregnancy.
How contraception affects periods
Some types of contraception can affect your periods, making them lighter, heavier, more painful or less painful.
If you have heavy or painful periods, you may be offered a method of contraception to treat this even if you do not need contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Help with painful periods
Methods of contraception that can help make periods less painful are:
- combined pill
- IUS (hormonal coil)
- contraceptive implant
- contraceptive injection
Help with heavy periods
Methods of contraception that can help with heavy periods are:
- combined pill
- IUS (hormonal coil)
- progestogen-only pill
- contraceptive implant
- contraception injection
The IUS is generally the most effective type of contraception for help with heavy periods.
Methods that can make periods heavier or more painful
An IUD (copper coil) can make your periods heavier and more painful. This usually gets better within a few months.
If side effects are a problem then you can have your IUD removed. Contact the GP surgery or sexual health clinic where you got the IUD fitted for advice.