Contraception

A woman may become pregnant if a man’s sperm reaches one of her eggs.

Contraception tries to stop this from happening, it does this in various ways such as: by keeping the egg and sperm apart, by preventing an egg being released, or by making the womb not accept a fertilised egg.

You should always be honest with your doctor when getting advice on contraception, for example, if you smoke then this means some contraception will not be suitable for you.

Here we explore the various types of contraception, some methods may suit you more than others.

Combined Pill

The Combined Pill contains oestrogen and progesterone. It must be taken consistently at the same time each day to be the most effective. Usually it will be taken for 21...

Emergency Contraception

If you have had unprotected sex or if your contraception has failed then emergency contraception can be used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Emergency contraception should not be used as an...

Contraceptive Injections

The Contraceptive Injection (Depo-Provera, Sayana Press or Noristerat) is given into a muscle in the arm or bottom. It prevents pregnancy by releasing progesterone into the bloodstream, and lasts for...

Contraceptive Implant

A contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod that is placed under the skin in the upper arm. This needs to be done by a doctor or nurse under local...

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

An Intrauterine Device (IUD) also known as “the coil”, and not to be mistaken for an IUS, is a T shaped device made from plastic and copper that sits inside...

Intrauterine System (IUS)

An Intrauterine System (IUS), (not to be mistaken for an IUD) is a small T shaped device made from plastic that sits inside the womb, it contains the hormone progesterone...

Progesterone-only pill

The Progesterone-only Pill contains progesterone with no oestrogen. It must be taken consistently at the same time every day to be the most effective. Like all contraceptive methods other than...

Contraceptive Pill

The Contraceptive Pill, sometimes known as “the pill” contains artificial versions of the hormones progesterone and/or oestrogen. There are 2 types of Contraceptive Pill, the “combined pill” which contains oestrogen...

Caps & Diaphragms

A Contraceptive Diaphragm or cap is a soft silicone circular dome that can be inserted into the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy. It works by covering the cervix so...

Male Condoms

Male condoms can prevent pregnancy and most types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from spreading. If male condoms are used properly they are around 98% effective at preventing STIs and...

Female Condoms

Female condoms also known as “femidoms” work in a similar way to male condoms. They create a barrier preventing the sharing of semen and bodily fluids. They also offer good...

Contraceptive Patch

The Contraceptive Patch is a sticky patch similar to a nicotine patch which releases hormones into a woman’s body through her skin to prevent pregnancy. It can be placed anywhere...

Natural Family Planning

Natural family planning also known as fertility awareness is a method of contraception where through becoming aware of the menstrual cycle and fertility signals, a woman calculates when she is...