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AboutContraception types
There's many different types of contraception – some are listed below. Remember: No method of contraception is 100% effective!
Think double dutch! This is where a condom is used with another form of contraception to provide “double” protection from unintended pregnancy and STI’s.
Find out where to get contraception by clicking Get contraception.
| Method | How it works | Pros | Cons | STI protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condom (female)
| A soft polyurethane sheath lines the vagina and the area just outside, and stops sperm from entering the vagina | Can be put in just before sex. Unlikely to split or slip off | Putting it in can interrupt sex. Expensive to buy but free from family planning clinics | Yes |
| Condom (male)
| Made of very thin rubber or polyurethane it is put over the erect penis and stops sperm from entering the vagina | Free from family planning clinics and also sold widely | Putting it on can interrupt sex. May slip off or split if not used correctly. Expensive to buy | Yes |
| Pill – progestogen only
| Contains progestogen hormone – which thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus (womb). Stops an egg being released much of the time | Doesn’t interfere with sex. An alternative for women who can’t take the combined pill | Periods may become irregular or stop. Need to remember to take regularly every day | No |
| Pill – combined
| Contains two hormones: oestrogen and progestogen – which stop a woman releasing an egg each month (ovulation) | Often reduces bleeding, period pain and pre-menstrual tension | May not be suitable for some women – a full medical history should be taken. May be side-effects | No |
| Implant
| Small soft tube(s) are placed under the skin of the inner arm. They steadily release a progestogen hormone into the bloodstream to prevent the sperm and egg meeting | Single rod works for 3 years. When the implant is taken out a woman’s fertility will return immediately. You don’t have to think about contraception for as long as the implants work | Periods are often irregular for at least the first year, with some bleeding in between, or may be missed. May be temporary side effects such as headaches and breast tenderness | No |
| IUD – inter uterine device
| A small plastic and copper device is put into the womb. It stops sperm meeting an egg or may stop an egg settling in the womb | Works as soon as it is put in. Works for at least 5 years but can be taken out at anytime. Available as a form of emergency contraception within 5 days | Periods may be heavier or longer and more painful | No |
| Contraceptive injection
| An injection that lasts 12 weeks (Depo-Provera) releases the hormone progestogen very slowly into the body. This stops ovulation | You don’t have to think about contraception for as long as the injection works | Periods often become irregular or stop. Regular periods and fertility may take a while to return after stopping the injections. Usually a second choice for those under 19 as it may slightly thin the bones | No |
