Overview
Contraception allows people to plan pregnancies and prevent unintended ones. The range of available methods has expanded significantly in recent decades, offering more choice across different lifestyles, health needs, and relationship types.
Choosing the right method depends on factors including: how important it is to avoid pregnancy, whether STI protection is also needed, medical history and contraindications, whether you want to preserve fertility and plan for pregnancy in the near future, and personal preferences around hormones, regularity of use, and reversibility.
A GP or sexual health clinic can help assess which options are suitable for you based on your health and circumstances.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
LARCs are the most effective methods because they remove the need for daily or per-encounter action. They are reversible — fertility typically returns quickly after removal.
Copper IUD (Intrauterine Device)
- Hormone-free; works by releasing copper which is toxic to sperm
- Lasts up to 10 years (can be removed sooner)
- Over 99% effective
- May cause heavier, more painful periods — especially in the first few months
- Can also be used as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days
Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess, Liletta)
- Releases low doses of progestogen (levonorgestrel) locally in the uterus
- Lasts 3–8 years depending on type
- Over 99% effective
- Often lightens or stops periods — a benefit for people with heavy or painful menstruation
- Suitable for most people; contraindicated in some uterine abnormalities
Implant (Nexplanon)
- A small flexible rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm under local anaesthetic
- Releases etonogestrel (a progestogen) for 3 years
- Over 99% effective
- Periods may become irregular, lighter, or stop entirely
- Invisible once inserted; requires no ongoing action
Hormonal Methods
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (“The Pill”)
- Contains oestrogen and progestogen
- Taken daily for 21 days, with a 7-day break (or as a continuous regimen)
- ~99% effective with perfect use; ~91% with typical use
- Contraindicated in people with migraines with aura, history of blood clots, certain heart conditions, or who smoke and are over 35
- Non-contraceptive benefits: often reduces period pain, flow, and acne
Progestogen-Only Pill (POP / “Mini-Pill”)
- Contains no oestrogen; suitable for people who cannot use combined hormonal methods
- Must be taken at the same time each day (within 3 or 12-hour window, depending on type)
- Suitable during breastfeeding
- Periods may become irregular
Patch (Evra)
- A small adhesive patch worn on the skin; changed weekly for 3 weeks, then 1 patch-free week
- Contains oestrogen and progestogen
- Same contraindications as combined pill
Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing, Kyleena)
- A flexible ring inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks, then removed for 1 week
- Contains oestrogen and progestogen
- Same contraindications as combined pill
Contraceptive Injection (Depo-Provera)
- Progestogen injection given every 12 weeks by a healthcare professional
- Very effective; no daily action required
- Fertility may take longer to return after stopping (up to 12 months) compared to other methods
Barrier Methods
Male (External) Condom
- 87% effective with typical use; 98% with perfect use
- Only method that also reduces STI risk
- Available without prescription; affordable and widely accessible
Female (Internal) Condom
- Worn inside the vagina or anus; can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex
- 79% effective with typical use; 95% with perfect use
- Also reduces STI risk
Diaphragm or Cap
- Dome-shaped device inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix; used with spermicide
- Requires fitting by a healthcare professional
- 88% effective with typical use
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) is used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is not intended as a regular method.
| Method | Timeframe | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel pill (Plan B, Levonelle) | Up to 72 hours; most effective in first 12 hours | Reduces risk by ~75–89% |
| Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) | Up to 120 hours (5 days) | More effective than levonorgestrel, especially later |
| Copper IUD | Up to 5 days | Over 99% effective |
EC pills can be obtained from pharmacies without a prescription. The copper IUD must be inserted by a healthcare professional.
Permanent Methods (Sterilisation)
For people who are certain they do not want future pregnancies:
- Tubal ligation (female sterilisation): surgical closure of the fallopian tubes; very high effectiveness
- Vasectomy (male sterilisation): cutting or blocking the vas deferens; simpler, lower risk than tubal ligation
Both are considered permanent, although reversal procedures exist (with variable success rates).
When to Seek Advice
See a GP or sexual health clinic if:
- You are unsure which method is suitable for your health history
- You are experiencing side effects from current contraception
- You want to change methods
- You are trying to conceive and want to plan timing
- You need emergency contraception and want the most effective option
Further Reading
- NHS — Contraception guide
- Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) — Patient information
- Planned Parenthood — Birth control methods
- WHO — Family planning
Related Guides
Educational only — not a substitute for professional medical advice. A GP or sexual health clinician can provide personalised guidance based on your health history.