Condoms are the only method of contraception to protect against both STIs and pregnancy. But did you know there were 14 others?
Using another method alongside condoms is a great way to provide extra protection against pregnancy.
LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception)
These are most effective methods at preventing pregnancy because, once fitted by a clinician, you don’t need to remember to take them every day. This makes them great if you want something reliable and low maintenance.
Injection
Lasts 8-12 weeks.
Implant
Lasts up to 3 years.
Hormonal coil
Lasts up to 8 years.
Copper coil
Lasts up to 10 years.
Hormonal Contraception
Some hormonal methods of contraception do more than prevent pregnancy- they can also help with:
- Controlling or stopping periods
- Reducing acne
- Making periods lighter and/or less painful
- Regulating mood throughout the menstrual cycle
These methods include the combined pill, patch, ring and hormonal coil.
Explore all 15 methods of contraception
Contraception is everyone’s responsibility. It’s true that the methods available for people with penises are limited. But everyone has an equal responsibility for contraception. You cannot get pregnant alone, you shouldn’t have to prevent pregnancy alone either.
Common questions about contraception
Can I get contraception for free?
You can get contraception for free from sexual health clinics, your GP and you can get some methods from pharmacies including the combined pill and progestogen-only pill.
What are the different types of contraception?
There are 15 methods in total and they can be broken down into different types:
- Barrier methods –These include condoms and diaphragms and caps.
- Other non-hormonal methods – These include the copper coil, sterilisation (permanent contraception) and fertility awareness methods.
- Combined methods – These use the hormones oestrogen and progestogen and include the combined pill, patch and vaginal ring.
- Progestogen-only methods –These include the progestogen-only pill (also known as the mini pill), the implant, hormonal coil and the injection.
What should I do if I don’t like the method I’m using?
It’s worth sticking with a new method for at least three months. But if it’s not working for you, it’s worth talking to your contraception provider about other options. Different methods affect people differently so what works for one person might not work for someone else.
How effective are contraceptive methods?
The most effective methods at preventing pregnancy are the LARC methods (implant, injection, hormonal coil and copper coil). Other methods rely on your ability to remember to use or take them. It’s often better to think about what would work best for you and your lifestyle then to focus on the percentage effectiveness of the methods. For example, would you remember to take a pill every day? Would you be comfortable inserting something in your vagina such as the vaginal ring?
What should I do if the condom breaks or I forgot contraception?
Accidents happen – if the condom has broken, split, slipped off or you’re worried it was used incorrectly, don’t panic. You may be able to prevent pregnancy by using emergency contraception within 5 days (although the sooner you access it, the better).
If you forgot to take your pill or are late to change your contraception, speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible to work out if you need emergency contraception.