Contraception

Contraception is a way of preventing pregnancy

There are many different methods of contraception for you to choose from. Use our contraception tool or click on the images below to find one that suits you best.

You can talk to your GP

If you have had unprotected sex in the last 5 days or you think that your contraceptive may have failed, you may be able to have emergency contraception to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

Condoms

Condoms are usually made of latex rubber and cover the penis or sex toys. This is so that semen and other fluids released during sex are not passed between partners.

Internal condom

Internal condoms are a barrier method of contraception, worn inside the vagina. They prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from meeting an egg.

Caps & Diaphragm

Caps and diaphragms are barrier methods of contraception that fit inside your vagina and cover your cervix (entrance to the uterus – womb) stopping sperm reaching an egg.

Combined Oral Pill

The combined pill is usually just called the pill.  It contains two hormones (estrogen and progestogen) which are similar to the hormones naturally produced.

Progestogen Only Pill

The progestogen only pill (POP) contains the hormone progestogen which is similar to the hormone naturally produced.

Natural Family Planning

Natural family planning works by observing and recording your body’s natural signs or fertility indicators on each day of your menstrual cycle.

Patch

The patch sticks to your skin and releases hormones (estrogen and progestogen) which are similar to the hormones naturally produced.

Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring is a flexible plastic ring that is inserted in the vagina for three weeks out of four. It contains hormones (estrogen and progestogen) which are similar to the hormones naturally produced.

Implant

An implant is a small flexible rod that is placed just under your skin in your upper arm (under local anaesthetic). It releases a progestogen hormone which is similar to the hormone naturally produced.

Injection

The contraceptive injection contains progestogen hormone which is similar to the hormone naturally produced. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

IUD

An IUD is a small plastic and copper device that is put into your uterus. It stops sperm from reaching an egg by preventing sperm from surviving in the cervix, uterus or fallopian tube.

IUS

The IUS is a small T-shaped plastic device that is put into your uterus and releases progestogen hormone which is similar to the hormone naturally produced.

Sterilisation

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception suitable for people who are sure they never want children or do not want anymore.

Contraception Myths

There are many myths and misconceptions around contraception but you can read the truth about some of the most common ones here.

Emergency Contraception

If you have had unprotected sex in the last 5 days or you think that your contraceptive may have failed, you may be able to have emergency contraception to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

Contraception after giving birth

Your fertility can return quickly after giving birth. Contraception might well be the last thing on your mind but many unplanned pregnancies happen in the first few months after childbirth so even if you’re not interested in sex straight away, it’s best to be prepared.