Contraception can stop you or your partner getting pregnant. There are lots of types to choose from, which are all free.
We know it can be tricky trying to choose which one you want, but don’t worry. We can help you work it out at one of our clinics and get you started with the one that’s most suitable for you. It might help to read this list first so you can think about which types you’re most interested in.
Longer-term contraception
If you’d prefer not to think about contraception for weeks, months or even years at a time, one of these options might be for you. They are all great at stopping pregnancy and you can choose a hormone-free option (the CU-IUD) if you like. None of these will protect you against STIs though, so use condoms too if you are keeping things casual or you meet someone new.
The contraceptive patch is a small, thin patch that sticks to your skin. It works by releasing artificial versions of two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, into your bloodstream through your skin. Fewer than 1 in 100 people using the contraceptive patch correctly will get pregnant in one year.
The contraceptive vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring that you leave in your vagina for a month at a time. It slowly releases oestrogen and progestogen to stop you getting pregnant. Fewer than 1 in 100 people using the vaginal ring correctly will get pregnant in one year.
The contraceptive injection releases progestogen into your body to stop you getting pregnant. You need to have the jab at least every 13 weeks. Fewer than 1 in 100 people who use it for contraception will get pregnant in 1 year when they have it regularly.
The contraceptive implant is a small, bendy plastic rod that sits under the skin on your upper arm. It releases progestogen into your body to stop you getting pregnant. It lasts for between 3 and 6 years. Fewer than 1 in 1000 people who have it fitted will get pregnant in 1 year.
The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUD), also known as the coil with hormones, is a small device that sits inside your womb (uterus) and prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years by releasing progestogen. Fewer than 1 in 100 people who use it for contraception will get pregnant in 1 year.
This small, T-shaped device sits inside your womb and prevents pregnancy for between 5 and 10 years. The copper helps stop sperm reaching an egg and makes it hard for a fertilised egg to implant in your womb. Fewer than 1 in 100 people who use it for contraception will get pregnant in 1 year.
Pills
If you are happy to make contraception a part of your daily routine, and you do not mind taking hormones, a pill might be for you. They work well if you take them correctly. You can stop taking them if they do not suit you or you no longer need contraception.
If you need the contraceptive pill quickly, you can get it from a nearby pharmacy without seeing a doctor or nurse. It’s free and easy, and they will let your GP know you’ve got the pill if you say it’s ok.
To find a pharmacy near you that offers this service, head to the NHS Pharmacy First Finder.
Often just called the pill, the combined contraceptive pill releases oestrogen and progestogen. When it is taken correctly, fewer than 1 in 100 people using it as contraception will get pregnant in one year.
This pill is also called the mini pill or the POP. It only contains progestogen. It works just as well as the combined pill when it’s taken correctly.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods physically block sperm and help prevent pregnancy. They include male and female condoms, caps and diaphragms. You will only really need to think about them when you have sex, although caps and diaphragms do need a bit of forward planning.
Male condoms are almost as effective as longer-term types of contraception if you use them right. Female condoms, caps and diaphragms are slightly less so.
Condoms are still the only type of contraception that can stop you getting an STI.
Condoms are worn over the penis or inside the vagina to stop sperm and other fluids being passed between partners during sex. 2 out of 100 people will become pregnant in 1 year if they use male condoms as contraception.
Diaphragms and caps are made of thin rubber or silicone. They fit into your vagina and cover the neck of your womb (cervix) to stop sperm going inside your womb.
Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a permanent method of sterilisation for men. It involves having a small operation. You should only opt for this if you are sure you do not want more children. You will need a referral from your GP to get one.
Natural contraception
If you do not want to take hormones, use a device or put on a condom each time you have sex, there are a couple of other things you can try. These are not the best methods of contraception, so you might not want to use them unless you think you would feel OK about getting pregnant.
Natural family planning, or fertility awareness, means monitoring and recording signs of fertility during your period cycle to avoid having sex at times when you might get pregnant. It takes in-depth knowledge and specialist advice to really work well.
You're unlikely to have any periods if you breastfeed exclusively (give your baby breast milk only) and your baby is under 6 months old. Because of this some women breastfeed as a form of natural contraception.
Find out more
- Please visit the Family Planning Association patient information guide on Contraception: A Guide for more information.
- Please visit the Family Planning Association patient information guide on LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception) for more information.
- Please visit the Family Planning Association patient information guide on Contraception After A Baby for more information.