Contraception

Combined Pill

• The combined pill contains progestogen and oestrogen.
• Most combined pills must be taken every day at the same time for 21 days (3 weeks). Then there is a 7-day break.¹ The pill can also be taken back to back with no break to avoid a withdrawal bleed.
• Effectiveness of the combined pill at preventing pregnancy with typical use is 91% and with perfect use is over 99%.²

Mini-pill or Progestogen Only Pill (POP)

• The mini-pill, or POP, contains only progestogen. Unlike the combined pill there is no break – you must take the mini-pill every day at the same time.
• Effectiveness of the mini-pill at preventing pregnancy with typical use is 91% and with perfect use is over 99%.²

Patch

• This is a thin patch that sticks to the skin. Like the combined pill the patch contains progestogen and oestrogen which are absorbed through your skin and into the bloodstream.
• Each patch lasts for 7 days. As with the combined pill, the patches should be used for 21 days followed by a 7-day break.³
• Effectiveness of the patch at preventing pregnancy with typical use is 91% and with perfect use is over 99%.²

Vaginal Ring

• This is a flexible, plastic ring that works in the same way as the combined pill and patch. You place it inside your vagina for a period of 21 days (3 weeks). Over this time the ring slowly releases oestrogen and progestogen which are absorbed into your bloodstream.
• After 21 days you must remove the ring for a 7-day break, before inserting a new ring³.
• Effectiveness of the vaginal ring at preventing pregnancy with typical use is 91% and with perfect use is over 99%.²

Condoms

• There are two types of condom:
  • Effectiveness of the male condom at preventing pregnancy with typical use is 82% and with perfect use is 98%.²
  • Effectiveness of the female condom at preventing pregnancy with typical use is 79% and with perfect use is 95%.²

Diaphragm or Cap

• This is a small dome shaped device made of latex or silicone that you insert into your vagina. It covers the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the womb.³
• The diaphragm or cap must be used with a spermicide. This is a chemical foam or gel that kills sperm.³
• Effectiveness of the diaphragm at preventing pregnancy with typical use is 83% and with perfect use is 84%.^3,4
• Effectiveness of the Cervical cap at preventing pregnancy with both typical and perfect use is 78%.^3,4

Contraceptive Implant

• An implant is a small flexible rod that is inserted just under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. The implant prevents pregnancy by slowly releasing the hormone progestogen.³
• Effectiveness of implants at preventing pregnancy is over 99% with both typical and perfect use and can work and can stay in place for up to 3 years.^2,3

Contraceptive Injection

• The contraceptive injection can provide up to 13 weeks (3 months) protection. Similar to the implant, the contraceptive injection slowly releases progestogen into your bloodstream.
• Effectiveness of contraceptive injections at preventing pregnancy with typical use is 94% and with perfect use is over 99%.²
• There are two types of injection, one is given by a doctor or nurse and the other type you would be taught to inject yourself.³

Hormonal Coil (Hormonal Intrauterine System)

• The hormonal coil is a small T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into your womb. It must be fitted by a doctor or specially trained nurse.^3,5
• The hormonal coil slowly releases progestogen to prevent pregnancy. Effectiveness at preventing pregnancy is over 99% with both typical and perfect use.²
• It can stay in place and protect you against pregnancy for up to 8 years³ depending on the type fitted.

Intrauterine Device (IUD) or Copper Coil

• The copper coil is a small T-shaped device made from copper and plastic that is inserted into the womb. It must be fitted by a doctor or specially trained nurse.^3,5
• The copper coil releases copper ion that is toxic to sperm and eggs thereby inhibiting fertilisation.⁶ Effectiveness at preventing pregnancy is over 99% with both typical and perfect use.^2,3
• The copper coil can stay in place for up to 10 years. It can also be used for emergency contraception. See next section.

Intrauterine Device (IUD) or Copper Coil

• The IUD is a small T-shaped device made from copper and plastic that is inserted into the womb. It must be fitted by a doctor or specially trained nurse within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex. One advantage of an IUD is that it can be left in place for 5-10 years to protect against further pregnancies^5,6.

Morning After Pill

• There are two types of morning after pill available. They contain different active ingredients and need to be taken within 3-5 days of unprotected sexual intercourse, depending on the type of pill. Both methods are more effective the sooner they are taken:
  • The morning after pill that contains ulipristal acetate (UPA) must be taken within five days (120 hours) of unprotected sex.⁶
  • The morning after pill that contains levonorgestrel must be taken within 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.⁶

Fertility Awareness⁶

This works by you tracking your periods to understand when you are fertile – you will then need to avoid sex or use condoms on those days. A healthcare professional who is trained in fertility awareness can advise what needs to be done. Essentially, you will need to record the following every day:

• your body temperature
• details of your vaginal discharge
• your menstrual cycle

It can take 2-3 menstrual cycles to understand this method but by doing so, you can see the days when you are most likely to get pregnant. Effectiveness of preventing pregnancy with this method with typical use is 76% and with perfect use is 91-99%. This method may not be suitable for you if you have irregular periods.

Lactational Amenorrhoea Method⁷

This method relies on delaying ovulation by breastfeeding your baby for 6 months after giving birth. It only works for 6 months in women who are exclusively breastfeeding and are amenorrhoeic (not having a menstrual period).⁷ You need to breastfeed your baby at least every 4 hours during the day and at least every 6 hours during the night. This method with typical use is 98% and with perfect use is 99% but may not be suitable if you cannot breastfeed.

Women⁸

The process is called either tubal occlusion or tubal ligation depending on whether the fallopian tubes are blocked or cut. The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the womb and by blocking or cutting them, sperm is prevented from meeting an egg. The procedure does not affect your hormones and you'll still have periods. Female sterilisation is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Men⁹

Male sterilisation is called vasectomy. The vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles are either cut or sealed. This prevents sperm from travelling through preventing pregnancy with this method with typical use is them and being ejaculated from the penis during sex. It 76% and with perfect use is 91-99%. This method may Karen Macalalad may be possible to reverse a vasectomy, but this does Supply & Logistics Manager - EME not be suitable for you if you have irregular periods. not always work. In most cases, vasectomy is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy².