There are many different types of contraception available, and the right option will depend on your health, lifestyle, preferences and whether you want short-term or long-term protection against pregnancy.
What Are The Different Contraception Methods?
The main types of contraception include:
- Hormonal contraception
- Barrier contraception
- Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
- Non-hormonal contraception
- Natural family planning
- Emergency contraception
- Permanent contraception
Some methods need to be used every time you have sex, while others can protect against pregnancy for several months or years.
It’s essential to take time and find the correct method of contraception for you and your body. There are pros and cons to every method, and what works well for one person may not be suitable for another.
For further independent information, the NHS contraception advice section explains the different contraception methods available, how they work, their effectiveness and where they can be accessed.
Which Type Of Contraception Is Most Effective?
Long-acting reversible contraception methods such as the contraceptive implant, hormonal coil (IUS) and copper coil (IUD) are among the most effective forms of reversible contraception. They are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The effectiveness of contraception can depend on whether it is used correctly.
For example:
- Implant: over 99% effective
- Hormonal coil (IUS): over 99% effective
- Copper coil (IUD): over 99% effective
- Contraceptive injection: around 94% effective with typical use
- Combined pill: around 91% effective with typical use
- Progestogen-only pill: around 91% effective with typical use
- Contraceptive patch: around 91% effective with typical use
- Vaginal ring: around 91% effective with typical use
- External condoms: around 82% effective with typical use
- Internal condoms: around 79% effective with typical use
“Typical use” takes into account things such as forgetting a pill, replacing a ring late or a condom slipping or breaking.
This is why long-acting contraception can appeal to people who do not want to remember contraception every day.
There is a wide range of contraceptive options available, and you may find that you try one method before deciding another is better suited to you. Contraception can sometimes be a trial-and-error process.
If you have any questions about contraception, one of our GPs can help you understand the options available and discuss which may be suitable for you.
Broadgate GP are here for you; let us help find the right contraception that will work for you.
Different Types Of Contraception
Condoms
The external condom is possibly one of the most well-known contraceptive methods. External condoms fit over an erect penis and are usually made from latex, polyurethane or polyisoprene.
Condoms are particularly important because they are the main contraceptive method that can both help prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
An external condom has a typical-use effectiveness of approximately 82% and can be up to 98% effective when used correctly every time.
Internal condoms are placed inside the vagina before sex and provide another hormone-free barrier method. They have a typical-use effectiveness of approximately 79%.
Benefits Of Condoms
- Hormone-free
- Only required when having sex
- One of the main barrier methods of contraception, helping protect against many STIs as well as pregnancy
- Widely available
- Available in latex and latex-free versions
- Can be used alongside another contraceptive method for additional protection
Things To Consider
Condoms must be used correctly every time you have sex. They can occasionally split or slip off, in which case emergency contraception and/or STI testing may be recommended.
If preventing STIs is an important consideration, condoms should usually be used even if you are also using another form of contraception.
Oral Contraceptive Pill
The contraceptive pill is a small tablet taken once a day and remains one of the most commonly used forms of hormonal contraception.
There are two main types.
Combined Pill
The combined contraceptive pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen. It primarily works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg.
When taken correctly, the combined pill is more than 99% effective. With typical use, where pills may occasionally be missed or taken incorrectly, effectiveness is approximately 91%.
Some people also find that the combined pill can:
- Make periods more regular
- Make periods lighter
- Reduce painful periods
- Improve some cases of acne
- Help with symptoms associated with PMS or endometriosis
The combined pill is not suitable for everyone, particularly some people with certain medical conditions or risk factors. A doctor, nurse or pharmacist can assess whether it is appropriate for you.
Progestogen-Only Pill
The progestogen-only pill, often called the mini pill, contains a progestogen hormone but does not contain oestrogen.
This means it may be an option for some people who cannot take contraception containing oestrogen.
Like the combined pill, it needs to be taken regularly and correctly to provide the best protection.
Benefits Of The Contraceptive Pill
- Highly effective when used correctly
- Easy to stop if you want to change contraception
- Does not interrupt sex
- Different formulations are available
- Some pills can improve period-related symptoms
Things To Consider
You need to remember to take the pill regularly. Vomiting, severe diarrhoea and certain medicines can also affect how some contraceptive pills work.
Hormonal contraception can cause changes to periods, and some people report symptoms such as headaches, nausea, mood changes, sore breasts or acne, particularly when first starting a method.
Intrauterine Device (IUD) – Copper Coil
The intrauterine device, commonly known as the IUD or copper coil, is a small T-shaped device made from plastic and copper that is inserted into the uterus by a specially trained healthcare professional.
The copper coil does not contain hormones.
It works by releasing copper into the womb, which prevents pregnancy. Depending on the particular device, an IUD can provide contraception for approximately 5 to 10 years.
The IUD is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Benefits Of The Copper Coil
- More than 99% effective
- Hormone-free
- Works for several years
- Does not require daily attention
- Fertility returns after it is removed
- Can also be used as emergency contraception
One consideration is coil fitting. Timing and provider guidance matter for insertion, and some people experience pain or discomfort while an IUD is being inserted, although the experience varies considerably between individuals.
The copper coil can also make periods heavier, longer or more painful for some people, particularly during the first few months.
Intrauterine System (IUS) – Hormonal Coil
The hormonal coil is technically known as an intrauterine system or IUS.
Like the copper IUD, it is a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus. However, instead of using copper, the IUS gradually releases the hormone progestogen.
Depending on the type used, a hormonal coil can provide contraception for approximately 3 to 8 years.
It is also more than 99% effective.
For some people, the hormonal coil can make periods:
- Lighter
- Shorter
- Less painful
- Less frequent
- Stop altogether
Irregular bleeding and spotting are common during the first few months after fitting but often improve as the body adjusts.
If an IUS is fitted during the first five days of the menstrual cycle, protection against pregnancy generally begins immediately. If it is fitted at another time, you may need to use additional contraception such as condoms for seven days.
Contraceptive Implant
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod inserted just under the skin of the upper arm. It is a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).
Once in place, the implant gradually releases the hormone progestogen. This primarily prevents ovulation and also makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
The implant is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
A specially trained doctor or nurse inserts the implant using local anaesthetic. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.
The contraceptive implant can now provide protection for up to five years before it needs to be replaced.
Benefits Of The Contraceptive Implant
- Over 99% effective
- Works for years
- No need to remember contraception every day
- Discreet
- Can be removed at any time
- Fertility can return quickly after removal
- Does not contain oestrogen
Things To Consider
Changes to periods are one of the most common effects of the implant. Periods may become lighter, heavier and, for some people, this can feel like heavy periods; they may also become less frequent, irregular or stop altogether.
The implant does not protect against STIs, so condoms may still be recommended.
Contraceptive Injection
contraceptive injections contain a synthetic version of progestogen and are usually given every 3 months, providing protection against pregnancy for 8 to 13 weeks, depending on the type of injection being used.
It prevents pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation.
The injection is more than 99% effective when given correctly and on time. With typical use, effectiveness is approximately 94%, largely because protection can reduce if an injection is received late.
Benefits Of The Contraceptive Injection
- Provides protection for several weeks at a time
- No daily contraception to remember
- Does not interrupt sex
- Does not contain oestrogen
- Can be discreet
For people looking for spontaneity during their sex life, this can be a convenient option because there is nothing to use immediately before sex.
Things To Consider
You need to remember to receive your next injection on time.
It can also cause periods to change or stop. Unlike some other contraception methods, fertility may not return immediately after stopping the injection. For some people, it can take up to a year for fertility to return to its previous level.
Contraceptive Ring
The vaginal ring is a small, soft, flexible ring placed inside the vagina.
It releases oestrogen and progestogen for 3 weeks and works in a similar way to the combined pill by preventing ovulation.
The ring is usually left in place for three weeks before being removed according to the instructions for the contraceptive being used.
It is more than 99% effective when used correctly and around 91% effective with typical use.
Benefits Of The Vaginal Ring
- You do not need to remember a tablet every day
- You can insert and remove it yourself
- Does not interrupt sex
- Can make periods more predictable
- Fertility usually returns after stopping it
Things To Consider
The vaginal ring is not suitable for everyone who cannot use contraception containing oestrogen.
You also need to remember when the ring needs changing or removing. Forgetting to replace it at the correct time can reduce its effectiveness.
Contraceptive Patch
The contraception patch is another combined hormonal contraceptive containing oestrogen and progestogen.
It is a small sticky patch applied directly to the skin, where it gradually releases hormones into the bloodstream.
You normally wear each patch for seven days before replacing it with a new one.
When used correctly, the contraceptive patch is more than 99% effective. Typical-use effectiveness is approximately 91%.
Benefits Of The Contraceptive Patch
- Only needs changing weekly rather than taking a daily pill
- Does not interrupt sex
- Easy to apply yourself
- Can help regulate periods
- Fertility usually returns after stopping it
Like other contraceptive methods containing oestrogen, the patch is not suitable for everyone. A medical professional can advise whether it is appropriate based on your health and medical history.
Diaphragm Or Contraceptive Cap
A diaphragm or cap is a non-hormonal barrier method of contraception.
It is a soft silicone device that is placed inside the vagina before sex to cover the cervix and stop sperm entering the womb. These are among the methods of contraception that work by stopping sperm reaching the womb.
It is usually used with spermicide.
Benefits Of A Diaphragm Or Cap
- Contains no hormones
- Only needs to be used when you have sex
- Can be inserted before sex
- Reusable
However, it needs to be positioned correctly each time and generally requires some preparation before sex.
It does not protect against STIs, so condoms may still be recommended where STI protection is required.
Natural Family Planning And Fertility Awareness
Fertility awareness, sometimes called natural family planning, involves identifying the most fertile days of the menstrual cycle.
This can involve monitoring:
- Menstrual cycle dates
- Body temperature
- Changes in cervical mucus
Sex is then avoided, or another contraceptive such as condoms is used, during fertile days.
Natural family planning does not use hormones or medical devices, but it requires consistent and accurate monitoring.
When followed correctly all the time, fertility awareness can be highly effective. However, typical-use effectiveness is lower because correctly identifying fertile days can be difficult.
It does not protect against STIs.
The withdrawal method, where the penis is removed from the vagina before ejaculation, is not considered a reliable contraceptive method and is not recommended by the NHS as a way of preventing pregnancy.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception can be used following unprotected sex or if one of the different methods of contraception may have failed.
There are two main options:
Emergency Contraceptive Pill
The emergency contraceptive pill is sometimes known as the morning-after pill.
Depending on which medicine is used, it needs to be taken within either:
- 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, or
- 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex.
Generally, the sooner emergency contraception is taken, the better.
Copper IUD As Emergency Contraception
The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception.
It can usually be fitted within five days of unprotected sex and is the most effective type of emergency contraception.
An additional benefit is that once fitted, it can continue to provide long-term contraception.
Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Permanent Contraception
Some people choose permanent birth control when they are confident they do not want to become pregnant or cause a pregnancy in the future.
Permanent methods include:
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a form of male sterilisation. The procedure involves cutting and sealing or tying the tubes that carry sperm, preventing sperm from entering the semen that is ejaculated during sex.
Female Sterilisation
Female sterilisation involves blocking, sealing or cutting the fallopian tubes to prevent an egg and sperm from meeting.
Sterilisation is intended to be permanent, so the decision should be considered carefully and discussed with a healthcare professional.
Which Contraception Is Best For Me?
There is no single “best” type of contraception for everybody.
The most suitable contraception can depend on factors including:
- How effective you want the method to be
- Whether you want hormonal or non-hormonal contraception
- Whether you can use contraception containing oestrogen
- Whether you want lighter or more predictable periods
- Whether you want contraception that lasts for years
- How comfortable you are with a device being fitted
- Whether you are likely to remember a daily pill
- Whether you may want to become pregnant in the near future
- Your medical history
- Whether you also need protection against STIs
If remembering contraception is difficult, a long-acting method such as the implant, IUD or IUS may be worth discussing.
If you prefer a hormone-free method, options include condoms, a copper IUD or a diaphragm/cap.
If protection against sexually transmitted infections is important, condoms should form part of your contraception plan.
Contact Broadgate GP For Contraception And Emergency Contraception Services
Contraception is an integral part of sexual health, and it can be hard to know which method is best for you.
Broadgate GP can discuss the different contraception methods available and help you understand which options may be suitable based on your health, lifestyle and preferences, with different methods available through NHS services as well as private care.
If you’re not sure which one might work for you or your partner, talk to us.
Whether you’re looking for advice on having sex for the first time, speaking to your children about sex and relationships, aftercare after sex or contraception advice for yourself, we’re more than happy to help.
Our team are on hand whenever you need us. Simply make an appointment with one of our GPs or sexual health practitioners.
We also offer online consultations for people who would like to discuss ongoing contraception requirements or understand the different contraceptive methods available.
Simply contact us today to make your appointment. We will be happy to discuss your contraception options and help you choose the method that is right for you. Many people also go to sexual health clinics for contraception and STI support.
FAQs About Contraception
What is the best short-term contraceptive?
Short-term contraception includes condoms, the combined pill, and the progestogen only pill. Condoms are effective at preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Pills are highly effective when used correctly, but require you to remember them daily.
What are the most effective contraception methods?
The most effective contraception methods are long-acting reversible contraception such as the hormonal coil, copper coil, contraceptive implant, and contraceptive injection. Sterilisation (vasectomy or female sterilisation) is considered permanent and highly reliable.
Do any contraception methods prevent all sexually transmitted infections?
External and internal condoms are the only contraception proven to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Hormonal and other methods do not protect against STIs. Always use condoms if STI prevention is important to you.
How do I know which contraception is best for me?
The best contraception depends on your personal health, preferences, lifestyle, and plans for children. What works for someone else may not suit you. Speak with a GP or visit a sexual health clinic for tailored contraception advice.
What is emergency contraception and when should I use it?
Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy. You can use the morning after pill or have a copper coil fitted up to five days after sex. It works best the sooner you use it.
Can Broadgate GP prescribe emergency contraception the same day?
Yes. We offer same day appointments where a GP can assess you and prescribe emergency contraception if appropriate. Call us to arrange a rapid, confidential visit.
Do you offer private STI testing alongside contraception advice?
Yes. Our clinicians can discuss contraception options and arrange STI testing in the same visit if needed. We provide discreet screening and follow-up treatment.
Can I get a private pregnancy blood test if I think my contraception failed?
Yes. If you are concerned about pregnancy after unprotected sex or a contraceptive error, we can arrange a same day pregnancy blood test for early, accurate results.
