Contraception

Contraception, or birth control, helps prevent pregnancy by using different methods to stop sperm from fertilizing an egg. Some methods also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

No method of contraception is 100% effective; you can read more about how effective contraception is on the contraception page of the NHS website. You can get information to help make an informed decision on the Contraception Choices website. Young people can visit the Brook website for information and advice.

There are fifteen methods of contraception:

• Cervical caps are cups made of silicone put at the top of the vagina, to cover the cervix (neck of the womb). 
• The combined pill, (known as "the pill") is taken every day usually with a week off once a month for a period. You can order your contraceptive pill online.
• Condoms worn inside the vagina prevent pregnancy and STIs.
• Condoms worn on the penis prevent pregnancy and STIs.
• The contraceptive implant  is a soft piece of plastic that's put in under the skin of the arm.
• The contraceptive injection is given every three month containing the hormone progestogen.
• The contraceptive patch consists of a square sticker like thin plaster that is changed once a week.
• Diaphragms are cups made of silicone put at the top of the vagina, to cover the cervix (neck of the womb).
• The Intrauterine device (IUD) is put into the womb by a doctor or nurse, and lasts up to 5 to 10 years.
• The Intrauterine system (IUS) releases a small amount of progestogen hormone. It's put into the womb by a doctor or nurse and lasts up to 5 years.
• Natural family planning is a method of contraception where different fertility signals are monitored and recorded during a menstrual cycle to work out the likelihood of getting pregnant.
• The progestogen-only pill (the mini-pill) is taken every single day without any breaks.
• The vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring put in the vagina and changed every three weeks, with a week off.

There are two permanent methods of contraception:

• Female sterilisation is an operation to permanently prevent pregnancy.
• A vasectomy (male sterilisation) is a surgical procedure to cut or seal the tubes that carry a man's sperm to permanently prevent pregnancy.

Contraception is free on the NHS for all ages and you can get it from a range of places including sexual and reproductive health services, your GP, community pharmacies, specialist young people’s services.