Contraception

A small rod, which releases a progestogen hormone, is placed in the upper arm under the skin

• Well over 99% effective
• Lasts up to 3 years
• Periods can stay the same, stop, or be frequent or irregular

Available from our sexual health services (all implant appointments must be booked online).

Some GPs are able to fit and remove implants, ask your GP if this is a service they offer.

A progestogen hormone is injected into the muscle normally your buttock.

• Over 99% effective (if you get your repeat injections on time, as advised)
• Lasts for 14 weeks
• Periods usually stop – this may take 2 or 3 injections

Available from our sexual health services (you can book online).

All GPs are able to offer the contraceptive injection.

A small plastic and copper device is placed in the uterus

• Well over 99% effective
• Lasts for up to 10 years
• Periods may stay the same, or be heavier/longer/more painful
• This involves a vaginal procedure

Available from our sexual health services (all IUD appointments must be booked online). Some GPs are able to fit an IUD, ask your GP if this is a service they offer.

All GPs and Practice Nurses can remove an IUD.

A small T-shaped plastic device is placed in the uterus

• Well over 99% effective
• Lasts up to 8 years depending on type fitted
• Periods may be lighter or stop
• This involves a vaginal procedure

Available from our sexual health services (all IUS appointments must be booked online).

Some GPs are able to fit an IUS, ask your GP if this is a service they offer.

The pill contains oestrogen and a progestogen hormone and is taken by mouth

• 91% effective with typical use
• Taken every day for at least 3 weeks, with or without a break
• You can control when or whether you bleed, and it often makes periods lighter and less painful

You can order contraceptive pills online.

You can get contraceptive pills from some pharmacies.

The pill contains a progestogen hormone and is taken by mouth

• 91% effective with typical use
• You need to take it every day, continuously
• Periods can stay the same, stop, or be frequent or irregular

You can order contraceptive pills online.

You can get contraceptive pills from some pharmacies.

Thin latex or plastic sheath is put over the erect penis

• Around 82% effective with typical use
• Protects against some STIs
• Need to remember before sex
• Get free and easy access to condoms with a C-Card

Thin plastic sheath that lines the vagina and covers the outer area of the vagina

• Around 79% effective if used correctly
• Protects against STIs
• Need to remember before sex
• Periods won’t change

A cup made of silicone is put at the top of the vagina, to cover the cervix.

• It is used with spermicide.
• Around 88% effective with typical use
• Most people can use them, as they don’t contain hormones
• You insert the diaphragm up to 3 hours before sex, and remove 6 hours after sex

A small, thin, beige coloured patch, which you stick on your skin and it releases oestrogen and a progestogen hormone.

• 91% effective with typical use
• Used every week for at least 3 weeks, with or without a break
• You can control when or whether you bleed, and it often makes periods lighter and less painful

A soft plastic ring is put in, and removed from, the vagina by you. It releases oestrogen and a progestogen hormone.

• 91% effective with typical use
• Each ring lasts for three weeks, and can be used with or without a break
• You can control when or whether you bleed, and it often makes periods lighter and less painful

(sometimes known as “natural family planning”)

Ovulation date is predicted based on signs of fertility such as body temperature, type of vaginal discharge, and recording period dates over several months. Unprotected sex is then avoided on most fertile days.

• Up to 76% effective
• Can be tricky to learn, and daily monitoring is needed
• Unsuitable if cycles are irregular or unpredictable
• Apps which only record period dates are not reliable enough to be used for contraception; most are unregulated