There are various methods available, which will suit different people at different
times in their lives. How effective any method is depends on your age, how often
you have sex and how well you follow the instructions. Additional information is
available from The Garden Clinic, your GP or from the .
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
If you have had sex without using contraception or think your method may have failed there are two methods you can use to prevent pregnancy:
Emergency Pills - work better the earlier they are taken but must be started within 3 days after sex. May soon become more widely available.
An IUD (intra-uterine device) - fitted within 5 days after sex by a trained professional.
COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (The Pill)
Contains two hormones - oestrogen and progestogen - works by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation). Prescribed by a doctor.
PROGESTOGEN ONLY PILL (Mini Pill, POP)
Contains one hormone - progestogen - works by thickening mucus in the cervix to act as a barrier and thins the lining of the womb. Prescribed by a doctor.
INJECTION (Usually Depo Provera)
Contains progestogen, lasts for 12 weeks and prevents the release of an egg. Prescribed by a doctor.
IMPLANT (Implanon)
Contains progestogen, lasts for 3 years. Prevents ovulation and/or thickens mucus and thins lining of the womb. Must be fitted by a trained professional.
INTRA-UTERINE DEVICE (IUD, coil)
A plastic and/or copper device that fits inside the womb. Works mainly by stopping sperm from meeting an egg. May also make the egg move more slowly along the Fallopian tube and stop it settling in the womb. Must be fitted by a trained professional.
INTRA-UTERINE SYSTEM (IUS, Mirena)
A plastic device with a capsule of progestogen surrounding the stem and works like the POP. Must be fitted by a trained professional.
CONDOMS (male & female, Femidom)
Barrier methods, can be very effective if used correctly and all the time. The only method that can help protect against sexually transmitted infections.
DIAPHRAGMS & CAPS
Barrier methods that fit inside the vagina and cover the neck of the womb, used with spermicide.
SPERMICIDE
Creams, gels, foam and pessaries that kill sperm.
MALE & FEMALE STERILISATION
Permanent method which involves blocking or cutting the Fallopian tubes in women and the Vas Deferens in men.
NATURAL METHODS
A system of using fertility awareness to plan or avoid pregnancy. Uses temperature recording, cycle recording and observation of the cervix and mucus.
