Contraception

Contraception advice & info

Contraception serves two purposes: birth control, and to stop the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases.

Most contraceptives help prevent unwanted pregnancies by stopping male sperm from fertilising female eggs.

Condoms can help to protect against STIs, such as Herpes, HIV and Chlamydia, as well as pregnancy.

Types of contraception

There are 15 different types of contraception. These include disposable contraceptives like condoms, full-blown surgical procedures, and natural techniques.

Choosing the right form of contraception can be tricky - but experimenting with different kinds is a good way to start. There is a wide choice of available methods of birth control, so you're bound to find one which suits you and your partner.

If you are single, you may want to opt for condoms, as these will also protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, such as herpes, Chlamydia and HIV.

Contraceptives are available for both men and women, and most non-medical methods are available over the counter. Some birth control requires input from a doctor.

There are 13 types of temporary contraception: caps, combined pill, condoms (male and female versions), contraceptive implant, contraceptive injection, contraceptive patch, diaphragms, intrauterine device (IUD), intrauterine system (IUS), natural family planning, progestogen-only pill, vaginal ring.

Female and male sterilisation (known as a vasectomy), are both options for permanent contraception.

Selecting a contraceptive

Effective contraception is available over-the-counter.

The most common form is the humble condom, a rubber sheath worn over the penis during sex, which is then disposed of in the bin. Condoms are 98% effective.

A female version of the condom is available too, which is worn in the vagina during sex and is around 95% effective.

Women may also consider a cap, a small rubber dome which prevents sperm reaching the womb, or a diaphragm, a larger version of the cap, but these must be used with spermicide, which kills sperm. Both of these contraceptives are worn during sex and removed several hours later.

A vaginal ring contains a combination of hormones and acts like the combined pill and is worn for up to 21 days. This stops egg production, makes it harder for sperm to get to the womb, the lining of the womb thinner and so a fertilised egg is less able to attach in the womb.

Natural family planning involves tracking the menstrual cycle, and avoiding having sex during the eight or so days a month when a woman is fertile. This method can be up to 98% effective, but it takes six months to establish the necessary fertility signs to know when it is safe to have sex.

IUD and IUS contraceptives involve inserting a small device into the womb to halt egg production. This must be done by a health professional. IUDs and IUSs are 99% effective, and can be reversed.

The progestogen-only pill (or mini-pill) is 99% effective and works by preventing sperm getting through the cervix, whilst also affecting the lining of the womb so an egg cannot implant itself. This pill must be taken every day. The combined pill contains progestogen and oestrogen, and must be taken for 21 days during the month. The combined pill works by halting egg production in the ovaries and is 99% effective.

Contraceptive patches, implants and injections are also available these methods are 99% effective and available from your GP.