Combined pill
hormonal
How: Daily oestrogen + progestogen pill.
Effectiveness: ~91% typical use
Pros: Lighter, more predictable periods; can clear acne.
Things to know: Daily routine; small risk of blood clots; not for smokers over 35.
Contraception, explained
UK-focused overview. Educational only — your GP or sexual-health clinic decides what's right for you. Try the starting-point quiz.
Mini pill (POP)
hormonal
How: Daily progestogen-only pill.
Effectiveness: ~91% typical use
Pros: Suitable when oestrogen isn't; ok with breastfeeding.
Things to know: Strict timing for some brands; irregular bleeding.
Injection (Depo)
hormonal
How: Progestogen jab every 12–13 weeks.
Effectiveness: ~94%
Pros: No daily routine; often stops periods.
Things to know: Can delay fertility return; bone density concerns long-term.
Implant
hormonal
How: Small rod under arm, 3 years.
Effectiveness: >99%
Pros: Fit and forget; reversible.
Things to know: Irregular bleeding; minor procedure to fit/remove.
Patch
hormonal
How: Weekly skin patch (oestrogen + progestogen).
Effectiveness: ~91%
Pros: No daily pill; visible reminder.
Things to know: Can be seen; same oestrogen risks as combined pill.
Vaginal ring
hormonal
How: Flexible ring inserted for 3 weeks.
Effectiveness: ~91%
Pros: Monthly, low maintenance.
Things to know: Insertion not for everyone; oestrogen risks.
IUS (hormonal coil)
hormonal
How: T-shaped device with progestogen, 3–8 years.
Effectiveness: >99%
Pros: Lightens or stops periods; long-acting.
Things to know: Fitting can be painful — ask for pain relief; spotting first months.
Copper IUD
non-hormonal
How: T-shaped copper device, 5–10 years.
Effectiveness: >99%
Pros: Hormone-free; long-acting; emergency option.
Things to know: Can make periods heavier; fitting pain.
External condom
barrier
How: Worn on penis; single use.
Effectiveness: ~82%
Pros: STI protection; no prescription.
Things to know: Can split; latex allergies.
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Internal condom
barrier
How: Inserted into vagina; single use.
Effectiveness: ~79%
Pros: STI protection; partner-independent.
Things to know: Pricier; takes practice.
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Diaphragm / cap
barrier
How: Silicone dome with spermicide.
Effectiveness: ~71–88%
Pros: Hormone-free; used as needed.
Things to know: Fitting and timing required; no STI protection.
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Natural / fertility awareness
non-hormonal
How: Track temperature + cervical mucus + cycle.
Effectiveness: ~76–88%
Pros: Hormone-free; body literacy.
Things to know: Demands daily tracking and abstinence on fertile days.
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Sterilisation
permanent
How: Surgical — tubal or vasectomy.
Effectiveness: >99%
Pros: Permanent, no upkeep.
Things to know: Not reversible; small surgical risks.
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Emergency contraception
emergency
How: Pill (ulipristal / levonorgestrel) within 3–5 days, or copper IUD within 5 days.
Effectiveness: Varies; copper IUD most effective
Pros: Stops a single risk event.
Things to know: Not for routine use; doesn't protect STIs.
Before your appointment
- Note any migraines, blood-clot history, smoking, breastfeeding, or current medications.
- Decide your dealbreakers: hormone-free? Long-acting? Periods stopped?
- Ask: "What pain relief is offered for IUD/IUS fitting?"
- Ask: "How will this affect my mood and bleeding pattern?"