Choosing the right contraception is an important decision. Here’s a breakdown of the different types and methods of contraception, explaining how they work, how effective they are, and how they might affect your body. This information is here to help you learn more about what options are available. Contraception is FREE on the NHS for all ages, to find a contraception service near you head here.
Click on the contraception tiles below to find out more information or take Brook’s Contraception Quiz to find what type of contraception might be right for you.
What it is: A pill containing progestogen and oestrogen to prevent pregnancy.
How it works: Stops ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to block sperm.
Effectiveness: 91% effective with typical use.
Impact on periods: Can make periods lighter, more regular, or reduce period pain.
Side effects: May cause nausea, mood changes, headaches, or sore breasts.
How it’s taken: One pill that can be taken at the same time every day for 21 days followed by a 7 day break or it can be taken continuously to stop periods.
How long it lasts: Constant use required for continuous protection.
What it is: A daily pill containing only progestogen hormone.
How it works: Thickens cervical mucus and may stop ovulation.
Effectiveness: 91% effective with typical use.
Impact on periods: May cause irregular periods or stop them entirely. Periods may also become lighter and less painful.
Side effects: May cause mood changes, make periods lighter, irregular or cause spotting between periods.
How it’s taken: One pill at the same time every day.
How long it lasts: Continuous protection if taken daily.
What it is: A barrier method to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms also help prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
How it works: Physically blocks sperm from entering the vagina (male condom) or uterus (female condom).
Effectiveness: 79-85% effective with typical use.
Impact on periods: No impact.
Side effects: May cause irritation or allergic reactions to latex (non-latex options available).
How it’s taken: Used during intercourse, once per use.
How long it lasts: Works only during intercourse.
What it is: A small plastic T-shaped device with a small coil of copper, inserted into the uterus.
How it works: Copper is released into the uterus and it is toxic to egg and sperm. It prevents sperm from fertilising an egg and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent the egg from implanting.
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective.
Impact on periods: May cause heavier or more painful periods.
Side effects: Spotting or heavier periods. Cramping or spotting after insertion.
How it’s taken: Inserted by a healthcare provider.
How long it lasts: 5-10 years, depending on the type.
What it is: A small T-shaped device that releases progestogen into the uterus.
How it works: Thickens cervical mucus and thins the womb lining, preventing pregnancy.
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective.
Impact on periods: Can make periods lighter or stop them altogether.
Side effects: Can cause acne, headaches and/or breast tenderness. Cramping or irregular bleeding after insertion.
How it’s taken: Inserted by a healthcare provider.
How long it lasts: 3-8 years, depending on the type.
What it is: A small 4cm long rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm that releases hormones.
How it works: Prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective with typical use.
Impact on periods: Periods may become lighter and/or stop altogether. It can cause irregular bleeding (spotting).
Side effects: Weight gain, acne, mood changes.
How it’s taken: Inserted by a healthcare provider.
How long it lasts: Up to 3 years.
What it is: A progestogen injection that prevents pregnancy.
How it works: Stops ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.
Effectiveness: 94% effective with typical use.
Impact on periods: Periods may become lighter and/or irregular or stop.
Side effects: Weight gain, mood changes, headaches and acne, decreased bone density with long-term use, and possible delay in return to fertility once stopped.
How it’s taken: Injection every 3 months.
How long it lasts: 12 weeks per injection.
What it is: A sticky 4cm square patch worn on the skin that releases oestrogen and progestogen hormones.
How it works: Prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.
Effectiveness: 91% effective with typical use.
Impact on periods: Can make periods lighter and more regular.
Side effects: May cause skin irritation, itching, soreness, headaches, or breast tenderness.
How it’s taken: Use 1 patch per week, for 3 consecutive weeks, then 1 patch-free week.
How long it lasts: Supplied as three patches per month, usually in three or six month batches. One patch is worn for one week.
What it is: A flexible ring that releases hormones inside the vagina.
How it works: Prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.
Effectiveness: 91% effective with typical use.
Impact on periods: Can make periods lighter and more regular.
Side effects: May cause vaginal irritation or increased discharge, headaches, mood swings, nausea, or breast tenderness.
How it’s taken: Inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks, removed for 1 week.
How long it lasts: Replaced monthly.
What they are: Silicone cups inserted into the vagina prior to sex that cover the cervix to block sperm. It should be used with a gel that kills sperm (spermicide).
How they work: Block sperm from reaching the uterus when used with spermicide.
Effectiveness: 71-84% effective with typical use.
Impact on periods: No impact.
Side effects: Irritation, risk of urinary tract infections or infection if left in longer than 6 hours.
How they’re taken: Inserted up to 3 hours before sex and must be removed 6 hours after.
How long they last: Reusable for up to 2 years.
What it is: A natural method that tracks ovulation to avoid sex during fertile days.
How it works: Uses body temperature, cervical mucus, and calendar methods to predict fertility. The app-based method that analyses body data, such as temperature and menstrual cycle patterns, can increase accuracy in predicting fertile days. However, sperm can live for several days in the body which must be taken into account.
Effectiveness: 76-88% effective with typical use. When using an app, effectiveness can improve to around 93% with typical use.
Impact on periods: No impact.
Side effects: None, but requires daily tracking and consistency.
How it’s taken: Daily monitoring of cycle and body data, often aided by apps.
How long it lasts: Continuous if practiced correctly.
What it is: Pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation.
How it works: Prevents sperm from entering the vagina during ejaculation. However, sperm can be present in the fluid that is released into the vagina prior to ejaculation.
Effectiveness: 78% effective with typical use.
Impact on periods: No impact.
Side effects: None, but timing and control are crucial.
How it’s taken: During intercourse.
How long it lasts: Works only during intercourse.
What it is: A permanent surgical procedure for men that cuts the tubes carrying sperm from the testicles to the penis.
How it works: Prevents sperm from mixing with semen.
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective with both typical and perfect use.
Impact on periods: No impact.
Side effects: Minimal, may include temporary discomfort.
How it’s taken: Performed by a doctor.
How long it lasts: Permanent – difficult to reverse.
What it is: A permanent surgical procedure that blocks or cuts the fallopian tubes.
How it works: Prevents eggs from meeting sperm.
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective with both typical and perfect use.
Impact on periods: No impact.
Side effects: Minimal but includes surgical risks.
How it’s taken: Surgical procedure by a healthcare provider.
How long it lasts: Permanent – difficult to reverse.
What it is: A natural method that uses exclusive breastfeeding to prevent pregnancy.
How it works: Breastfeeding delays ovulation.
Effectiveness: 98% effective when followed correctly in the first 6 months.
Impact on periods: Often stops periods during breastfeeding.
Side effects: None, but only works with exclusive breastfeeding. It is not suitable if using complimentary bottle feeding.
How it’s taken: Frequent and exclusive breastfeeding.
How long it lasts: Up to 6 months postpartum.
What it is: A method to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. There are two main types: the morning-after pill and the copper IUD (coil).
• Morning-After Pill: A pill taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex to delay ovulation. It is only effective if ovulation has not yet occurred.
Effectiveness: 75-89% effective depending on how soon it’s taken, with the highest effectiveness within 24 hours.
Impact on periods: May cause temporary irregularities.
Side effects: Nausea, fatigue, dizziness.
How it’s taken: Single pill that is taken as early as possible after unprotect sex. Depending on the brand it can either be taken within 72 hours (Levonelle) or it can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex (EllaOne).
How long it lasts: The morning-after pill is a one-time use.
• Copper Coil (IUD): A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. It can be used as emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected sex by creating a toxic environment for sperm.
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective as emergency contraception.
Impact on periods: May cause heavier, longer periods or cramping.
Side effects: Cramping or spotting after insertion.
How it’s taken: Inserted by a healthcare provider and can then be removed after a period or a negative pregnancy test. Alternatively, it can also be used as long-term contraception for up to 10 years.
How long it lasts: The copper coil offers ongoing protection once inserted that lasts 5-10 years, depending on the type.
