You can use different methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy when you have vaginal sex. You have the right to use contraception and choose a method that works best for you.
Types of contraception
No form of contraception is 100% effective. Every method has its advantages and disadvantages. There are many things to consider when choosing a contraceptive method. For example, its effectiveness, the cost, how easy it is to use and your stage of life.
The most effective methods of contraception are listed below.
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
LARCs are highly effective and reversible methods of contraception. The other advantage is you don’t have to think about contraception every day or every time you have sex.
Hormonal implant (Implanon®)
Hormonal implants are over 99% effective. Using local anaesthetic, a doctor or nurse inserts a small implant under the skin of your upper arm. The implant releases a progestogen hormone, which stops ovulation (egg release). The implant lasts for 3 years and can be easily removed or replaced.
Hormonal injection (Depo Provera)
Hormonal injections are over 96% effective. A doctor or nurse gives you an injection of the progestogen hormone every 12 weeks, which stops ovulation.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
IUDs are over 99% effective. Hormonal IUDs are slightly more effective than copper ones. A doctor or nurse inserts the IUD (a small T-shaped device) into your uterus through your vagina, which stops sperm from reaching the egg. Hormonal IUDs can also stop egg release. The Mirena® IUD can be used for eight years and the Kyleena® IUD can be used for 5 years. Copper IUDs last for 5 to 10 years.
The Pill (oral contraception)
The Pill is up to 99% effective if taken correctly. You need to take one pill every day to prevent pregnancy. The Pill contains oestrogen and progesterone hormones that stop egg release.
You can also get a progesterone-only pill (mini pill). The mini pill is less effective because it must be taken at the same time every day to work.
Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring (NuvaRing®) is 93% to 99% effective. A vaginal ring has the same hormones that are in the combined oral contraceptive pill, but in a lower dose. It works by stopping egg release. You place a new ring in your vagina every month and leave it there for 3 weeks to prevent pregnancy.
Condoms and diaphragms (barrier methods)
Barrier methods of contraception work by stopping sperm from reaching an egg.
These include:
- external condoms – worn over an erect penis (over 88% effective)
- internal condoms – a sheath that fits loosely into the vagina (over 79% effective)
- diaphragm (Caya®) – a soft silicone cap that is placed high in the vagina before sex (over 82% effective).
Note that condoms are the only form of contraception that offer some protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is also known as the ‘morning after’ pill. You can use this if you have unprotected sex, you forget to take the Pill, or if a condom breaks during sex.
The ‘morning after’ pill is over 85% effective and works best if taken within 24 hours after vaginal sex. It is available from pharmacies without a prescription.
Permanent contraception
Permanent contraception can be:
- an operation to close the fallopian tubes (‘getting your tubes tied’) or
- an operation to cut the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis (vasectomy).
Permanent contraception is over 99% effective.
When to see your doctor
If you’re not sure which contraception to use, see your doctor. They can explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method so you can decide what’s best for you.
Some forms of contraception, such as LARCs, vaginal rings and the Pill, must be prescribed by a doctor.
If you’re sexually active, it’s also important to have regular sexual health checks with your doctor or sexual health nurse.
For more information, resources and references on contraception.
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