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    SUMMARY

    A brief overview of each contraception method and how you can get it

    A brief overview of each contraception method and how you can get it

    THE
    INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM (IUS)
    – AKA THE
    HORMONAL COIL

    IUS

    The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 6 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

    THE
    INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD)
    – AKA THE
    COPPER COIL

    IUD

    The Cop­per Coil is a small, T-shaped plas­tic frame that has a cop­per wire. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse, where it pre­vents preg­nancy for up to 5 to 10 years.

    THE
    IMPLANT

    Implant

    A small, flex­i­ble sil­i­cone rod that re­leases hor­mones for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doc­tor or nurse.

    THE
    COMBINED ORAL
    CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (COCP)

    COCP

    COCPs are tablets which may have to be taken every day, releasing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen to prevent pregnancy. They are often referred to as the Pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these.

    THE
    INJECTION

    Injection

    An injection con­tain­ing hor­mone(s) that is given with a pre­scrip­tion and ad­min­is­tered by a doc­tor or nurse every 1 or 3 months.

    THE
    PATCH

    Patch

    A small, thin, skin-coloured plas­tic square that sticks to the skin and re­leases hor­mones. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and can be self-ad­min­is­tered once a week.

    THE
    DIAPHRAGM

    Diaphragm

    A sil­i­cone cup placed in the vagina that pre­vents sperm from reach­ing the womb. Though some are fit­ted by a doc­tor or nurse, most are self-ad­min­is­tered with a pre­scrip­tion up to 24 hours be­fore sex.

    THE
    RING

    Ring

    A small, flex­i­ble ring that is self-ad­min­is­tered with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in the vagina, where it re­leases hor­mones for 3 weeks.

    THE FEMALE
    CONDOM

    Female Condom

    An in­ter­nal con­dom that works in the same way male con­doms do, though it is placed in the vagina. It is self-ad­min­is­tered and bought over the counter.

    THE MALE
    CONDOM

    Male Condom

    A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reach­ing the vagina it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-ad­min­is­tered and bought over the counter.

    THE
    PROGESTOGEN-
    ONLY PILL (POP)

    The POP

    POPs are tablets which have to be taken every day at the same time with no break between packs. These pills only contain a progestogen hormone so they can be taken by women for whom oestrogen-containing options are not suitable. They are also known as the mini-pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these.

    NATURAL
    PLANNING

    Natural Planning

    Self-di­rected meth­ods of avoid­ing preg­nancy that in­cludes men­strual cycle track­ing and body tem­per­a­ture mea­sure­ments to iden­tify fer­tile days.

    SPERMICIDE

    Spermicide

    Creams, films, foams, gels and sup­pos­i­to­ries that con­tain chem­i­cals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-ad­min­is­tered.

    WITHDRAWAL

    Withdrawal

    Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-di­rected method in­volves with­draw­ing the penis prior to ejac­u­la­tion to avoid preg­nancy.

    FEMALE
    STERILISATION

    Female Sterilisation

    A med­ical pro­ce­dure per­formed by a doc­tor or nurse that blocks the fal­lop­ian tubes and re­moves the pos­si­bil­ity of preg­nancy.

    MALE
    STERILISATION

    Male Sterilisation

    A med­ical pro­ce­dure per­formed by a doc­tor or nurse that blocks the tubes car­ry­ing sperm.
    EFFECTIVENESS

    A brief description of how effective each method is with typical use.

    A brief description of how effective each method is with typical use.

    THE
    INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM (IUS)
    – AKA THE
    HORMONAL COIL

    The IUS

    The soft, flexible intrauterine system releases a progestin to stop sperm from fertilizing an egg. It is a reversible and highly effective method of contraception.

    99%

    THE
    INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD)
    – AKA THE
    COPPER COIL

    The IUD

    The intrauterine device uses copper ions to prevent sperm from moving and fertilizing an egg. It is a reversible and highly effective method of contraception.

    99%

    THE
    IMPLANT

    The Implant

    The contraceptive implant releases a progestin to stop sperm from fertilizing an egg. It is a reversible and highly effective method of contraception.

    99%

    THE
    COMBINED ORAL
    CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (COCP)

    THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

    The combined contraceptive pill contains a progestogen which stops sperm from fertilising an egg, and oestrogen, which prevents ovaries from releasing an egg. It is very effective when taken as directed.

    91%

    THE
    INJECTION

    The Injection

    All contraceptive injections contain a progestin to stop sperm from fertilising an egg. Some also contain estrogen, which prevents ovaries from releasing an egg. It is very effective if always administered on time.

    94%

    THE
    PATCH

    The Patch

    The patch prevents ovaries from releasing eggs. It is very effective with typical use.

    91%

    THE
    DIAPHRAGM

    The Diaphragm

    The diaphragm prevents sperm from entering the uterus. It is fairly effective, even more so when used with spermicide.

    88%

    THE
    RING

    The Ring

    The ring prevents ovaries from releasing eggs. It is very effective with typical use.

    91%

    THE FEMALE
    CONDOM

    The Female Condom

    The female condom prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. It is less effective than other methods of contraception.

    79%

    THE MALE
    CONDOM

    The Male Condom

    The male condom prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. It is a fairly effective method of contraception.

    82%

    THE
    PROGESTOGEN-
    ONLY PILL (POP)

    THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL

    Progestogen-only pill contains a progestogen to stop sperm from fertilising an egg. It is very effective when taken as directed.

    91%

    NATURAL
    PLANNING

    Natural Planning

    The efficacy of natural planning depends on the chosen method used. For the most part, it is less effective at preventing pregnancy.

    76%

    SPERMICIDE

    Spermicide

    Spermicide prevents sperm from passing through the cervix, but it is not the most effective when used on its own.

    72%

    WITHDRAWAL

    Withdrawal

    Withdrawal must be done properly and in a timely manner, and is therefore less effective as a method of contraception.

    78%

    FEMALE
    STERILISATION

    Female Sterilisation

    Female sterilisation is a permanent, non-reversible, and highly effective method of contraception.

    99%

    MALE
    STERILISATION

    Male Sterilisation

    Male sterilisation is a permanent and highly effective method of contraception.

    99%

    EASE OF USE

    A brief summary of how much attention each method needs.

    A brief summary of how much attention each method needs.

    THE
    INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM (IUS)
    – AKA THE
    HORMONAL COIL

    The IUS

    The intrauterine system is small, soft, flexible and long-acting. Once placed it is effective for 3 to 6 years.

    3-6 YEARS

    THE
    INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD)
    – AKA THE
    COPPER COIL

    The IUD

    The intrauterine device is long-acting and lasts anywhere between 3 and 10 years once placed.

    3-10 YEARS

    THE
    IMPLANT

    The Implant

    The contraceptive implant is long-acting and lasts up to 3 years once placed.

    3 YEARS

    THE
    COMBINED ORAL
    CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (COCP)

    THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

    The pill should be taken at the same time every day.

    DAILY

    THE
    INJECTION

    The Injection

    The contraceptive injection is effective for 3 months at a time, but it’s important to get the injection from your doctor or nurse on time, every 1 or 3 months.

    1-3 MONTH

    THE
    PATCH

    The Patch

    The patch needs to be changed weekly in order to be effective.

    WEEKLY

    THE
    DIAPHRAGM

    The Diaphragm

    The diaphragm needs to be placed in the vagina up to 18 hours prior to intercourse, each time.

    BEFORE SEX

    THE
    RING

    The Ring

    The ring needs to be left in placed in the vagina for 3 weeks. It is removed during the fourth week, before being replaced at the start of another 4-week cycle.

    3 WEEKS

    THE
    FEMALE CONDOM

    The Female Condom

    The female condom needs to be inserted in the vagina prior to intercourse, each time.

    BEFORE SEX

    THE
    MALE CONDOM

    The Male Condom

    The male condom needs to be placed over the penis prior to intercourse, each time.

    BEFORE SEX

    THE
    PROGESTOGEN-
    ONLY PILL (POP)

    THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL

    The mini-pill should be taken at the same time every day.

    DAILY

    NATURAL
    PLANNING

    Natural Planning

    Natural planning methods vary in terms of how much attention they need, but it’s important to be aware of fertile days and to use additional contraception on these days.

    DAILY

    SPERMICIDE

    Spermicide

    Spermicide needs to be applied prior to intercourse, each time.

    BEFORE SEX

    WITHDRAWAL

    Withdrawal

    Withdrawal needs to be performed during intercourse, each time.

    BEFORE SEX

    FEMALE
    STERILISATION

    Female Sterilisation

    Female sterilisation is a permanent procedure. Once it’s done, it’s done.

    PERMANENT

    MALE
    STERILISATION

    Male Sterilisation

    Male sterilisation is a permanent procedure. Once it’s done, it’s done.

    PERMANENT

    HORMONES

    An overview of the hormones included in each method (if any) and where they are released in the body.

    An overview of the hormones included in each method (if any) and where they are released in the body.

    THE
    INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM (IUS)
    – AKA THE
    HORMONAL COIL

    The IUS

    The intrauterine system releases a low dose of a progestin from its small, flexible plastic frame, acting mainly locally within the womb.

    YES

    THE
    INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD)
    – AKA THE
    COPPER COIL

    The IUD

    The intrauterine device is hormone-free and releases copper ions, acting mainly locally within the womb.

    NO

    THE
    IMPLANT

    The Implant

    The contraceptive implant releases a progestin throughout the entire body.

    YES

    THE
    COMBINED ORAL
    CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (COCP)

    THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

    The pill contains two different hormones – a progestogen and oestrogen – which are released throughout the body.

    YES

    THE
    INJECTION

    The Injection

    The contraceptive injection contains hormones – either a progestin alone, or a progestin and oestrogen – that are released throughout the entire body.

    YES

    THE
    PATCH

    The Patch

    The patch continuously releases hormones – oestrogen and a progestin – throughout the entire body.

    YES

    THE
    DIAPHRAGM

    The Diaphragm

    No. The diaphragm is hormone-free and works best when it is used with spermicide.

    NO

    THE
    RING

    The Ring

    The ring releases a low dose of a progestin and oestrogen.

    YES

    THE FEMALE
    CONDOM

    The Female Condom

    The female condom is hormone-free.

    NO

    THE MALE
    CONDOM

    The Male Condom

    The male condom is hormone-free.

    NO

    THE
    PROGESTOGEN-
    ONLY PILL (POP)

    THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL

    The mini-pill contains a progestogen hormone which is released throughout the body.

    YES

    NATURAL
    PLANNING

    Natural Planning

    Natural planning is hormone-free.

    NO

    SPERMICIDE

    Spermicide

    Spermicide is hormone-free, but does contain chemicals.

    NO

    WITHDRAWAL

    Withdrawal

    Withdrawal is hormone-free.

    NO

    FEMALE
    STERILISATION

    Female Sterilisation

    Female sterilisation is hormone-free.

    NO

    MALE
    STERILISATION

    Male Sterilisation

    Male sterilisation is hormone-free.

    NO

    IMPACT ON MENSTRUATION

    A brief description of how each method impacts your period, if at all.

    A brief description of how each method impacts your period, if at all.

    THE
    INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM (IUS)
    – AKA THE
    HORMONAL COIL

    The IUS

    The small and flexible intrauterine system may cause lighter, shorter bleeding, and may lead to a reduction in pain over time.

    LIGHT

    THE
    INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD)
    – AKA THE
    COPPER COIL

    The IUD

    The intrauterine device may cause heavier, longer bleeding and cramps.

    MEDIUM

    THE
    IMPLANT

    The Implant

    The contraceptive implant may cause irregular, lighter bleeding and reduce pain.

    LIGHT

    THE
    COMBINED ORAL
    CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (COCP)

    THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

    The pill maintains regular bleeding in each cycle, and it may reduce bleeding and pain.

    LIGHT

    THE
    INJECTION

    The Injection

    The contraceptive injection may cause irregular bleeding. In some cases it may cause shorter, lighter periods, or no periods at all.

    LIGHT

    THE
    PATCH

    The Patch

    The patch may cause disrupted periods, either in the form of irregular bleeding, or regular, lighter periods.

    NONE

    THE
    DIAPHRAGM

    The Diaphragm

    The diaphragm has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    THE
    RING

    The Ring

    The ring may cause temporary irregular bleeding, and may stop menstruation altogether.

    LIGHT

    THE FEMALE
    CONDOM

    The Female Condom

    The female condom has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    THE MALE
    CONDOM

    The Male Condom

    The male condom has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    THE
    PROGESTOGEN-
    ONLY PILL (POP)

    THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL

    The pill maintains regular bleeding in each cycle, and it may reduce bleeding and pain.

    LIGHT

    NATURAL
    PLANNING

    Natural Planning

    Natural planning has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    SPERMICIDE

    Spermicide

    Spermicide has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    WITHDRAWAL

    Withdrawal

    Withdrawal has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    FEMALE
    STERILISATION

    Female Sterilization

    Female sterilisation has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    MALE
    STERILISATION

    Male Sterilisation

    Male sterilisation has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

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    PP-PF-WHC-GB-0989 | Date of preparation: January 2022

    © 2021 Bayer plc. All rights reserved

    This website has been developed to raise awareness of the different contraceptive options available in the UK.

    Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice. Health information in this website is intended as general information and for UK audiences only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide specific medical advice. The MyContraception campaign has been initiated, organised and funded by Bayer.