Contraception

There are many different types of contraception. They are designed to meet the needs of different types of people. So, whether you’re looking for a short-term solution or a long-term option or are even considering family planning there are contraceptives available to suit you.

These include:

• Long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs).These include intrauterine methods and implants. Some common LARCS include IUDs (coil), IUS (hormonal coil) and hormonal implants.
• Hormonal methods.These rely on chemical messengers known as hormones to prevent pregnancy. They include medicines that are available in tablet-form like the progestin-only pill and combined and physical forms of contraception that need to be inserted or stuck to your skin like the vaginal ring or patch.
• Barrier methods.This form of contraception provides a physical barrier between sperm and your uterus. They may be useful for people who aren’t able to use hormonal contraception. Both male and female condoms fall into this category.
• Emergency contraception. This form of contraception is designed to be used after unprotected sex.

There are many places where you can get free contraception. These include:

• Pharmacies
• Some GP surgeries
• Sexual health clinics
• Young people's services
• Contraception clinics

You can access contraception from these places even if you are under 16.

Finding a contraceptive method that works for you will depend on your lifestyle. Some people may prefer hormonal contraception, but for others, there may be undesirable side effects.

Some people find it reassuring to use daily contraceptive methods, while others prefer a longer-acting method they don't have to remember to use regularly.

Some contraception provides protection against STIs and others don’t.

If you are unsure about what might work for you, your pharmacist, your doctor or the staff at sexual health clinics will be able to help.

Speak to a healthcare professional. They'll be able to give you advice about alternative methods of contraception and help you find an approach that works for you.

With perfect use, or when used as advised, most contraceptive methods are more than 95% effective. However, this decreases when contraception isn’t used properly. An example of this is when you miss taking the pill a few days in a month.

You can get contraception even if you are under 16.

If you are under 16, you can speak to a healthcare professional like a GP or a pharmacist for advice. They won’t tell your parent or carer about it as long as they think you completely understand the decision you’re making.

If you have PCOS, your GP may advise that you take contraception to help regulate your periods. Hormonal contraception can help with heavy and painful periods.