Methods of contraception

Contraceptives can be split into two categories: user dependent contraceptives and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) [1]. User dependent contraceptive methods will only work if you use them correctly, whereas LARC methods don't rely on you remembering to use them regularly.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages and what works well for one person won't always work well for someone else. You might have to try a range of different methods of contraception before you find one that works well for you.

Looking for emergency contraception? There is support available on the NHS website or you can talk to a pharmacist, your GP, NHS 111 or visit your local sexual health clinic.

Oral contraceptive tablets are split into two categories: combined pills, which contain the hormones oestrogen and progestogen, and progestogen only pills (POPs). Oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy, but you’ll need to use another method of contraception, such as condoms, to be protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Progestogen only pill (POP)

• the pill commonly known as the ‘mini pill’.
• the desogestrel POP, which can also stop ovulation (an egg being released from the ovary), whilst you’re taking it [2].

The POP needs to be taken at the same time each day for it to work well. If you’re taking the mini pill, you need to make sure there’s no longer than 27 hours between two doses of the pill to be protected against pregnancy [2]. If you’re taking a desogestrel pill, such as Hana, you need to make sure there’s no longer than 36 hours between two doses of the pill [2].

There are days of the week and arrows printed on the pill packet, to help you. Some people also set reminder alarms, so they don’t miss a pill.

Some reported benefits of the POP include:

• it doesn’t contain oestrogen, so is suitable for people who can’t take this hormone
• women who are breastfeeding can take it
• it’s suitable for people who smoke [2]
• it’s suitable for women at risk of health issues such as strokes [3].

• irregular menstrual bleeding (periods)
• changes in sex drive (libido)
• mood changes
• acne (spots and changes to the skin) [3,4].

There’s also a risk of some women developing functional ovarian cysts (small fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries)[3, 5]. These are usually harmless and go away without treatment [2].

Talk to your local Well pharmacist, your doctor or sexual health nurse if you have any questions about the possible side effects of the POP.

The combined pill works by stopping ovulation (an egg being released from the ovary). It also thickens the mucus in the entrance to the womb to make it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg [6]. The combined pill thins the lining of the womb to reduce the chance of a fertilised egg implanting [6].

You need to take the combined pill at the same time each day for it to work well [6]. There are days of the week and arrows printed on the pill packet, to help you. Some people also set reminder alarms, so they don’t miss a pill.

Some benefits of the combined pill include:

• regulating periods
• lighter periods
• improved premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms [4]
• a reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers [7].

• weight gain
• nausea (feeling sick)
• breast tenderness
• acne (spots and changes to the skin)
• depression [3].

There is also an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes [7] when taking the combined pill. This means it won’t usually be suitable for women who are already at high risk of developing these types of health conditions. Talk to a pharmacist, your doctor or sexual health nurse if you have one of these health conditions. They'll be able to talk you through other contraception methods suitable for you.

Male condoms are worn on the penis, to avoid contact with sperm. When used correctly, male condoms protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Male condoms are available for free from your local sexual health clinic and some GP surgeries. You can also buy male condoms from pharmacies, supermarkets and online retailers. Find out more about male condoms on the NHS website.

Male condoms are available for free from your local sexual health clinic and some GP surgeries. You can also buy male condoms from pharmacies, supermarkets and online retailers. Find out more about male condoms on the NHS website.

Female condoms are available for free from your local sexual health clinic and some GP surgeries. You can also buy female condoms from pharmacies, supermarkets and online retailers. Find out more about female condoms on the NHS website.