What contraception is best for me?
When it comes to contraception and birth control, there are a number of options for women of both the hormonal and non-hormonal variety. But deciding which one to go for is a very personal decision and one we’ve tried to make easier by offering you some more information, as well as pros and cons, below.
The contraceptive pill
The contraceptive pill is a hormonal method of birth control that requires taking one tablet every day to prevent pregnancy. There are two different kinds; the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill (“mini pill”) which can be suitable for different women based on whether or not they contain oestrogen.
Pros
It’s over 99% effective with perfect use (93% in everyday use)
It can alleviate heavy or painful periods
It doesn’t interrupt sex
You don’t need to think about it every time you have sex
It’s easy to reverse if you wish become pregnant
There are lots of different kinds available, so you can likely find one that suits you
You can most likely use the pill 21 days after giving birth
There are pills suitable for women who are breastfeeding
It can help to reduce acne
It reduces your risk of cancer of the ovaries, womb and colon
Cons
It needs to be taken at the same time every day and is less effective if your routine slips
It doesn’t offer protection against STI’s
It can be affected by other medications
It can be affected by vomiting or having diarrhoea
It can cause side effects such as headaches and mood swings
It can increase your risk of blood clots and breast cancer
The contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible plastic rod that is inserted into the inner part of your arm, where it slowly releases progestogen to prevent pregnancy. Once implanted into the arm (by a medical professional), it will remain there for 3 years until you either have it removed or replaced.
Pros
It’s more than 99% effective
It lasts for 3 years
It doesn’t interrupt sex
It’s suitable for women who can’t have oestrogen
You don’t need to think about it every day
It can reduce heavy or painful periods
Your fertility returns to normal after it’s removed
Cons
Your periods may be irregular
It can have side effects like headaches and nausea
You can’t stop using it without having it removed by a professional
It requires a small procedure to have it fitted and removed
It doesn’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections
The contraceptive injection
The contraceptive injection is similar to the implant in that it releases a slow stream of progestogen into the body, but this is done by injections every 8-13 weeks. The type will depend on how long they last, but all of them are administered by injection into your bottom (or occasionally upper arm).
Pros
Each injection lasts 8-13 weeks and doesn’t need to be thought about every day
It’s reversible
It doesn’t interrupt sex
It’s oestrogen-free
It’s not affected by other medicines
It can help with premenstrual symptoms
It’s safe for women who are breastfeeding
Cons
There can be a delay of up to a year before your fertility returns to normal
It can lead to weight gain
It doesn’t protect against STI’s
It can lead to side effects like acne, hair loss and mood swings
Any side effects can last for as long as the injection lasts (8-13 weeks)
Your periods can be altered, even after you stop the injections
The contraceptive patch
The contraceptive patch (known by the brand Evra patch) is a small sticky square that you adhere to your skin for a week at a time, where it releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
It works in the same way as the combined pill (it contains oestrogen and progestogen) but through your skin rather than an oral tablet.
Pros
It’s easy to use
It’s over 99% effective
It doesn’t interrupt sex
It still works if you’re sick or have diarrhoea
You don’t have to think about it every day
It may reduce the risk of ovarian, womb and bowel cancer
It can make your periods lighter or less painful
Cons
It can cause skin irritation
You need to remember to change it every week
You can get bleeding between cycles
It doesn’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections
It may be visible which some women don’t like
Some medicines can make the patch less effective
The vaginal ring
The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a small flexible ring that you insert into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. It works similarly to other hormonal methods by releasing oestrogen and progestogen to prevent ovulation.
Pros
It’s over 99% effective
It’s easy to put in and take out
You don’t need to think about it every day
It doesn’t interrupt sex
It isn’t affected if you’re sick
It has no long term effect on fertility
It may help with premenstrual symptoms
Cons
You may not like the process of fitting it and removing it from your vagina
You can have spotting or breakthrough bleeding (especially at first)
You need to remember to change it
It can cause some side effects
It doesn’t protect against STI’s
Some medicines can make it less effective
The intrauterine device (IUD)
The IUD is a small T-shaped plastic device that is fitted into the womb to prevent pregnancy by releasing copper. It is also sometimes known as “the copper coil” or “the coil” and lasts for 5 to 10 years (depending on the brand).
Pros
It works for 5 to 10 years
It’s suitable for most women
It’s non-hormonal so doesn’t come with typical contraceptive side effects
It doesn’t interrupt sex
It’s safe for women who are breastfeeding
It’s possible to get pregnant as soon as it’s removed
It works straight away once fitted
You don’t need to think about it every day
Cons
It can make periods longer, heavier and more painful
It can cause lower abdominal pain
It doesn’t protect against STIs
It can have higher risks associated with infections
The intrauterine system (IUS)
The IUS looks exactly the same as the IUD but instead of releasing copper, this small T-shaped device releases progestogen to prevent pregnancy. It also doesn’t last quite as long, and should be removed or changed every 3 to 5 years.
Pros
It’s one of the most effective forms of birth control
It lasts for 3 to 5 years
You don’t need to think about it every day
It’s good for women who can’t have oestrogen
You can get pregnant as soon as it’s removed
It’s not affected by other medicines
Cons
Your periods may become irregular
You may experience side effects like mood swings or loss of libido
It can have higher risks associated with infections
It may cause vaginal bleeding between periods or pain
It doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections
Condoms
Condoms are the only kind of contraceptive that protects against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and are highly effective (when used correctly). They’re available in both male and female forms but the male version is the more popular by a long way.
Pros
They’re effective at preventing pregnancy
They protect against STI’s
They don’t cause side effects
They don’t cause long term changes to the body
They’re best for unplanned sex
They are available in various sizes and types
They are easy to use
Cons
They may feel like they interrupt sex
They can split or tear, especially if they get air trapped inside
Some people can be allergic to the material
They can make sex less enjoyable for some couples
Blog author
Scott Weaver
Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.
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