What is it?
An injection of progestogen.
Effectiveness?
It's over 99% effective.
Advantages?
It lasts for eight or 12 weeks – which means you don’t have to think about contraception during this time.
Disadvantages?
It can’t be removed from the body so side effects may continue while it works and for some time afterwards.
A good choice for?
Women who are comfortable taking hormones, breastfeeding mums, women who can't remember to take or don’t want the bother of a daily pill, women who know they won’t want to get pregnant in the next year and smokers.
NOT a good choice for?
Women who aren’t comfortable taking hormones, women who hate injections, women who want to get pregnant again in the next year, and women with any medical history (it’s best to speak to your GP if you have any doubts).
What is it?
A small plastic or copper device is put into the uterus to stop the sperm reaching an egg and may also stop a fertilised egg implanting in the uterus.
Effectiveness?
It's over 99% effective.
Advantages?
It can be taken out sooner, but an IUD can stay in for 5-10 years depending on the type. Plus you don’t have to think about taking or using anything so in other words, it’s reliable and forgettable!
Disadvantages?
Periods may be heavier, longer or more painful.
A good choice for?
Breastfeeding mums, and women who can’t remember to take or don’t want the bother of a daily pill.
NOT a good choice for?
Women who are allergic to copper, women who have abnormalities in their uterus (including fibroids), women who have heavy bleeding or severe cramping during periods.
What is it?
A small T-shaped progestogen-releasing plastic device, which is put into the uterus.
Effectiveness?
It's over 99% effective.
Advantages?
It works for five years but can be taken out sooner. Periods usually become lighter, shorter and less painful. Plus, you don’t have to think about taking or using anything so in other words, it's reliable and forgettable!
Disadvantages?
Irregular bleeding or spotting is common in the first six months.
A good choice for?
Women who are comfortable taking hormones, breastfeeding mums, women who can’t remember to take or don’t want the bother of a daily pill, and smokers.
NOT a good choice for?
Women who aren't comfortable taking hormones, women who have an untreated STI, women who have abnormalities in their uterus (including fibroids or cervical problems), and women with any medical history (it’s best to check with your GP if you have any doubts).
What is it?
A small, flexible rod put under the skin of the upper arm which releases progestogen.
Effectiveness?
It's over 99% effective.
Advantages?
It works for three years but can be taken out sooner. Once it's in, you don’t have to think about contraception until it gets taken out.
Disadvantages?
It requires a small procedure to fit and remove it.
A good choice for?
Women looking for long-term contraception and breastfeeding mums.
NOT a good choice for?
Women who couldn't cope with any changes to their periods, women who have any medical history (check with your GP if you're in doubt about this, or give us a call).
What is it?
A small patch stuck to the skin that releases estrogen and progestogen.
Effectiveness?
It's over 99% effective.
Advantages?
It can make bleeds regular, lighter and less painful.
Disadvantages?
It may be seen and can cause skin irritation. Plus, you have to remember to change it once a week.
A good choice for?
Women who are comfortable taking hormones, women who have irregular periods, women who experience painful periods, women who suffer from PMT, women who want the freedom to have sex without having to insert or apply anything beforehand, women who can't remember to take or don’t want to be bothered with a daily pill, and non smokers.
NOT a good choice for?
Women who aren't comfortable taking hormones, breastfeeding mums, women with high blood pressure, women who experience sever migraines, or migraines with auras, women who weight 14 stone (90kgs) or more, and women with sensitive skin.
What is it?
A small pill that contains estrogen and progestogen. It's taken orally which means you have to remember to take it every day at about the same time.
Effectiveness?
If you use it according to the instructions it's likely to be over 99% effective.
Advantages?
Often reduces bleeding, period pain and pre-menstrual symptoms.
Disadvantages?
Missed pills, vomiting or severe diarrhoea can make it less effective.
A good choice for?
Women who are comfortable taking hormones, women who have irregular periods, women who experience painful periods, women who want the freedom to have sex without having to insert or apply anything beforehand, women with acne, non-smokers.
NOT a good choice for?
Women who aren't comfortable taking hormones and breastfeeding mums.
What is it?
A pill containing progestogen. It’s taken orally which means you have to remember to take it every day at about the same time.
Effectiveness?
If you use it according to the instructions it's likely to be 99% effective.
Advantages?
It can be used by women who smoke or who are breastfeeding.
Disadvantages?
Late or missed pills, vomiting or severe diarrhoea can make it less effective.
A good choice for?
Women who are comfortable taking hormones, women who have irregular periods, breastfeeding mums, women who experience painful periods, women who want the freedom to have sex without having to insert or apply anything beforehand, and smokers.
NOT a good choice for?
Women who aren’t comfortable taking hormones, women who can’t remember to take or don’t want the bother of taking a pill at the same time every day, women who have had unexplained vaginal bleeding (between periods or after sex) and women who couldn't cope with any changes to their periods.