Contraception methods for women

There are many different types of contraception (birth control) for women. They all prevent pregnancy and one type even protects you from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). We will inform you about the various contraception methods that are available for women, so you can find out which method is right for you. An important choice you have to make if you want to prevent getting pregnant is if you want or don’t want to use hormones for example. It’s also good to consider which type of contraception fits your lifestyle. Do you want to be protected at all times or does a contraception method that you only use when you have sex work better for you?

Which contraception methods for women are there?

There are different methods you can use to prevent getting pregnant. They can be divided into these categories: pill, patch, ring, implant, injection, sterilisation, IUD, and so-called barrier methods, like the female condom.

Birth control pill

The birth control pill is the most well-known contraception method for women. The pill contains hormones that stop the release of an egg during ovulation. They also thicken the mucus in the neck of the womb, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg. The hormones thin the lining of the womb as well, making it more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant into the womb. The pill should be taken every day, preferably at the same time, for 21 days. Then you stop taking it for 7 days and you will have your period. The advantage of the pill is that you have control over when you have your period, as you can take the pill for more than 21 days and stop for 7 days whenever you want. This is great if you want to delay your period when you’re on holiday for example or when you’re attending an important event. If you decide to take the pill for more than 21 days in a row, we advise you to discuss it with your GP first. Always read the information leaflet that comes with the pill, so you know about the risks.

Combination pill and progestogen-only pill

There are two main categories when it comes to the birth control pill: combination pills and progestogen-only pills. Combination pills contain both oestrogen and progestogen. Oestrogen makes sure you have a regular period, while progestogen prevents pregnancy. There are monophasic 21-day pills, phasic 21-day pills, and even every day pills. The pills without oestrogen only contain progestogen: a hormone that derives from testosterone. Women can use this type of pill if they can’t take oestrogen (for example when they’re breastfeeding) or because they suffer from side effects caused by the combination pill. The moment you stop taking the pill, you can get pregnant again.

Contraceptive patch

A contraceptive patch is a patch with hormones that you can place almost anywhere on your body and needs to be replaced once a week. After 3 weeks, you stop using it for 7 days. Like with the pill, this contraception method allows you to delay your period or make it start early. Most people use this method so they don’t have to think about it every day, but at the same time can have a regular mentrual cycle and be protected from unwanted pregnancy. The patch contains the hormones norelgestromin and ethinylestradiol that enter your bloodstream through your skin. This stops the release of an egg during ovulation and, like with the birth control pill, the hormones thicken the mucus in the neck of the womb. A contraceptive patch is thin and flexible and you can still shower, take a bath, play sports, and go for a swim while wearing it. If you’re heavier than 198 lb (90 kilos), this contraceptive method might not be suitable for you. Your GP can advise you. If you stop wearing the patch, you can immediately get pregnant again.

Injection

The contraceptive injection contains the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy. The most common injection in the UK (Depo-Provera) lasts for 13 weeks. You will need to get another injection before those 13 weeks expire in order to remain protected. Your periods may become more irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter, or stop altogether. There are two common types of injections: Depo-Provera and Noristerat. The latter lasts for 8 weeks. There is also Sayana Press, which lasts for 13 weeks, but this is not common and is not available everywhere. If you stop getting contraceptive injections, it might take a year or longer before you’re fertile again. Some women experience irregular or long-lasting bleeds when they get a contraceptive injection for the first time.

Vaginal ring

A vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible, plastic ring that is placed inside the vagina. The ring gradually releases the hormones oestrogen and progestogen. To insert it, gently squeeze the ring between your thumb and index finger and insert the tip into your vagina. Push it up until it feels comfortable. After 3 weeks, you remove the ring and wait a week before inserting a new ring. You might experience menstrual bleeds when you’re not wearing a ring.  

Contraceptive implant

A contraceptive implant releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. The implant lasts for three years. It’s a small flexible plastic rod that is placed in your upper arm under your skin. It can be removed at any time and you will be fertile again shortly after removal. If you have a contraceptive implant, it’s common that your periods stop, but it’s also possible that your periods become irregular, lighter, heavier, or longer.

IUD/IUS

An IUD (sometimes called a coil) is a T-shaped plastic and copper device that is placed in your uterus by a doctor or a nurse. It releases copper to prevent pregnancy and works for 5 to 10 years. An IUD doesn’t contain hormones, which makes it a great option for women who don’t want to or can’t use a contraception method with hormones. An IUS is very similar to an IUD, but it uses the hormone progestogen instead of copper to prevent pregnancy. An IUS works for 3 to 5 years. Both an IUD and an IUS can be removed at any time by a doctor or nurse. It’s possible to get pregnant right after it’s removed.

Female condoms

Female condoms are the only contraception method on this list that don’t just prevent pregnancy, but also protect against STIs. A female condom consists of two flexible rings with thin (synthetic) latex in between. It’s inserted into the vagina and prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. One ring is placed against the cervix, the other ring covers the labia. This means a female condom is worn both inside and outside the vagina at the same time. Like male condoms, female condoms are available everywhere, even in supermarkets and pharmacies. There are various kinds of female condoms available, including latex-free condoms.

Contraceptive diaphragm

A contraceptive diaphragm or cap is made of thin silicone that can be inserted into the vagina before having sex. Like the female condom, it prevents sperm from entering the uterus (barrier method). However, it doesn’t protect you from STIs. A contraceptive diaphragm or cap should be inserted with spermicide, which is a gel that kills sperm. You have to leave the diaphragm or cap in for at least 6 hours after having sex. Don’t use a diaphragm or cap when you’re on your period. Most diaphragms or caps can be used for one year. 

Sterilisation

Sterilisation is the only permanent contraception method on this list. If you don’t want any (more) children, you might consider sterilisation. This means that your fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed, so your eggs can’t come into contact with sperm cells anymore. Female sterilisation involves a small surgery. We covered the topic of female sterilisation in one of our articles before, so if you want to know more, you can read all about it there and find out if sterilisation is an option for you. 

Reliability of contraception methods for women

Not one contraception method is 100% reliable. There’s always a small chance that you might get pregnant. By combining contraception methods, for example by taking the pill and asking your partner to wear a condom, you can limit that small chance even further. The reliability of contraception methods depends on the method, but also on the user. The pill is very reliable if you consistently take it every day at the same time for example. The chance of getting pregnant is less than 1% in that case. If you replace your contraceptive patch every week or get your contraceptive injection every 13 weeks, then these two methods are very reliable as well. Long-lasting methods like the IUD give you the advantage of not having to think about your period for a long time. However, if you’re on the pill, you have to be careful not to accidentally skip a day.