Long-term contraception can be a good choice if you want effective, lasting birth control without much maintenance. Choices include an implant inserted into your arm or an intrauterine device IUD inserted into your uterus. Instead, the copper stops sperm from fertilizing your eggs. You may experience a little discomfort when your device is put in place, and some people can experience a few temporary or less commonly ongoing side effects such as weight gain, headaches and soreness.
But many women find the benefits of low-maintenance, long-term birth control to be well worth it. Condoms, sponges, diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicide are all barrier birth control methods. Additionally, condoms help protect against STIs, the only birth control method to do so. Spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm. These condoms are slowly being phased out, as research has found that a spermicide called nonoxynol 9 does not protect against STIs such as chlamydia and HIV, and may even increase the risk of infection.
It's best to avoid using spermicide-lubricated condoms, or spermicide as an additional lubricant. Most people can safely use condoms. There are many different varieties and brands of male condom, and it's up to you and your partner which type of condom you use.
However, condoms may not be the most suitable method of contraception for everyone. It is important to consider which form of contraception is right for you and your partner.
Take care to use condoms correctly, and consider using other forms of contraception for extra protection. If male condoms aren't used properly, they can slip off or split. Practice and communication with your partner can help avoid this.
Sperm can sometimes get into the vagina during sex, even when using a condom. This may happen if:. As well as condoms, you can use other forms of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, for extra protection against pregnancy. However, other forms of contraception will not protect you against STIs. You will still be at risk of STIs if the condom breaks.
Condoms come ready lubricated to make them easier to use, but you may also like to use additional lubricant, or lube. This is particularly advised for anal sex, to reduce the chance of the condom splitting.
Any kind of lubricant can be used with condoms that are not made of latex. However, if you are using latex or polyisoprene condoms, do not use oil-based lubricants, such as:. If the condom splits or comes off and you think that sperm has entered the vagina, you can access emergency contraception OR STI testing at your GP or sexual health clinic. Emergency contraception can also be accessed at most pharmacies.
Depending on the type of pill, you need to take the emergency contraceptive pill up to 72 hours or up to hours five days after unprotected sex. The intrauterine device IUD can be used as emergency contraception up to five days after sex. For most people, there are no serious risks associated with using condoms, although some people are allergic to latex condoms. You can get condoms that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
If you buy condoms online, make sure that you buy them from a pharmacist or other legitimate retailer. This means they have been tested to the required safety standards. The contraceptive implant is a thin, flexible 40mm long rod that's inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It's inserted by a professional. The implant stops the release of an egg from the ovary by slowly releasing progestogen into your body.
Progestogen also thickens the cervical mucus and thins the womb lining. This makes it harder for sperm to move through your cervix, and less likely for your womb to accept a fertilised egg.
The implant steadily releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream. Progestogen is similar to the natural hormone progesterone, which is released by a woman's ovaries during her period. The implant can be put in at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you and your doctor are reasonably sure you are not pregnant.
In the UK, Nexplanon is the main contraceptive implant currently in use. Nexplanon is a small, thin, flexible tube about 4cm long. It is implanted under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. The small wound made in your arm is closed with a dressing and does not need stitches. Nexplanon works for three years. The implant can be removed at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse.
It only takes a few minutes to remove, using a local anaesthetic. As soon as the implant has been removed, you will no longer be protected against pregnancy. If the implant is fitted during the first five days of your menstrual cycle, you will be immediately protected against becoming pregnant.
If it is fitted on any other day of your menstrual cycle, you will not be protected against pregnancy for up to seven days, and should use another method, such as condoms. You can have the contraceptive implant fitted after you have given birth, usually after three weeks. If it's fitted on or before day 21 after the birth, you will be immediately protected against becoming pregnant.
If it's fitted after day 21, you will need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the following seven days. The implant can be fitted immediately after a miscarriage or an abortion, and you will be protected against pregnancy straight away. Using a contraceptive implant may have some disadvantages, which you should consider carefully before deciding on the right method of contraception for you.
Your periods may change significantly while using a contraceptive implant. Bleeding patterns often remain irregular. These changes are not harmful.
If the bleeding is a problem, your GP may be able to give you tablets to help. These side effects usually stop after the first few months. If you have prolonged or severe headaches or other side effects, tell your doctor. These are called enzyme-inducing drugs.
If you are using these medicines for a short while for example, rifampicin to protect against meningitis , it is recommended that you use additional contraception during the course of treatment and for 28 days afterwards. The additional contraception could be condoms, or a single dose of the contraceptive injection. The implant can remain in place if you have the injection.
Women taking enzyme-inducing drugs in the long term may wish to consider using a method of contraception that isn't affected by their medication.
Always tell your doctor that you are using an implant if you are prescribed any medicines. Ask your doctor or nurse for more details about the implant and other medication.
In rare cases, the area of skin where the implant has been fitted can become infected. If this happens, the area will be cleaned and may be treated with antibiotics. The contraceptive injection Depo-Provera, Sayana Press or Noristerat releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. The contraceptive injection steadily releases a progestogen hormone into your bloodstream.
Progestogen is similar to the natural hormone progesterone, which is released by a woman's ovaries. The injection can be given at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you and your doctor are reasonably sure you are not pregnant. If you have the injection during the first five days of your cycle, you will be immediately protected against pregnancy. If you have the injection on any other day of your cycle, you will not be protected against pregnancy for up to seven days.
Use condoms or another method of contraception during this time. You can have the contraceptive injection at any time after you have given birth, if you are not breastfeeding.
If you are breastfeeding, the injection will usually be given after six weeks, although it may be given earlier if necessary. Heavy and irregular bleeding is more likely to occur if you have the contraceptive injection during the first few weeks after giving birth.
You can have the injection immediately after a miscarriage or abortion, and you will be protected against pregnancy straight away. If you have the injection more than five days after a miscarriage or abortion, you'll need to use additional contraception for seven days. Using the contraceptive injection may have some disadvantages, which you should consider carefully before deciding on the right method of contraception for you. These are as follows:. Your periods may change significantly during the first year of using the injection.
They will usually become irregular and may be very heavy, or shorter and lighter, or stop altogether. This may settle down after the first year, but may continue as long as the injected progestogen remains in your body.
It can take a while for your periods and natural fertility to return after you stop using the injection. It takes around eight to 12 weeks for injected progestogen to leave the body, but you may have to wait longer for your periods to return to normal if you are trying to get pregnant.
Until you are ovulating regularly each month, it can be difficult to work out when you are at your most fertile. In some cases, it can take three months to a year for your periods to return to normal. You may put on weight when you use the contraceptive injection, particulaly if you are under 18 years old and are overweight with a BMI body mass index of 30 or over. Using Depo-Provera affects your natural oestrogen levels, which can cause thinning of the bones, but it does not increase your risk of breaking a bone.
This isn't a problem for most women, because the bone replaces itself when you stop the injection, and it doesn't appear to cause any long-term problems. Thinning of the bones may be a problem for women who already have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis for example, because they have low oestrogen, or a family history of osteoporosis.
It may also be a concern for women under 18, because the body is still making bone at this age. Women under 18 may use Depo-Provera, but only after careful evaluation by a doctoror nurse. There is a small risk of infection at the site of the injection. In very rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to the injection. Most types of contraception are available free in the UK. You can get contraception at:. Contraception tries to stop this happening by keeping the egg and sperm apart, or by stopping egg production.
One method of contraception is the patch. The contraceptive patch is a sticky patch, a bit like a nicotine patch, measuring 5x5cm. It delivers hormones into your body through your skin. In the UK, the patch's brand name is Evra. It contains the same hormones as the combined pill, and it works in the same way. This means that it prevents ovulation the release of an egg ; it thickens cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix; and it thins the womb lining, making it less likely that a fertilised egg will implant there.
You can use the contraceptive patch on most areas of your body, as long as the skin is clean, dry and not very hairy. You apply a new patch once a week every seven days for three weeks, and then stop using the patch for seven days. This is known as your patch-free week. During your patch-free week you will get a withdrawal bleed, like a period, although this may not always happen. After seven patch-free days, you apply a new patch and start the four-week cycle again.
Start your new cycle even if you are still bleeding. When you first start using the patch, you can vary the position every time you use a new patch to reduce your risk of irritation. If you start using the patch on the first day of your period, it starts working straight away. This means you can have sex without getting pregnant. If you start using it on any other day, you need to use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms , for the first seven days.
You can talk to your doctor or nurse for more information about when the patch will start to work, and whether you need to use additional contraception. The contraceptive patch is very sticky and should stay on.
It should not come off after a shower, bath, hot tub, sauna or swim, or after exercise. If the patch does fall off, what you need to do depends on how long it has been off, and how many days you had a patch on before it came off. If the patch has been off for less than 48 hours before you replace it, you will still be protected against pregnancy as long as the patch was on properly for seven days before the patch came off. If this is the case, you do not need to use additional contraception.
If you have had a patch on for six days or less before it falls off, you may not be protected against pregnancy and should use additional contraception, such as condoms, for seven days. If you had unprotected sex in the previous few days, you may need emergency contraception.
If you forget to take the patch off after week one or two, what you need to do depends on how long you have forgotten it. If you forget to take the patch off after week three, take the patch off as soon as possible and start your patch-free break. Start a new patch on your usual start day, even if you are bleeding. This means that you will not have a full week of patch-free days.
You will be protected against pregnancy and do not need to use any additional contraception. You may or may not bleed on the patch-free days. If you forget to put on a patch at the end of the patch-free week, put a new one on as soon as you remember. If you put the patch on 48 hours late or less so the patch-free interval has been nine days or less , you will still be protected against pregnancy, as long as you wore the patch correctly before the patch-free interval.
If you put the patch on more than 48 hours late, so the interval has been 10 days or more, you may not be protected against pregnancy and need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for seven days.
Ask your doctor or nurse for advice if you have had sex in the patch-free interval, as you may need emergency contraception. Some women don't always have a bleed in their patch-free week.
This is nothing to worry about if you have used the patch properly and have not taken any medication that could affect it. See your GP or nurse for advice if you are worried, or do a pregnancy test to check if you are pregnant.
If you miss more than two bleeds, get medical advice. The contraceptive patch is not suitable for everyone. It is very important to tell them about any illnesses or operations you have had, or medications you are currently taking. You will also not be able to use the patch if you have or have had any of the following conditions:. This means that if women use the patch according to the instructions, fewer than one will get pregnant in a year.
Other advantages of the patch are:. Some medicines can make the patch less effective. If you are prescribed new medicine or are buying an over-the-counter medicine, ask the doctor or pharmacist for advice. You may need to use an extra form of contraception while you are taking the medicine, and for 28 days afterwards. There is a very small risk of some serious side effects when you use a hormonal contraceptive, such as the contraceptive patch or combined pill. The patch slightly increases your chance of developing a blood clot, which can block a vein venous thrombosis or an artery arterial thrombosis, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke.
If you have had a blood clot before, do not use the patch. Your risk of blood clots is higher during the first year of using the patch. Your risk is also higher if:. Current research suggests that people who use hormonal contraception, such as the contraceptive patch, are at a slightly increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared with people who do not use hormonal contraception.
However, further research is needed to provide more definitive evidence. Research also suggests there is a small increase in your risk of developing cervical cancer with the long-term use of oestrogen and progestogen hormonal contraception. For most women, the benefits of the patch outweigh the risks. However, discuss all risks and benefits with your doctor or nurse before starting to use the patch.
You will not be allowed to use the patch if you are considered to be at a higher risk of serious side effects. When you first get the contraceptive patch you will be given a three-month supply, to see how you get on with it.
If there are no problems, you can be prescribed the patch for six months to a year. One method of contraception is the diaphragm. A contraceptive diaphragm is a circle of silicone inserted into the vagina before sex to cover the cervix so that sperm can't get into the womb uterus. You need to use spermicide with it spermicides kill sperm.
The diaphragm must be left in place for at least six hours after sex. After that time, you take out the diaphragm and wash it they're reusable. Diaphragms come in different sizes — you must be fitted for the correct size by a trained doctor or nurse. A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception.
It fits inside your vagina and prevents sperm from passing through the cervix the entrance of your womb. Diaphragms are soft, thin domes made of silicone, and come in different shapes and sizes.
To be effective in preventing pregnancy, diaphragms need to be used in combination with spermicide, which is a chemical that kills sperm. You only have to use a diaphragm when you have sex, but you must leave it in for at least six hours after the last time you had sex. You can leave it in for longer than this, but do not take it out before. When you first start using a diaphragm, a doctor or nurse will examine you and advise on the correct size or shape to suit you.
They will show you how to put in and take out a diaphragm, and also how to use the spermicide, which must be applied every time you use the diaphragm. A diaphragm provides less protection against sexually transmitted infections than a condom. Spermicides can irritate the skin in the vagina and make it easier for a sexually transmitted infection STI to be passed from partner. If you're at a high risk of getting an STI — for example, you or your partner has more than one sexual partner — you may be advised to use another form of contraception.
Your doctor or nurse will show you how to put in a diaphragm. Diaphragms come with instructions and are all inserted in a similar way:. You may be fitted with a temporary diaphragm by your doctor or nurse. This is for you to practise with at home. It allows you to learn how to use it properly, see how it feels and find out if the method is suitable for you.
During this time, you are not protected against pregnancy and need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, when you have sex. When you go back for a follow-up appointment with your doctor or nurse, wear the diaphragm so they can check that it is the right size and you have put it in properly. When you are happy that you can use a diaphragm properly, they will give you one to use as contraception. A diaphragm can be easily removed by gently hooking your finger under its rim, loop or strap and pulling it downwards and out.
You must leave all types of diaphragm in place for at least six hours after the last time you had sex. You can leave them in for longer than this, but do not leave them in for longer than the recommended time of 30 hours. After using, you can wash your diaphragm with warm water and mild unperfumed soap.
Rinse it thoroughly, then leave it to dry. You can visit your GP or nurse when you want to replace your diaphragm. Most women can use the same diaphragm for a year before they need to replace it. You may need to get a different size diaphragm if you gain or lose more than 3kg 7lb in weight, or if you have a baby, miscarriage or abortion. Research shows that spermicides which contain the chemical nonoxynol-9 do not protect against STIs and may even increase your risk of getting an infection.
If any of these things happen, or you have had sex without contraception, you may need to use emergency contraception. You can use a diaphragm after having a baby, but you may need a different size.
It is recommended that you wait at least six weeks after giving birth before using a diaphragm. You can use a diaphragm after a miscarriage or abortion, but you may need a different size.
One method of contraception is the female condom. Female condoms are made from thin, soft plastic called polyurethane some male condoms are made from this too. Female condoms are worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting to the womb. When used correctly during vaginal sex, they help to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections STIs , including HIV.
Condoms are the only contraception that protect against pregnancy and STIs. It is important to use condoms correctly, and to make sure the penis doesn't make contact with the vagina before a condom has been put in. A female condom can be put in up to eight hours before sex.
However, they may not be the most suitable method of contraception for women who do not feel comfortable touching their genital area. It's important to consider which form of contraception is right for you and your partner. Although female condoms when used correctly offer reliable protection against pregnancy, using an additional method of contraception will protect you against pregnancy if the female condom fails.
If a female condom slips or fails, you can use emergency contraception to help to prevent pregnancy. If you've been at risk of unintended pregnancy, you're also at risk of catching an STI, so have a check-up at:. Everyone can get condoms for free, even if they are under They are available from the following places in your local area:. Some places might only offer male condoms — you can ask the staff whether they provide free female condoms. If you buy condoms online, make sure you buy them from a pharmacist or other legitimate retailer.
One method of contraception is female sterilisation. Female sterilisation blocks the fallopian tubes, which link the ovaries to the womb uterus.
Eggs will still be released from the ovaries as normal, but they will be absorbed naturally into the woman's body. Female sterilisation blocks the fallopian tubes. This means a woman's eggs cannot meet sperm, and fertilisation can't happen.
Tubal occlusion A laparoscopy keyhole surgery is the most common method of female sterilisation. The surgeon makes a small cut in your abdominal wall near your belly button and inserts a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a small telescope that contains a tiny light and camera. The camera allows the surgeon to see your fallopian tubes clearly. A less common way to do female sterilisation is a mini-laparotomy.
This is a small incision, usually less than 5cm 2 inches , just above the pubic hairline. Your surgeon can then access your fallopian tubes through this incision. A laparoscopy is usually the preferred option because it's faster.
However, a mini-laparotomy may be recommended in some cases. If blocking the fallopian tubes has been unsuccessful, the tubes may be completely removed. Removal of the tubes is called salpingectomy. If you decide to be sterilised, your GP will usually discuss it with you and refer you to a specialist for treatment.
This will usually be a gynaecologist at your nearest NHS hospital. A gynaecologist is a specialist in the female reproductive system. Your consultation will give you a chance to talk about the operation in detail, and talk about any doubts, worries or questions that you might have.
Your GP shouldn't refuse to refer you for the procedure, even if they do not believe that it's in your best interest. If you choose to have a sterilisation, you will be asked to use contraception until the day of the operation, and to continue using it:. Before you have the operation, you will be given a pregnancy test to make sure that you are not pregnant. Once you have recovered from the anaesthetic , passed urine and had something to eat, you will be allowed home. If you leave hospital within hours of the operation, ask a relative or friend to pick you up, or take a taxi.
The healthcare professionals treating you in hospital will tell you what to expect and how to care for yourself after surgery. They may give you a contact number to call if you have any problems or any questions. If you have had a general anaesthetic, do not drive a car for 48 hours afterwards. This is because even if you feel fine, your reaction times and judgement may not be back to normal. It's normal to feel unwell and a little uncomfortable for a few days if you have had a general anaesthetic, and you may have to rest for a couple of days.
Depending on your general health and your job, you can normally return to work five days after tubal occlusion. However, you should avoid heavy lifting for about a week. You may have some slight vaginal bleeding.
Use a sanitary towel rather than a tampon until this has gone. You may also feel some pain, similar to period pain. You may be prescribed painkillers for this. If the pain or bleeding gets worse, seek medical attention. A form of reusable prescription birth control, a diaphragm is a soft, silicone disk.
Effectiveness: Perfect use: up to 96 percent. Typical use: 88 percent. Pros: Hormone- and latex-free, the diaphragm is a decent pick if you want a nonhormonal option or are allergic to latex. It can also be left in for 24 hours of hanky panky so long as you add more spermicide every 6 hours! Diaphragms can get knocked out of place with aggressive thrusting. A cervical cap is a reusable, prescription silicone covering that you fill with spermicide and place over your cervix to prevent sperm from entering your uterus.
Effectiveness: People who have never given birth: 86 percent. People who have given birth vaginally: 71 percent. The difference here is because vaginal births stretch the vagina and cervix, which can cause the cervical cap to fit poorly or not as well as it should. Maybe want to get pregnant in the near future? Cervical caps got your back.
They can be left in for multiple acts of intercourse over the course of 48 hours. You only need to replace them every year or so, so the cost-per-use is pretty dang low. The cap also has to be left in place for 4 hours after sex, which some find bothersome. It also requires a prescription and must be replaced every 12 months. In addition to working with sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps, spermicide can also be used by itself.
Squirt or insert the substance into your vagina before sex. During sex, the chemicals in the goop will kill sperm. Cons: There are LOTS of different spermicide options on the market, so finding one that you like best can take some trial and error. Emergency contraceptive pills are highly effective when taken properly, within 72 hours after intercourse. Babes who are always on time, type A perfectionists, and GoogleCal aficionados, these options are for you.
Everyone else? Know that the four options below need to be administered on a very precise schedule. It prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation from taking place. Effectiveness: Perfect use: 99 percent. Typical use: 94 percent. Many users report that the shot lessens menstrual flow and menstrual pain, or stops periods altogether. Cons: Nausea, headaches, dizziness, weight gain, and depression have been reported.
If you end up wanting to get pregnant after being on the shot, know that the inability to conceive could last up to 12 months after your last dose. This is a 2-inch wide plastic ring prescribed by a doctor, containing estrogen and progesterone. By stopping ovulation, the ring stops you from getting pregnant. You insert a ring yourself and leave it there for 3 weeks, then remove it for 1 week to have a period.
Then, you swap it out for a new one. Typical use: 91 percent. Pros: You get to put it in and forget about it for 3 weeks! Many people report that it reduces flow, helps with acne, and makes periods more regular. Cons: Breast tenderness and headaches are the most commonly reported side effects. Think of the patch as a fake tattoo that stops pregnancy.
Between 12 and 24 women out of every who use the sponge may become pregnant. A diaphragm is a rubber, dome-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix. Used with spermicide, it is 88 percent effective. Used alone, it is between 77 and 83 percent effective. A cervical cap is a thimble-shaped, latex rubber barrier device that fits over the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus. The cap should be about one-third filled with spermicide before inserting.
It stays in place by suction. It is around 88 percent effective if used with spermicide, and 77 to 83 percent effective without. It prevents pregnancy by stopping the woman from releasing an egg. It is 94 percent effective , and the chance of pregnancy increases as the shot wears off. It is important to remember to book another shot after 3 months to ensure its effectiveness.
These range from pills you can take to devices that are inserted by a doctor. You need to see a health provider to obtain most of these types of birth control. The intrauterine device IUD , or coil, is a small, flexible T-shaped device that is placed in the uterus by a physician. A copper IUD releases copper , and this acts as a spermicide.
It can last up to 10 years. A hormonal IUD contains progestin. It prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the wall of the uterus. Depending on the type, it will last for 3, 5 or 10 years. It is over 99 percent effective. The combined contraceptive pill is taken daily. It contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. The hormones stop the release of the egg, or ovulation. They also make the lining of the uterus thinner. It is effective for between 91 and 95 percent of women on average.
This is a transdermal patch that is applied to the skin. It releases synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones. The patch is worn each week for 3 consecutive weeks, generally on the lower abdomen or buttocks. No patch is worn in the fourth week, to allow for the menstrual period. The patches are readily available. It is estimated to be 91 percent effective.
The contraceptive vaginal ring is a flexible, plastic ring that releases a low dose of progestin and estrogen over 3 weeks. It prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus, so that sperm cannot move easily. The woman inserts the ring into the vagina for 3 weeks, and then she removes it for one week, during which she will experience a menstrual period.
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