Contraception

There are three methods of contraception:

• Short Acting Contraception – which includes methods that you need to remember to take or use regularly. This includes barrier methods (condoms or femidoms) and hormonal contraception (pill, patch and ring).
• Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (commonly known as LARC) - which includes methods where you don’t need to remember to take it or use it for it to work. This includes the coil and the implant. All of them are reversable and can be removed by health professional at any time you change your mind.
• Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) - otherwise known as the morning after pill, this method is used within 3-5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy (link to EHC page).

It is important that you choose the contraception method which fits your lifestyle best. Deciding which method is right for you includes things like what is easiest for you, how much they cost, potential side effects and your future pregnancy plans.

Click on the tiles below to find out more about different methods of contraception, what they do, how to use them and where to get them. You can also find information about STI testing and where you can get tested.

Where can I get these methods of contraception?

If you decide that you would like to find out more about the coil or implant, you can:

• Talk to your GP to see if you can book an appointment to discuss your contraception
• Book an appointment at your local sexual health clinic 

Find out more about contraception

You can find information about all methods of contraception on the NHS website here.