Contraception: The Pill and Other Options

This is the most common type of pill. Each pill has the same amount of hormones in it. You take one pill a day for 21 days, and then take a break for 7 days, during which you will have your period.

Phasic pills contain different amounts of hormones. It is really important to follow either the instructions in the packet or the guidance of your medical professional to make sure you are taking the right pills in the right order. You still only have to take one pill a day for 21 days and then take a break for 7 days, during which you will have your period.

These pills each contain the same amount of hormones, similar to monophasic 21-day pills. There are 28 pills in a pack: 21 have hormones (active pills) and 7 don’t (dummy pills). The two types of pills look different to help you know which is which. Usually, you will take the 21 ‘active’ pills (one per day), and then take the 7 ‘dummy’ pills (one per day). This can be useful if you prefer the routine of taking a pill every day without skipping a week. You will still have your period during the 7 days that you take the ‘dummy’ pills.

Small, circular dome made of soft silicon that is inserted into the vagina before sex. It blocks sperm from entering the womb by covering the cervix but must also be used with a gel that kills sperm (called a ‘spermicide’) to be fully effective.

Small plastic flexible rod that is inserted under the skin in your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. It releases the female hormone progestogen into your bloodstream over time to prevent pregnancy. It lasts for 3 years, after which it will need to be replaced with a new implant.

Direct injection of the female hormone progestogen that provides protection against pregnancy for about 13 weeks, after which you will need to have another injection. You can have this done by your GP.

Small sticky patch (like a plaster) that you stick to yourself (it can be stuck almost anywhere as long as the area of skin is clean, dry, and not too hairy). It is made up of two female hormones (oestrogen and progestogen), the same as the combined pill. The patch releases these hormones into your body through your skin to prevent pregnancy. Each patch lasts for 1 week, after which you will need to apply a new patch. You will normally apply one patch a week for 3 weeks, and then take a break of 1 week during which you will have a withdrawal bleed (like a period) before applying patches for another 3 weeks.

Small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is inserted into your womb. It slowly releases copper into the womb, which thickens the cervical mucus, helping stop fertilized eggs from getting comfortable and starting to grow.

Silicone ring that is inserted into the vagina. It releases a mix of hormones (progestogen and oestrogen) into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. You put the ring in place and leave it for 21 days, then take it out. You can either switch it for a new one straight away (taking no break), or you can wait 7 days before putting a new ring in, during which you may have a withdrawal bleed similar to a period.

Femidoms, also called female condoms or internal condoms, are made from soft, thin synthetic latex. Latex ones are available but these are less common. They are a barrier method which are worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting to the womb or to prevent transfer of STI’s during oral or other sex. When used properly, they are estimated to be 95% effective at preventing pregnancy and against STI’s transmitted through bodily fluids. They protect a larger area of the body than a standard external condom.