Effective contraception is key to women’s health, reproductive freedom, and well-being. With an array of contraceptive options available, making an informed decision that suits your lifestyle, health condition, and plans can be challenging.
The Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COC)
The combined pill, often just called ‘the pill’, contains synthetic versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which are naturally produced in the ovaries. When taken correctly, it’s over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It can also help with heavy, painful periods and premenstrual symptoms. However, it may not be suitable for women over 35 who smoke, or those with certain medical conditions. Side effects can include mood changes, nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches. It also requires daily administration, which may not suit everyone.
The Progestogen-Only Pill (POP)
Also known as the ‘mini pill’, the progestogen-only pill is ideal for women who cannot use contraception that contains oestrogen. The POP is over 99% effective when used correctly. It’s taken every day without a break, including during the period. Some potential side effects are mood swings, breast tenderness, and acne. Some medicines can make the POP less effective, so always tell the doctor or nurse about any medicines you’re taking.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The IUD, or ‘coil’, is a small, T-shaped plastic and copper device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional. It can prevent pregnancy for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type. It’s more than 99% effective and doesn’t contain hormones. While an IUD can cause heavier, longer, and more painful periods, these usually improve after a few months. A rare risk is that an IUD can be pushed out (expelled) by the uterus or move (displacement), but this is uncommon.
Intrauterine System (IUS)
The intrauterine system is a small, T-shaped plastic device that releases the hormone progestogen into the uterus. It’s more than 99% effective and lasts for 3 to 5 years. It can also make periods lighter, shorter, or stop altogether. Side effects may include headaches, acne, breast tenderness, and mood changes. There’s also a small risk of getting an infection after it’s been fitted.
Contraceptive Implant
The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible plastic rod that’s placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. It releases the hormone progestogen and prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years. It’s more than 99% effective. Side effects can include irregular bleeding, mood swings, and a decrease in sex drive. However, many of these side effects settle down after a few months.
Contraceptive Injection
The contraceptive injection releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. Depending on the type, it can last for 8 to 13 weeks. It’s more than 99% effective when used correctly. Some women may experience side effects like weight gain, mood swings, and headaches. The injection can also cause bone thinning, but this is usually reversible after stopping the injections. It may also take up to a year for your fertility to return after stopping the injection.
Contraceptive Patch
The contraceptive patch is a small sticky patch that releases hormones into your body through your skin to prevent pregnancy. When used correctly, it’s over 99% effective. You wear each patch for a week, and after three weeks (three patches), you have a week off. The patch can be worn while swimming, bathing, or exercising. It may cause skin irritation, breast tenderness, headaches, and mood swings. Rare but serious health risks include blood clots and cervical cancer.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception can be used if a contraceptive method fails (like a condom splitting), or if contraception wasn’t used. There are two types: the emergency contraceptive pill (also known as the morning-after pill) and the IUD. Both are effective at preventing pregnancy if they are used soon after unprotected sex.
Common Q&A about Female Contraception
The most common forms include hormonal methods like birth control pills, IUDs (intrauterine devices), contraceptive implants, patches, and vaginal rings. Non-hormonal methods like condoms, diaphragms, copper IUDs, and fertility awareness methods are also used.
When taken correctly (at the same time every day), the birth control pill is over 99% effective. However, typical use, which includes missed pills or improper timing, brings the effectiveness down to around 91%.
An IUD (Intrauterine Device) is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus. There are two types: hormonal and copper. Hormonal IUDs release progestin to thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining, while copper IUDs create an environment toxic to sperm. Both are over 99% effective.
The contraceptive implant, which is a small rod placed under the skin of the arm, releases progestin and can last up to 3-5 years, depending on the brand.
Emergency contraception (like the morning-after pill) is intended for occasional use after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It’s not as effective as regular contraception and shouldn’t replace consistent methods like the pill or IUDs.
Hormonal methods can cause side effects such as nausea, weight gain, mood swings, headaches, or changes in menstrual cycles. Most side effects are mild, but it’s important to consult a doctor if they become bothersome.
Hormonal contraception does not affect long-term fertility. Once you stop using it, your normal fertility typically returns within a few months, though some people may experience delays in their menstrual cycle.
Yes, non-hormonal options include barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms), copper IUDs, and natural family planning methods (tracking ovulation). These methods do not involve hormones and are often chosen by women who prefer hormone-free contraception.
In many countries, including the U.K., most health insurance plans are required to cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods for women, including counseling, at no additional cost. However, coverage may vary depending on your location and insurance plan.
Most forms of female contraception, like birth control pills, IUDs, and implants, do not protect against STIs. Only condoms (both male and female) offer protection against both pregnancy and STIs when used correctly.