Contraception

Every woman and every couple is different, and no one contraceptive option is right for everyone. Contraceptive needs can change over time. For all these reasons, it is important that you review your contraception choices regularly:

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (“the pill”, or COCP): we normally recommend a review 3 months after starting or changing to the COCP and then 6-12 monthly
Progesterone Only Pill (“mini-pill” or POP): we normally recommend a review 3 months after starting or changing to the COCP and then 6-12 monthly
Longer Acting Reversible Contraceptives: these are generally have a lower risk of an accidental pregnancy than the pill or mini-pill. Examples include the Depo-provera (12 weekly injection), ‘Implant’ and coil. Once in place these last for longer than the oral contraceptives. For the depo-provera you will be reviewed by the nurse before each injection. For the implant and coil we would aim to review you before they are due to be changed (usually 3-5 years depending on the type).

Of course you are welcome to make an appointment at any time to review your contraception.

You may find the following leaflets helpful in deciding which contraception is right for you:

Hormonal Methods:

Contraceptive Options Overview http://www.patient.info/health/Contraceptive-Choices.htm
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill http://www.patient.info/health/Combined-Oral-Contraceptive-Pill.htm
Progesterone Only Pill http://www.patient.info/health/Progestogen-Only-Pill.htm
Nexplanon (Contraceptive Implant) http://www.patient.info/health/Implanon-The-Contraceptive-Implant.htm
Depo-Provera (and other Hormonal Injections) http://www.patient.info/health/Contraceptive-Injection.htm
Intrauterine System (IUS or Mirena) http://www.patient.info/health/Intrauterine-System.htm and Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) http://www.patient.info/health/Intrauterine-Device-(The-Coil).htm

Barrier Methods:

Condoms (Contraceptive Sheath) http://www.patient.info/health/Condom-(Sheath).htm*
Diaphragms and Caps http://www.patient.info/health/Diaphragms-and-Caps.htm
Female Condom http://www.patient.info/health/Condoms-for-Women.htm*

* These can help to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Permanent Contraception:

Vasectomy http://www.patient.info/health/Vasectomy.htm
Female Sterilisation http://www.patient.info/health/Female-Sterilisation.htm

Contraception in Special Circumstances

Around the menopause http://www.patient.info/health/Contraception-Around-the-Menopause.htm
In women with epilepsy http://www.patient.info/health/Epilepsy-Contraception-/-Preg.-Issues.htm
Following the birth of a child http://www.patient.info/health/Contraception-After-Having-a-Baby.htm
Natural Family Planning http://www.patient.info/health/Natural-Family-Planning.htm

Emergency Contraception

If you have intercourse without contraception, or if there is a failure with your usual contraception (for example a missed pill or split condom) and you do not wish the risk of getting pregnant, speak to a health professional as soon as possible afterwards. It may be possible to prevent pregnancy by using an emergency contraceptive pill or fitting a coil.

There are emergency contraceptive pills which are effective up to 120 hours after intercourse. An emergency intrauterine contraceptive device can be used up to 5 days later, longer in certain circumstances.

For more information on emergency contraception, click here: http://www.patient.info/health/Emergency-Contraception.htm

How Reliable are Each of these Methods?

We found this guide on visual.ly which helps to show how effective at preventing pregnancy each method is: Contraceptive Effectiveness