Combined pill
The combined pill is often referred to as ‘the pill’ or the ‘birth control pill’. The combined pill contains artificial versions of two hormones which are naturally made in the human body and prevents an egg being released so you can’t get pregnant.1
Pros
- Typical effectiveness is 91%,* but more than 99% effective when used correctly1,16
- Many women find the pill reduces bleeding and period pain, makes their periods more regular, and can help with premenstrual symptoms1
Cons
- It may cause side effects, like headaches and mood swings (if these don't go away, you can ask to change to a different pill)1
- If you don’t have a routine, it might be hard to take it at the same time every day1
- Whether it works or not can be affected by vomiting or diarrhoea1
Condoms
Condoms are barrier methods of birth control. You’ve most likely seen a condom before and you probably know how it works. It stops sperm fertilising an egg by putting a barrier between the two.2,3
Pros
- For the male condom, the typical effectiveness is around 82%,* but 98% when used perfectly. For the female condom it’s around 79% typically,* or 95% if used perfectly17
- Can be used instead of hormones or as extra layer of protection
- Only option that offers protection against many STIs2,3
Cons
- Putting them on can interrupt sex2,3
- The male condom can split or be accidentally torn when putting it on2
- The female condom could be accidentally pushed aside or get pushed inside the vagina3
Diaphragms and caps
A contraceptive diaphragm or cap is a circular dome made of thin, soft silicone that's inserted into the vagina before sex as a form of birth control. It covers the cervix so sperm can't get into the uterus to fertilise the egg, but you need to use it together with a spermicide.5
Pros
- The typical effectiveness is 71–88%,* or 92–96% when used perfectly and with spermicide16
- You can put it in beforehand so you don’t have to interrupt sex. Add extra spermicide if sex takes place more than 3 hours after putting it in4
- Can be suitable if you don’t want long-term contraception and want to avoid hormones
Cons
- Can take time to learn how to use diaphragms and caps5
- Can be messy as it needs to be used with spermicide.5
- Needs planning before sex5
Implant
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible plastic rod that's placed under the skin in your upper arm by your doctor or nurse as a form of birth control. It releases progestogen into your bloodstream, which prevents pregnancy.6
Pros
- Over 99% effective6
- After having the implant removed, your ability to have a baby will return to your natural level6
Cons
- You may have changes in your periods – they may become irregular, lighter, heavier, longer or even stop altogether6
- A doctor or nurse needs to put it in and remove it6
Injection
The contraceptive injection is a single injection of progestogen, which prevents pregnancy for 8 or 13 weeks, depending on the type.7
Pros
- If used correctly, it is over 99% effective7
- Some women find the injection reduces heavy, painful periods and for some, it may also help with premenstrual symptoms7
- One injection will last for weeks7
Cons
- Women may have changes in periods, which may become more irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter or stop altogether7
- After the injection wears off, it can take up to 1 year for your fertility to return to normal, so it may not be suitable if you want to have a baby in the near future7
IUD
The IUD is a small, T-shaped, plastic and copper device that is placed in the uterus by a nurse or doctor. It has no hormones, just copper which stops you getting pregnant.18
Pros
- Over 99% effective when correctly fitted18
- May be a good choice if you want a hormone-free type of long-term contraception18
- After the IUD is removed your fertility should return your normal levels18
Cons
- Your period might get heavier, longer or more painful in the first 3 to 6 months after an IUD is put in. And you might get some spotting or bleeding between periods18
- A doctor or nurse must insert and remove the IUD, which can be uncomfortable or painful18
IUS
The IUS is a small, T-shaped plastic device that's inserted into your uterus by a doctor or nurse. It releases the hormone progestogen to stop you getting pregnant.9
Pros
- More than 99% effective when inserted correctly9
- After the IUS is removed your fertility should return to your normal level9
Cons
- Your period might change or stop, which doesn’t suit everyone9
- A doctor or nurse must insert and remove the IUS, which may be uncomfortable or painful9
Natural method
Natural methods of birth control rely on fertility awareness rather than hormones or a barrier method. Fertility awareness is when you learn to recognise the signs of fertility during your monthly cycle, so you know when not to have sex and can avoid getting pregnant.10
Pros
- May be useful to those who wish to avoid taking hormones10
- When followed correctly, natural methods can be up to 99% effective10
Cons
- If you don’t follow the method carefully, it can be much less effective10,19 (around 1 in 4 women will become pregnant within the first year)*17
- Can take up to 6 months to learn effectively10
- Stress or illness can make the method unreliable19
- You’ll need to avoid sex at certain times of the month, which can take a lot of willpower19
Patch
The contraceptive patch is a small, sticky patch that releases hormones into your body through your skin to prevent pregnancy.11
Pros
- Typically 91%* effective, but more than 99% effective when used correctly11,16
- Applied once a week for 3 weeks each month11
- Not affected by vomiting and diarrhoea11
Cons
- May be seen on the skin11
- Not all women can use the patch11
Progestogen-only pill (POP)
Progestogen-only contraceptive pills contain the hormone progestogen. There are many different birth control POPs available.12
Pros
- Its typical effectiveness is around 92%,* but with perfect use it is 99%12
- May be suitable for women who can’t or don’t want to take oestrogen12
Cons
- Your periods might become lighter, more frequent or stop altogether12
- Effectiveness can be affected by vomiting or diarrhoea12
- The POP may not consistently prevent egg release12,20
Sterilisation
Sterilisation is a permanent form of contraceptive birth control.13 You should really only consider this option when you’re sure you don’t want any children, or any more children.13
Pros
- Sterilisation is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy13
- May be suitable for those who want a permanent method of contraception that involves no hormones13
Cons
- Cannot be easily reversed (may not be reversible at all)13
- It requires surgery13
- Sterilisation is not effective immediately
- there's a recovery period afterwards where you'll still need to use contraception13,21
Vaginal ring
A vaginal ring is a small, soft ring, made of plastic that you put inside your vagina as a form of birth control.14
Pros
- Typically 91%* effective, but more than 99% effective when used correctly14,16
- Each ring protects you from pregnancy for a month14
- Not affected by vomiting and diarrhoea14
Cons
- You need to learn how to insert the ring14
- a doctor or nurse can show you how to put it in14
- Not all women can use the vaginal ring14
- You and your partner might feel it during sex14
The pros and cons lists are not exhaustive, not all methods of contraception may be suitable for you. Please visit your doctor, nurse or local contraception clinic for more information and to discuss your options.
*These are "typical" effectiveness rates, which is how effective the method is with an average person. Typical rates tend to reflect real life usage (including inconsistent and incorrect use). "Perfect" effectiveness rates are how effective the method is when used perfectly. Refer to the patient information leaflet for "perfect" use.