Knowing your contraception options

How long can it last?
Up to 3 years (it can be removed earlier by a healthcare professional)

How effective is it?
99.95%¹

How does it work?
This small, plastic rod is placed just under the skin on the inside of the upper arm by a healthcare professional and releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen.

How long can it last?

5 or 8 years, depending on type (it can be removed earlier by a healthcare professional)

How effective is it?
99.7–99.9%¹

How does it work?
This small, plastic T-shaped device with a nylon string is fitted inside the uterus by a healthcare professional. It releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen.

How long can it last?
5 or 10 years, depending on type (it can be removed earlier by a healthcare professional)

How effective is it?
99.5%¹

How does it work?
This small, plastic T-shaped device with copper wrapped around the stem and a nylon string is fitted inside the uterus by a healthcare professional. It prevents fertilisation and implantation of the egg. In addition to providing ongoing contraceptive protection, it can also be used as emergency contraception (see below).

How long can it last?

Worn inside the vagina for up to 3 weeks

How effective is it?
Used typically: 93%*¹
Used perfectly: 99.5%¹

How does it work?
This small, soft plastic ring is inserted into the vagina, much like a tampon. It slowly releases the hormones oestrogen and progestogen.

*The ring is most effective when used correctly. In real life, " typical " use can be less effective if it’s not taken out or put back in on time.

How long can it last?
Up to 12 weeks (once injected, it cannot be reversed during these 12 weeks)

How effective is it?
Used typically: 96%*¹
Used perfectly: 99.8%¹

How does it work?
A healthcare professional injects the hormone progestogen into the muscle of your buttock or upper arm.

*Effectiveness is highest if you have the injection at the correct time every 12 weeks. In real-life "typical" use, the effectiveness can be lower.

How long can it last?
Taken daily

How effective is it?
Used typically: 93%*¹
Used perfectly: 99.5%¹

How does it work?
This small pill containing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen is taken at the same time every day.

*The pill is most effective when taken correctly and consistently. In real-life "typical" use, it can be less effective if you forget to take it.

How long can it last?
Taken daily

How effective is it?

Used typically: 93%*¹
Used perfectly: 99.5%¹

How does it work?
This small pill containing the hormone progestogen is taken at the same time every day.

*The mini-pill is most effective when taken correctly and consistently. In real-life “typical” use, it can be less effective if you forget to take it.

How long can it last?
Single use

How effective is it?

External condoms (also known as male condoms):
Used typically: 88%*¹
Used perfectly: 98%¹
Internal condoms (also known as female condoms):
Used typically: 79%*¹
Used perfectly: 95%¹

How does it work?
Condoms block the sperm from entering the uterus. Before sex, the male condom is rolled onto the penis while erect or the female condom is put into the vagina.

When used correctly, condoms are the only method that offers protection from both unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

*Condoms are most effective at preventing pregnancy when they are used correctly. In real-life “typical” use, they can be less effective because of incorrect use or breakage.

How long can it last?
Placed into vagina just before sex and left in for at least
6 hours (up to 24 hours)

How effective is it?
Used typically: 82%*¹
Used perfectly: 86%¹

How does it work?
This cup-shaped, silicone cap with a soft edge is placed in your vagina, much like a tampon. It covers the opening to the uterus to act as a barrier. It should be left inside the vagina for at least 6 hours after sex.

*The diaphragm is most effective when used correctly, but in real-life “typical” use, it can be less effective if not put in place and used correctly.

How long can it last?
6 months from birth or unless period has returned

How effective is it?
98% if all 3 criteria are met:²

• menstrual periods have not returned
• gave birth less than 6 months ago
• fully breastfeeding (not feeding the baby with any food or milk supplements).

How does it work?
As breastfeeding reduces the probability of egg release, it reduces the chance of pregnancy.

How long can it last?
Needs to be considered every time you have sex

How effective is it?

Used typically: 76%–93%*¹
Used perfectly: 95–99.5%¹

How does it work?

You track your menstrual cycle with help from a specialist and avoid having sex at ‘unsafe times’ – the time your body releases an egg each month. It is important to have had regular cycles for some time, to be able to chart and record fertility signals every single day.

*The FAM is most effective when used correctly, and the longer it is used, but in real life “typical” use, it can be less effective.

How long can it last?
Single use

How effective is it?

Used typically: 80%*¹
Used perfectly: 95%¹

How does it work?
The penis is taken out (withdrawn) from the vagina before ejaculation.

*The withdrawal method is most effective when used correctly, but in real life “typical” use, it can be less effective due to pre-ejaculate and timing.

How long can it last?
Single use

How effective is it?
~85%²

How does it work?

Emergency contraceptive pills should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex (ideally within 24 hours, and up to 72 or 120 hours depending on method) and alters the levels of certain hormones, which stops or delays the ovaries from releasing an egg. It does not interrupt established pregnancy and should not be used as routine contraception.

How long can it last?
It can keep working after insertion to prevent pregnancy for 5 to 10 years, depending on type

How effective is it?
99.5%²

How does it work?

This small, plastic T-shaped device with copper wrapped around the stem and a nylon string is fitted inside the uterus by healthcare professional within 5 days of unprotected sex to prevent fertilisation and implantation of the egg. It can also be used to provide ongoing pregnancy prevention.

How long can it last?
Permanent

How effective is it?
99.5%¹

How does it work?
This surgical procedure stops the eggs from moving through the tubes from the ovaries.

How long can it last?
Permanent

How effective is it?

99.5%¹

How does it work?
This surgical procedure stops sperm from travelling through the tubes that lead from the testicles.