FAQs
IUS (intrauterine system)
The IUS (intrauterine system) is a hormonal contraceptive placed into the womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse.
It prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestogen into the womb to thicken the cervical mucus and prevent sperm from meeting the egg. It also prevents the lining of your womb thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant in it. Sometimes it can also stop you ovulating.
IUD (intrauterine device)
The IUD is a copper device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse.
It prevents pregnancy by releasing copper into the uterus which is toxic to sperm and eggs.
Implant
A hormonal contraceptive that's placed under the skin in your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.
The implant releases the hormone progesterone into the bloodstream and prevents pregnancy in 3 main ways – stopping ovulation, making cervical mucus thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb), and preventing the lining of your womb thickening enough for fertilised egg to implant in it.
Injection
The contraceptive injection is a hormonal method of contraception, injected every 8-13 weeks depending on the type. The contraceptive injection is administered by a doctor or nurse or you can be taught to inject yourself at home.
It releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy in 3 ways – by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus (which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the womb) and thinning the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant itself.
Combined pill
The combined oral contraceptive pill is often just called "the pill". It contains 2 hormones - oestrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy.
The hormones in the pill prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus (which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the womb) and thinning the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant in it.
Progestogen-only pill
A hormonal contraceptive pill containing one hormone called progesterone.
It prevents pregnancy by making the cervical mucus thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb) and preventing the lining of your womb thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant itself. Some progestogen-only pills can also stop ovulation.
Patch
The contraceptive patch is a small sticky patch that releases two hormones – oestrogen and progesterone into your body through your skin to prevent pregnancy.
It works to prevent pregnancy by making your cervical mucus thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb) whilst also stopping ovulation. The patch also prevents the lining of your womb from thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant into it.
Ring
It is a small soft, plastic ring that you place inside your vagina. It releases two hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
The hormones in the ring prevent pregnancy in 3 ways – by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus (which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the womb) and thinning the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant itself.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It fits inside your vagina and prevents sperm from getting to the womb.
The diaphragm prevents pregnancy by covering the cervix so sperm can’t get into the womb.
Internal condom
Also known as the ‘Female condom’, it is a barrier method of contraception worn inside the vagina.
It prevents pregnancy by catching sperm and stopping sperm meeting an egg.
External condom
The external, or male condom, is a barrier method of contraception made of thin rubber or plastic and is worn over the penis during sex.
External condoms prevent pregnancy by catching sperm and stopping it getting to the womb to fertilise an egg.
Natural family planning
Natural family planning involves being able to identify the signs and symptoms of fertility during the menstrual cycle so you can plan or avoid pregnancy.
Whilst using the natural family planning method, a woman learns how to identify her fertile days (fertile window) using fertility indicators such as cycle length, waking temperature and cervical fluid. Sex is then avoided or condoms used during that window to prevent pregnancy.
Withdrawal
The withdrawal method involves removing the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation occurs during sex.
The withdrawal method, when done correctly, reduces the amount of sperm entering the vagina and minimises the risk of sperm reaching and fertilising an egg.
Male sterilisation
Male sterilisation (vasectomy) is a surgical procedure where the tubes that carry sperm are cut or sealed to permanently prevent pregnancy.
Male sterilisation works by preventing sperm getting into a man's semen, the fluid that he ejaculates. This means that when a man ejaculates, the semen has no sperm in it and cannot fertilise a woman’s eggs.
Female sterilisation
Female sterilisation is an operation where the fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed to permanently prevent pregnancy.
Female sterilisation works by stopping eggs travelling down the fallopian tubes, which link the ovaries to the womb (uterus). This means a woman's eggs cannot meet sperm and be fertilised.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0090 September 2023
