Short-acting contraception
What is short-acting contraception?
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A term given to a group of contraceptive methods that prevent pregnancy for a short period of time.
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Short-acting contraceptives have to be taken daily, weekly, monthly or every time you have sex to be effective.
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They are effective at preventing pregnancy but rely on the user using them perfectly in order for them to work.
What are the different types of short-acting contraceptives?
Short-acting birth control options can be divided into 3 sub-categories:
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Short acting hormonal methods
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Barrier methods
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Natural methods
Short-acting hormonal methods
Are short-acting contraceptives which use hormones to prevent pregnancy. They include:
The combined oral Contraceptive pill
(combined pill)
The progestogen only pill
(mini pill)
The contraceptive patch
The contraceptive ring
Barrier methods
A barrier method is a type of contraception which puts a barrier between the penis and vagina to keep sperm from reaching the egg. Barrier methods include:
Natural methods
Natural contraceptive methods do not use hormones, devices, barriers or surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are 3 methods of natural contraception:
Natural family planning
Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)
Withdrawal method
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0067 September 2023
