What is contraception
Contraception at a glance
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There is a contraception method to suit everyone.
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You can choose permanent, long-acting or short-acting to fit your lifestyle.
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It’s a great idea to talk through the different methods with your healthcare provider to find the one perfect for you.
What is contraception?
Contraception, also known as birth control, is a way of preventing pregnancy. This can be through the use of medicines, devices or surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are many different methods of contraception, and some are more effective than others.
How do contraceptive methods work?
Although all contraceptive methods work in different ways, contraception, in one way or another, prevents sperm from meeting and fertilising an egg which is how pregnancy starts.
Do all methods of contraception work as well as others?
Some forms of contraception are more effective at preventing pregnancy than others. For example, long-acting contraception.
How do I know which method to use?
No contraceptive method is 100% perfect and different people prefer different methods. The most important thing is to find the right method for you. Your preferred method of contraception might also change over time depending on your age, lifestyle, health and relationship status.
What are the different types of contraception?
There are currently 15 different methods of contraception in the UK and counting. They can be grouped into 3 main categories.
LONG-ACTING contraception
Are some of the most effective methods of contraception. They last between 8 weeks and 10 years and don’t depend on you remembering to take or use them to be effective.
SHORT ACTING contraception
Short acting contraceptives give day-to-day control and are taken daily, weekly or every time you have sex.
PERMANENT contraception
Is irreversible and suitable for people who are sure they don’t want more or any children.
Does contraception stop sexually transmissible infections (STIs)?
Only condoms (internal or external) can protect you against STIs as well as pregnancy. Other methods of contraception only prevent against pregnancy. If you have a new sexual partner you should use condoms in addition to your method of contraception and discuss having an STI check.
How old do you have to be to get contraception?
People of any age can get contraception from a nurse or doctor for free in the UK. If you are under the age of 16, the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will not tell your parents or carer, as long as they believe you fully understand the information you are given and the choices you’re making.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0065 September 2023
