How often you need to use it
You need to use some methods of contraception every time you have sex. Others involve taking a pill every day or changing a patch or vaginal ring every week.
Some methods, called long-acting methods, can last for several months or years. Sterilisation lasts forever (permanent).
Every time you have sex
Methods you need to use every time you have sex are:
- condoms
- diaphragm
- cap
Every day
Methods you need to take every day are:
- combined pill (the pill)
- progestogen-only pill (the mini pill)
Every week
Methods you need to change every week are:
- contraceptive patch
- vaginal ring
Long-acting methods
Methods that last for months or years are:
- IUD (copper coil): 5 or 10 years depending on the type
- IUS (hormonal coil): 3 or 6 years depending on the type
- contraceptive implant: 3 years
- contraceptive injection: 8 to 13 weeks depending on the type
Permanent methods
Methods that last forever are:
- vasectomy (male sterilisation)
- female sterilisation
How you use it
You can use, or take, some methods of contraception yourself after an initial appointment with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. With others, a doctor or nurse needs to give it to you.
Methods you can use yourself
Methods you can use yourself are:
- combined pill
- progestogen-only pill
- contraceptive patch
- condoms
- diaphragm
- cap
- vaginal ring
Methods that a doctor or nurse gives you
Methods a doctor or nurse needs to give you are:
- IUD (copper coil)
- IUS (hormonal coil)
- contraceptive implant
- contraceptive injection
Contraception and sex
You need to put a condom in place immediately before sex. You can put a diaphragm or cap in a few hours before sex.
With other methods of contraception, you do not need to remember them every time you have sex.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Only condoms can protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.
If you’re at high risk of getting HIV you may be able to take a tablet to prevent HIV infection (called PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis). This does not prevent pregnancy.