Contraceptive Information and Advice

Combined Pill

The combined pill is usually just called the pill. It contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the natural hormones produced by the ovaries. There are different types of pills, some you take continuously, some you take a break from and get a 'withdrawal' bleed like a period. Discuss the best option for you with a health professional. This type of pill is not suitable for all women; if you smoke; are obese or have other health concerns.

• Effectivness: Typical Use 91%. Perfect Use 99%
• Remember to use: Remember Daily. It's important to take the pill every day at roughly the same time.
• Periods: Impact depends on the type you choose. Can help with heavy/painful periods/ pre-menstrual symptoms.
• STI Protection: No. Use Condoms to get protection from STIs.
• Hormones: Yes contains oestrogen and progestogen

Condoms

External (male) condoms are barrier methods of contraception. They stop sperm meeting an egg. Condoms fit over an erect penis.

• Effectivness: Typical Use 82%. Perfect Use 98%
• Remember to use: Remember Before Sex
• Periods: Condoms won't alter periods
• STI Protection: Yes. Condoms are the only methods of contraception that help protect you from STIs.
• Hormones: No hormones

Contraceptive Injections

Contraceptive injections contain a progestogen hormone which is similar to the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries.

• Effectivness: Typical Use 94%. Perfect Use 99%
• Remember to use: ["Remember regularly"]
• Periods: May make periods shorter or stop. Can help with heavy or painful periods.
• STI Protection: No. Use condoms to get protection from STIs.
• Hormones: Yes. Contains progestogen

Contraceptive Patch

This is a small, thin, patch. You stick it on your skin, it releases oestrogen and progestogen - similar to the natural hormones produced by the ovaries.

• Effectivness: Typical Use 91%. Perfect Use 99%
• Remember to use: Change every week
• Periods: May become lighter or stop. Can help with heavy / painful periods / pre-menstrual symptoms.
• STI Protection: No. Use condoms to get protection from STIs.
• Hormones: Yes. Contains oestrogen and progestogen

Implant

A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod that’s placed just under the skin of your upper arm. It releases a progestogen hormone similar to the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries.

• Effectivness: 99% Effective
• Remember to use: Fit and forget. Lasts 3 years
• Periods: May be irregular, stop or last longer. May help with painful periods.
• STI Protection: No. Use condoms to get protection from STIs.
• Hormones: Yes. Contains progestogen

IUD

Small plastic and copper device inserted into your womb. It is sometimes called the coil.

• Effectivness: 99% Effective
• Remember to use: Fit and forget. Lasts 5 - 10 yrs.
• Periods: Bleeding may be slightly more but remain regular.
• STI Protection: No. Use condoms to get protection from STIs.
• Hormones: No hormones

IUS

An IUS is a small plastic device that’s put into your womb and releases a progestogen hormone - similar to the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries.

• Effectivness: 99% Effective
• Remember to use: Fit and forget. Lasts 5 years
• Periods: May be irregular, stop or last longer. May help with painful periods.
• STI Protection: No. Use condoms to get protection from STIs.
• Hormones: Yes. Contains progestogen

leedssexualhealth.com

Contraception advice in Leeds.

Telephone: 0113 392 0223

locala.org.uk

Contraception advice in Bradford

Telephone: 030 3330 9500

Progestogen Only Pill (POP)

The POP pill is similar to the combined pill (see above) only contains progestogen. This is good for women who smoke, are over 35, are obese or have other health concerns such as high blood pressure.

• Effectivness: Typical Use 91%. Perfect Use 99%
• Remember to use: Remember Daily. It's important to take the pill every day at the same time.
• Periods: May make periods shorter, irregular or stop. Can help with heavy or painful periods.
• STI Protection: No. Use condoms to get protection from STIs.
• Hormones: Yes contains progestogen

sexualhealth.cht.nhs.uk

Contraception advice in Calderdale

Telephone: 01422 261 370

Sterilisation

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception, for people who don’t want more children, or any children. Male sterilisation is called a vasectomy. Female sterilisation is called tubal occlusion.

• Effectivness: 99% Effective
• Remember to use: Fit & Forget - Non-Reversible
• Periods: Doesn't affect periods
• STI Protection: No. Use condoms to get protection from STIs.
• Hormones: No hormones

Vaginal Ring

This is a flexible, transparent, plastic ring placed in the vagina. It releases progestogen and oestrogen hormones - these are similar to the natural oestrogen and progestogen produced by the ovaries.

• Effectivness: Typical Use 91%. Perfect Use 99%
• Remember to use: Change Monthly
• Periods: Can help with heavy/painful periods/ premenstrual symptoms.
• STI Protection: No. Use condoms to get protection from STIs.
• Hormones: Yes contains oestrogen and Progestogen.