This website has been developed and fully funded by Bayer plc for a UK audience only.

Disclaimer

and side effect reporting information
can be found at the bottom of the page
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STAY PROTECTED

YOUR CONTRACEPTION, YOUR CHOICE

We believe every woman should have the choice to choose if they want to have children, when, and how many. There are many types of contraception available and different methods suit different people. This website provides honest information to help weigh up the pros and cons so you can choose the right one for you.

CATEGORIES OF CONTRACEPTION

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, monthly 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.

GET TO KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

There are 15 different methods of contraception available in the UK. Select an option to learn more

COMBINED PILL

Short acting method

Use daily
2 x hormone
91% effective

INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM – IUS

Long acting method

Use for up to 3–8 years
1 x hormone
99+% effective

EXTERNAL (MALE) CONDOM

Short acting method

Use every time
No hormone
82% effective

CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH

Short acting method

Use weekly
2 x hormone
91% effective

CONTRACEPTIVE RING

Short acting method

Use monthly (insert for 21 days only)
2 x hormone
91% effective

CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT

Long acting method

Use for up to 3 years
1 x hormone
99+% effective

CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION

Long acting method

Use for up to 8–13 weeks
1 x hormone
94% effective

INTRAUTERINE DEVICE – IUD

Long acting method

Use for up to 5–10 years
1 x hormone
99+% effective

INTERNAL (FEMALE) CONDOM

Short acting method

Use every time
Hormone free
79% effective

DIAPHRAGM (USE WITH SPERMICIDE)

Short acting method

Use every time
Hormone free
92-96% effective

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

Short acting method

Use daily
Hormone free
76% effective

PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL

Short acting method

Use daily
1 x hormone
91% effective

WITHDRAWAL METHOD

Short acting method

Use every time
Hormone free
76% effective

FEMALE STERILISATION

Permanent method

Permanent
Hormone free
99+% effective

MALE STERILISATION

Permanent method

Permanent
Hormone free
99+% effective

PREPARING FOR YOUR GP APPOINTMENT

TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR

Get the information you need for an informed discussion with your doctor.

PP-UN-WHC-GB-0314 July 2025