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Short-acting contraception

Short-acting contraception

What is short-acting contraception?

  • A term given to a group of contraceptive methods that prevent pregnancy for a short period of time.

     

  • Short-acting contraceptives have to be taken daily, weekly, monthly or every time you have sex to be effective.

     

  • They are effective at preventing pregnancy but rely on the user using them perfectly in order for them to work.

     

many different short-acting contraceptives

What are the different types of short-acting contraceptives?

Short-acting birth control options can be divided into 3 sub-categories:

 

  • Short acting hormonal methods

  • Barrier methods

  • Natural methods

Short-acting hormonal methods

Are short-acting contraceptives which use hormones to prevent pregnancy. They include:

The combined oral contraception pill (combined pill)

The combined oral Contraceptive pill

(combined pill)

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The progestogen only pill (the mini pill)

The progestogen only pill

(mini pill)

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The contraceptive patch

The contraceptive patch

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The contraceptive ring

The contraceptive ring

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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:

External condoms

External (male) CONDOM

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The combined oral Contraceptive pill

Internal (female) CONDOM

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Diaphragms & caps

Diaphragms

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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

Natural family planning

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METHOD (LAM)

Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)

Withdrawal method

Withdrawal method

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CONTRACEPTION

Your contraception, your choice

Being able to control if and when you have children is a big part of maintaining your health. Learn about the contraceptive options available in the UK to help you find your perfect fit.

 

Learn more

PP-UN-WHC-GB-0067 September 2023

Disclaimer

The health information on this site has been reviewed and approved by Bayer by an appropriately qualified medical reviewer. It is intended as general information only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, to provide specific medical advice or replace the patient information leaflet provided with your medicine. Treatments discussed here should be initiated under medical supervision. For full information including side effects and eligibility for treatment, please consult your healthcare professional. Always speak to your doctor or nurse for personal medical advice.

 

Images on this site are stock images and for illustrative purposes only.

 

Reporting side effects

If you get any side effects whilst taking a medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the yellow card scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of medicines.