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.
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
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MANY DIFFERENT SHORT-ACTING CONTRACEPTIVES
SHORT-ACTING HORMONAL METHODS
Are short-acting contraceptives which use hormones to prevent pregnancy. They include:
THE COMBINED ORAL
CONTRACEPTIVE PILL
(combined pill)
THE PROGESTOGEN ONLY
PILL
(mini pill)
THE CONTRACEPTIVE
PATCH
THE CONTRACEPTIVE
RING
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 (MALE) CONDOM
INTERNAL (FEMALE) CONDOM
DIAPHRAGMS
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
LACTATIONAL AMENORRHEA METHOD (LAM)
WITHDRAWAL METHOD
CONTRACEPTION
YOUR CONTRACEPTION, YOUR CHOICE
Being able to control if and when you have children is a big part of maintaining your health.Â
Learn about the contraceptive options available in the UK to help you find your perfect fit.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0284 July 2025