Condom*
Effectiveness
82% – This means that 18 in 100 people using only condoms will get pregnant in one year.
Protects against STIs
Yes
Frequency
Before sex
Periods
No Change
There are lots of different things to consider when choosing contraception. Knowing the facts can help you to decide which type of contraception will work best for you.
There are many types of contraception to prevent pregnancy. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of contraception, and different methods will suit different people. Sometimes you might try one or two types before finding the best option for you. Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and whether you want to have a baby. Some types of contraception have extra benefits.
If you would like to know more about the different types of contraception, click here to access methods of contraception available in Northern Ireland.
Contraception is available through many different services. Get in touch with your GP, local sexual health clinic or the online service for more information. Click here for details on where to get contraception.
Contraception is less effective if not used correctly all the time. The effectiveness percentages are based on real-world use, which may include missing a pill or a condom coming off.
Combined pill**
Effectiveness
91% – This means 9 in 100 people using this pill type will get pregnant in one year.
Protects against STIs
No
Frequency
Every day
Periods
Lighter, can control bleeding pattern
Progestogen only pill
Effectiveness
91% – This means 9 in 100 people using this pill type will get pregnant in one year.
Protects against STIs
No
Frequency
Every day
Periods
Can cause irregular bleeding
Hormonal coil
Effectiveness
>99% – This means fewer than 1 person in 100 using this coil will get pregnant in one year.
Protects against STIs
No
Frequency
Fit and forget, lasts to up to 8 years
Periods
Reduces bleeding
Non-hormonal coil
Effectiveness
99% – This means fewer than 1 person in 100 using this coil will get pregnant in one year.
Protects against STIs
No
Frequency
Fit and forget, lasts up to 10 years
Periods
Can cause heavier periods
Contraceptive implant
Effectiveness
99% – This means fewer than 1 person in 100 using the implant will get pregnant in one year.
Protects against STIs
No
Frequency
Fit and forget, lasts for up to 3 years
Periods
Can cause irregular bleeding
Contraceptive injection
Effectiveness
94% – This means 6 in 100 people using the injection will get pregnant in one year.
Protects against STIs
No
Frequency
Four times a year
Periods
Lighter or can stop bleeding
*Condoms also protect against STIs and are the only method of contraception that help protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
**The combined pill and the hormonal coil can help reduce heavy periods
Your doubts clarified about contraception:
-
Once I have chosen a type of contraception, I can’t change to another
There are many different methods of contraception, but not all methods are suitable for all people. Different forms of contraception offer a choice so you can find contraception that works best for you and fits into your lifestyle. The choice you make isn’t forever and you can always consider trying a different form of contraception in the future.
-
The contraceptive pill causes weight gain
Some people find they put on weight, but there is no medical evidence to show that it’s directly caused by the combined pill. The only method of contraception where there is some evidence of potential weight gain is contraception injection.
There are many different types of pills including progestogen only and the combined pill – not every type will suit every person. Healthcare professionals can give you clear information and discuss options with you to enable you to choose what feels right for you.
-
Using hormonal contraception can cause infertility
Hormonal contraception does not cause infertility. It prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg each month, changing cervical mucus (fluid produce from your cervix/vagina) and keeping the lining of the womb thin. Once the contraception has been stopped, fertility returns to previous levels. For the combined pill, this happens after about a month. For the contraceptive injection, it can take up to a year for fertility to return to previous level. If you have stopped using contraception and are having unprotected sex, there is always a chance you could become pregnant.
-
I don't need contraception because my partner pulls out
The withdrawal method, also known as ‘pulling out’, is when a penis is removed from the vagina before ejaculation. This is not an effective way to avoid pregnancy because sperm can be released before ejaculation, sometimes called pre-cum. The withdrawal method also does not provide protection against STIs.
-
The contraceptive coils can only be used for women who have had children
Contraceptive coils are safe for women with and without children. The coil is a small plastic T-shaped device which is inserted by a specially trained healthcare professional. It is a really effective form of contraception as it can last up to 10 years and is fully reversible.
-
Contraception is only for straight women
Contraception is not just used to prevent pregnancy; it can also be used to take control of periods or period pains.
Whether you are lesbian, bi, straight, a trans man, non-binary, another sexuality or gender, or if you menstruate, you might want to think about contraception. If you have a penis and there is a chance of your partner getting pregnant and that’s not what you want, contraception is for you and your partner too.