Contraception

What contraception should I use?

There are loads of different methods of contraception to choose from so it's important that you find the one that's right for you. Contraception is FREE and there are loads of professionals that you can talk to about your contraceptive choices such as:

• School / College Nurses
• Your Pharmacist
• CASH Clinics
• Your GP

Remember if you don't like the method you're using, go back to the clinic, school / college nurse or GP surgery to change it. Don’t just stop using it!

Methods of Contraception

Condoms
Can help protect you from most Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), as well as one method you can take in preventing pregnancy. The best way to prevent pregnancy is to use contraceptives, so its important to find the one that best suits you. Condoms are FREE using a C Card.

There are many types of contraceptive methods available to females to help prevent pregnancy and talking to a nurse or a doctor is a great way to find the right one to suit you, but won’t prevent STIs.

Contraceptive choices (for females)
There are many types of FREE contraceptive methods available to help prevent pregnancy and talking to a nurse, doctor or pharmacist is a great way to find the right one that suits you.

Contraceptive injection
What is it? An injection of progestogen.
How effective is it? Over 99%
Advantage: Lasts for 8-12 weeks – which means you don't have to think about contraception during that time.
Disadvantage: It can't be removed from the body so side effects could continue while it works, and in some cases, for sometime afterwards.

Implant
What is it? A small, flexible rod put under the skin of the upper arm and released progestrogen.
How effective is it? Over 99%
Advantage: Works for 3 years (but can be taken out sooner).
Disadvantage: It takes a small procedure to fit and remove it.

Intrauterine system (IUS)
What is it? A small T-shaped, progestogen-releasing, plastic device put into the uterus.
How effective is it? Over 99%
Advantage: Works for 5 years but can be taken out sooner. Periods can often become lighter, shorter and less painful.
Disadvantage: Sometimes there can be irregular bleeding or spotting for the first 6 months of having an IUS.

Interauterine Device (IUD)
What is it? A small plastic and copper device put into the uterus.
How effective is it? Over 99%
Advantage: Can stay in the body for 5-10 years depending on the type but can also be taken out sooner.
Disadvantage: Periods can sometimes be heavier, longer and in some cases, may be more painful.

Combined Pill (COC)
What is it? A pill containing estrogen and progestogen.
How effective is it? If used according to the instructions in the pack it is over 99% effective.
Advantage: Can often reduce bleeding, period pain and pre-menstrual symptoms.
Disadvantage: Missing the pill, vomiting or severe diarrhoea can make it less effective.

Progestogen-only Pill (POP)
What is it? A pill containing progestogen.
How effective is it? If used according to the instructions in the pack it is over 99% effective.
Advantage: Can be used by women who are breastfeeding or are over 35.
Disadvantage: Late pills, vomiting or severe diarrhoea can make it less effective.

Forgotten to take your pill?

Go straight to your GP, CASH Clinic or local Pharmacist as you might need emergency contraception. It's important to access it within 72 hours (3 days).