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Contraception

August 20, 2018

In 2013, almost 20% of the population in Britain were women of reproductive age 1. The number of women needing contraception only rises as the population in the UK grows 2 . Of these women, 78% wish to become pregnant or prevent pregnancies 1 . It is therefore important for women, as well as men and other genders, of a reproductive age to effectively control through contraception if they wish to conceive or not.

There are many different methods of contraception available 3, these include:

  • Combined pill– a hormonal pill to be taken every day in order to prevent pregnancy
  • Mini pill– a hormonal pill to be taken every day in order to prevent pregnancy
  • Condom (for penis and vagina)– a thin rubber cover worn during sex, used to prevent pregnancy and STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
  • Injection– a hormonal injection given once every 3 months by a health professional to prevent pregnancy
  • Patch– a hormonal patch resembling a thin square plaster to be changed once a week, used to prevent pregnancy
  • Implant– a soft piece of plastic inserted under the skin of the arm containing hormones to prevent pregnancy, it lasts 3 years and can be taken out at any time
  • Copper coil– a non hormonal coil made of plastic and copper resembling a small T, it is put into the womb by a doctor or nurse to prevent pregnancy, it lasts 5 to 10 years
  • IUS (Intrauterine system)– hormonal coil made of plastic resembling a small T, it is put into the womb by a doctor or nurse to prevent pregnancy, it lasts up to 5 years
  • Diaphragm and cervical caps– cups made of silicone put at the top of the vagina right before sex to prevent pregnancy
  • Ring– a soft plastic hormonal ring put into the vagina, to be changed every 3 or 4 weeks, it prevents pregnancy

Each of these methods have different advantages, such as reducing period pain or making periods lighter, and disadvantages, such as being less effective or easy to forget. It is therefore essential to choose the correct contraceptive method according to you and what works best for you. You can find links to more information about finding the right contraception for you on the contraception section of the useful links page.

Whether you wish to get pregnant or prevent pregnancy it is important to consider your method of contraception and find the best one suited to you. Before starting to conceive, using contraception is a good way to give you and your partner the time needed to plan and improve your health to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

For more information about planning a pregnancy:

For more information about the different types of contraception available and where to find them:

If you are currently experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion you are not alone. Abortion is available for free to those part of the NHS but can also be paid for privately. For more information:

To find the right clinic for you, near you:

References:

  1. Public Health England. ‘Health Matters: Reproductive Health and Pregnancy Planning’. GOV.UK. Accessed 3 September 2018. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-reproductive-health-and-pregnancy-planning/health-matters-reproductive-health-and-pregnancy-planning.
  2. The World Bank Data. ‘Population, Total | Data’. Accessed 4 September 2018. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=GB&view=chart.
  3. Contraception Choices. ‘Contraceptive Methods’. Accessed 4 September 2018.
    https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/contraceptive-methods.

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