Contraception options explained: finding what suits you

The two broad groups

Contraception falls into two broad groups. "Long-acting reversible contraception" (LARC) — the implant, the intrauterine device (IUD or "copper coil") and the intrauterine system (IUS or "hormonal coil") — works for months or years without you having to remember anything, and is the most reliable because it does not depend on daily use. The other group includes methods you use more regularly — the pill, patch, vaginal ring, injection and condoms. Understanding this split helps explain why "how well it works in real life" varies so much between methods.

Hormonal methods

Hormonal contraception uses versions of the hormones oestrogen and/or progestogen to prevent pregnancy, mainly by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg or by thickening cervical mucus. Options include the combined pill, the progestogen-only pill, the patch, the vaginal ring, the injection, the implant and the hormonal coil. They differ in how they are used and their side-effect profiles, and some are not suitable for people with certain health conditions — which is why a brief health check guides the choice. Doses and specific products are decided with a clinician.

Non-hormonal methods

If you prefer to avoid hormones, options include the copper coil (which works for years and is also the most effective form of emergency contraception), condoms, diaphragms and fertility-awareness methods. Condoms are the only method that also protects against sexually transmitted infections, so they are often used alongside another method. Non-hormonal methods suit people who cannot or would rather not use hormones, though their real-world reliability varies.

How reliable are they?

Reliability is usually described as "perfect use" versus "typical use". Long-acting methods (implant, coils) are over 99% effective because there is no daily routine to slip. Methods that depend on you remembering — the pill, patch or ring — are very effective with perfect use but less so in typical use, because doses get missed. Condoms are less reliable for pregnancy than LARC but add STI protection. Matching the method to how you actually live matters as much as the headline figure.

How to choose

Choosing contraception is a personal decision made with a nurse or doctor, weighing effectiveness, convenience, side effects, your health and whether you want STI protection or plan a pregnancy soon. It is fine to try a method and switch if it does not suit you. All the options are explained and provided free on the NHS, and you can change your mind — the goal is a method that fits your life and that you are happy to keep using.