Types of Contraception

Barrier methods are not as effective at preventing pregnancy as other birth control methods, such as the birth control implant, injection, or intrauterine device. Out of 100 women per year, 18–28 women will become pregnant when using barrier methods. They work best when they are used correctly every time you have sex.

Contraceptive implant The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is a small flexible plastic rod that's placed under the skin in your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. It releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy and lasts for 3 years.

The contraceptive injection steadily releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream, which prevents the release of an egg each month (ovulation). It also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to move through the cervix, and thins the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant itself.

But emergency contraceptives are not as effective as birth control that's used before or during sex, like the pill or condoms. So if you are sexually active or planning to be, don't use emergency contraception as your only protection against pregnancy.

Fertility awareness methods (FAMs) uses ovulation predictors and calendars to design a calendar that identifies "safe days" where you can not get pregnant. Fertility awareness methods (FAMs) uses ovulation predictors and calendars to design a calendar that identifies "safe days" where you can not get pregnant.

What are combined hormonal birth control methods? Birth control pills, the birth control patch, and the vaginal birth control ring are combined hormonal birth control methods. They contain two hormones: estrogen and progestin. How do combined hormonal methods prevent pregnancy? Combined hormonal ...

WebMD explains how IUDs -- also called intrauterine devices -- work to prevent pregnancy. Your doctor has to insert and remove this type of long-term birth control.

Intrauterine system (IUS) An IUS is a small, T-shaped plastic device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse. It releases the hormone progestogen to stop you getting pregnant and lasts for 3 to 5 years. Two brands of IUS are used in the UK: Mirena and Jaydess.

Abstinence can mean different things for different people but strictly speaking it means no sexual contact of any kind, especially no penis-to-vagina contact. For a variety of reasons, many people may choose abstinence at some point in their life. In terms of birth control, abstinence means not allowing sperm near the woman's body below the waist.

The progestogen-only pill (POP) Our Progestogen-only pill information is moving to Sexwise! Sexwise is a new website by FPA, bringing you honest information about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.

A cervical cap is a little cup made from soft silicone and shaped like a sailor's hat. You put it deep inside your vagina to cover your cervix.

The birth control implant (AKA Nexplanon) is a tiny, thin rod about the size of a matchstick. The implant releases hormones into your body that prevent you from getting pregnant. A nurse or doctor inserts the implant into your arm and that’s it — you’re protected from pregnancy for up to 4 years.

A diaphragm is a shallow, bendable sillicone cup that you put inside your vagina. It covers your cervix during sex to prevent pregnancy. A diaphragm is a shallow, bendable sillicone cup that you put inside your vagina.

Female condoms are an alternative to regular condoms. They provide pretty much the same great protection from pregnancy and STDs. What’s different about them? Instead of going on the penis, female condoms go inside your vagina for pregnancy prevention or into the vagina or anus for protection from STDs.

WebMD explains how IUDs -- also called intrauterine devices -- work to prevent pregnancy. Your doctor has to insert and remove this type of long-term birth control.

How effective are condoms against ... effective — that means about 15 out of 100 people who use condoms as their only birth control method will get ...

Birth control pills that contain drospirenone, including YAZ and Yasmin, have been investigated by the FDA because of the possibility that they may cause an increased risk for blood clots. Drospirenone is a man-made version of the hormone progesterone.

Birth control is how to prevent pregnancy before it begins. There are lots of different methods and options that work really well and are easy to use.