Image of an implant, a reliable and long-lasting contraceptive option with over 99,95% efficacy.
Image of a contraceptive ring, a low-maintenance option that releases estrogen and progestin to suppress ovulation with over 99.95% efficacy.
Image of a contraceptive patch, a discreet and easy-to-use option that releases hormones through the skin with over 99% efficacy.
Image of a barrier contraceptive, a method that creates a physical barrier to prevent sperm and eggs from meeting. Female and male condoms are the only barrier contraceptives that also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Image of contraceptive pill, an oral birth control option that offers up to 99% efficacy with typical use effectivity of 93%. Safe and convenient, it works by preventing the release of the egg, thickening cervical mucus, and making the uterus unsuitable for implantation.
Image of an IUD, a highly effective and long-lasting birth control option with 99.5-99.9% efficacy. Safe and convenient, it is inserted by a doctor into the uterus and provides reliable birth control for several years.
Image of a contraceptive injection, a highly effective and estrogen-free option that consists of an injection of progesterone. With 96% efficacy, it stops your body from releasing an egg every month.
Choose your contraceptive method

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Implant

The contraceptive implant consists of a small rod, the size of a match, inserted under the skin of the arm. It slowly releases progestogen.

After its insertion, the implant has a duration of 3 years. Once the implant is in place, you don't have to remember to do anything more until the times comes to have it removed.

It works by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus and making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. You may find that your periods become irregular or stop all together.

Icon shows the efficacy of the contraceptive implant 99.95% efficacy.

Image of contraceptive implant: Small rod that releases progestogen for 3 years. Over 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy.

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Image of a contraceptive patch, a discreet and easy-to-use option that releases hormones through the skin with over 99% efficacy.

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Ring

This birth control method consists of a soft plastic ring inserted into the vagina that slowly releases low doses of estrogen and progestin. These hormones are similar to those in combination pills.

The ring must be used for a duration of three weeks, and then removed for the fourth week.

It works by suppressing ovulation.

Icon demonstrates the efficacy of the contraceptive ring Perfect use (contraception method used correctly all the time) offers 99.5% efficacy, typical use (contraception method used in real life taking into account human error) has an efficacy of 93%.

Contraceptive patches

This contraceptive method consists of a small patch, similar to a Band-Aid, which contains contraceptive hormones in the central part. These hormones are released and absorbed through the skin.

The first patch must be placed on the skin on the first day of the period, it should then be changed every week for the duration of three weeks. The patch should then be removed for the fourth week. Similar to other methods of contraception, menstrual bleeding will occur during the week without a patch. The period is likely to be lighter, and for a shorter length of time than usual.

If your menstrual cycle is typically shorter and comes every 23 days, and you apply the patch on the fifth day of a period or later, then an additional method of contraception is required for the first seven days.

The most recommended places to put the patch are buttocks, arms, back or abdomen. Never on the breasts.

If a patch is not replaced after a patch-free week, or you forget to remove a patch, please consult your GP.

Icon stylises contraceptive patch effectiveness Perfect use offers 99% efficacy, typical use has an efficacy of 91%.

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Barrier contraceptives

These methods work by creating a barrier that prevents sperm and eggs from meeting.
In this group, female and male condom are the only barrier contraceptives that protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

There are three different types:

The image stylises the characteristics of the male condom, a method of contraception with 88% efficacy in daily use.

Male condom

• It is the most widely used.

• It is a single-use sheath that is placed over the penis during sexual intercourse.

• It is mostly made of latex, but it can be made of other materials for those that are allergic.

• The male condom protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Used typically: 88% efficacy.
Used perfectly: 98% efficacy.

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The image illustrates the characteristics of the diaphragm method of contraception, with an effectiveness of 82-86%.

Diaphragm

• It consists of a cup of latex or silicone that covers the cervix.

• The rim contains a firm, flexible spring that holds the diaphragm in place.

• It must be inserted by a healthcare professional before its first use.

• It is inserted before sexual relations and should not be withdrawn until 6 hours after ejaculation.

Used typically: 82% efficacy.
Used perfectly: 86% efficacy.

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Female condom

Female condom

• Single-use sheath that fits smoothly inside the vagina.

• It has flexible rings at both ends, one at the closed end for ease of insertion. It needs to be placed inside the vagina before there's any contact with the penis.

• Like the male condom, it is usually made of latex but there are other options.

• It protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Used typically: 79% efficacy.
Used perfectly: 95% efficacy.

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Pill

Contraceptive pills are taken around the same time every day.

They work by preventing the release of the egg, making the uterus unsuitable for implantation, and thickening cervical mucus to slow down sperm movement.

The combined oral pill or just “pill” contains two hormones, progestin and estrogen.

The “mini-pill” contains only one hormone, progestogen.

Perfect use offers 99.5% efficacy, typical use has an efficacy of 93%.

Image of contraceptive pills. These pills prevent ovulation, make the uterus unsuitable for implantation, and thicken cervical mucus. With 99.5% efficacy under perfect use, the combined pill contains two hormones, while the mini-pill contains only one hormone. Typical use offers 93% efficacy.

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Intrauterine Device (IUD)

It is a T- shaped device made of plastic or copper inserted into the uterus by a specialized doctor.
A doctor fits the IUD by passing it through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus.

The image illustrates the effectiveness of the hormonal IUD, with an efficacy of 99.9%.
The picture shows a copper IUD and how it works. This method has an efficiency of 99.5%.

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Contraceptive injection

This contraceptive method consists of an injection of progesterone, a hormone that stops your body from releasing an egg every month.

It is a very effective birth control method and is suitable for women who cannot take estrogen. To get the full contraceptive effect, you must remember to get your repeat injections when they are due.

Perfect use offers 99.8% efficacy, typical use has an efficacy of 96%.

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Choose your
Contraceptive method

Which method of contraception
is right for me?

Choosing the best method of contraception is an important decision. Here you will find a leaflet which contains all the types of contraceptive methods available. It can help you explore the different options you have to choose from.

download here

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