Choosing Contraception

Find your starting point

What matters to you right now?

Answer three quick questions to see methods that may be worth discussing. Your result is a starting point, not a prescription.

1When might you want to become pregnant?

Within the next year In 1–3 years More than 3 years away I’m not sure I don’t want a future pregnancy

2How do you feel about remembering contraception every day?

A daily routine is fine I would rather not remember daily

3Is anything else especially important to you?

Choose as many as you like, or leave these blank.

Lighter or more predictable periods No hormones Breastfeeding Help with acne HIV and STI protection A discreet, low-maintenance method

Combined pill

Contains oestrogen and progestogen • taken every day

Oestrogen and progestogen are hormones—chemical messengers made by the body. The pill usually stops an egg from being released.

Can make periods lighter and more predictable.
Some formulations can also help acne.
You need to remember it every day.
It may not be safe if you have certain health conditions, migraines with warning signs, or a higher chance of blood clots. A doctor can check.

May suit: someone who wants cycle control and can reliably take a daily tablet.

Progestogen-only pill

Contains progestogen but no oestrogen • taken every day

Progestogen is a hormone. This pill may be an option when a method containing oestrogen is not safe for you.

Often considered during breastfeeding.
Can suit some people who cannot use contraception containing oestrogen.
Needs consistent daily use; timing can matter depending on the product.
Irregular bleeding can occur.

May suit: someone who is breastfeeding or needs an option without oestrogen.

Contraceptive patch

Contains two hormones • changed on a schedule

The patch releases oestrogen and progestogen through your skin.

You do not need to remember a tablet every day.
It has many of the same health cautions as the combined pill.
Some patches may not work as well at a higher body weight. A doctor can help you check.

May suit: someone who wants combined hormones but struggles with a daily pill.

Injection

Contains progestogen • given every 2 or 3 months, depending on the injection

A nurse or doctor gives you the injection. They will tell you when to return for the next one.

Private and convenient.
No daily pill to remember.
Bleeding may become irregular and some people stop having periods.
After stopping some injections, it can take several months before you are able to become pregnant.

Think carefully if: you want to try for pregnancy in the near future.

Implant

Contains progestogen • works for several years

A trained healthcare professional places a small, flexible rod under the skin of your upper arm.

Very effective and low maintenance.
Useful for someone who wants reliable contraception without needing to remember it daily.
Most people can become pregnant soon after it is removed.
Irregular bleeding is common and can be unpredictable.

May suit: someone who wants contraception for several years but may want a pregnancy later.

IUCD / IUD

Copper or hormone type • works for several years

An IUD is a small device placed inside the womb by a trained healthcare professional. “Womb” is another word for uterus.

Copper devices contain no hormones and can last for many years.
The hormone type can make periods lighter and less painful.
Copper IUCDs may make periods heavier or more painful in some people.
Most people can become pregnant soon after it is removed.

Bleeding matters: someone with heavy periods may prefer a hormonal IUD over a copper IUD after clinical assessment.

Sterilisation

Permanent contraception

Sterilisation is an operation that permanently prevents pregnancy. A male partner can consider a vasectomy, which blocks sperm.

Designed to be permanent.
Best for people who are confident they do not want future pregnancies.
Does not protect against HIV or other STIs.

May suit: someone whose family is complete and who understands the permanent nature of the choice.

Condoms

External or internal • used with sex

Condoms create a barrier that helps prevent sperm entering the vagina.

Also reduce the risk of HIV and many other sexually transmitted infections.
Work best when used correctly every time.
Can be used together with another method for “dual protection”.

Recommended: even if you use another contraceptive, condoms add STI protection.

Your health and preferences

Some details need a closer look.

If you are breastfeeding

Methods containing only progestogen are often considered. Ask a doctor when it is safe to start a method containing oestrogen after giving birth.

If you have acne

Some pills containing two hormones can improve acne. A doctor should still check that they are safe for you.

If you have heavy periods

Some hormonal options can reduce bleeding. A copper IUCD may make bleeding heavier in some people, while a hormonal IUD may reduce it.

If you have obesity or other health risks

Weight is only one part of the decision. A doctor should also ask about your blood pressure, smoking, migraines and chance of blood clots before prescribing a method containing oestrogen.

If you want a low-maintenance option

An implant or IUD can be very effective because there is nothing to remember each day. They can be options at different ages, but the final choice should still be yours.

Period apps

A period app is useful—but it is not a contraceptive.

Period apps use the dates you enter to guess when your next period may start. They may also guess your “fertile days”—the days when pregnancy is more likely. Your body does not always follow the app's prediction, so an app alone is not a reliable way to prevent pregnancy.

1. Record periodsThe app learns your usual cycle pattern.

2. Guess egg releaseIt predicts when an egg may be released. This is called ovulation.

3. Show fertile daysIt marks days when pregnancy may be more likely.

4. Keep updatingThe estimate changes as you enter more cycles.

If you do not want to become pregnant, do not rely on the app alone.

Ovulation can happen earlier or later than predicted. Avoiding intercourse only when the app says “high chance of pregnancy” is not reliable contraception. Use an effective contraceptive method and, where appropriate, condoms throughout the cycle.

Tracking periods is still useful. It can help you notice changes and remember the first day of your last period. Use an app alongside contraception, not instead of it.

Professional guidance

Want help making the final choice?

A healthcare professional can help you match contraception to your fertility plans, periods, breastfeeding status, skin concerns, medicines and medical history.

Consult with a professional

Choosing contraception that fits your life.