Rethink your contraception. Comparison Tool Need help comparing the different types of contraception? Use the Comparison Tool to find out the key things you need to know about each birth control method. COMPARE METHODS NEED ADVICE? Get ready to speak to a doctor or nurse. Use a 2-step guide to prepare for your next doctor’s appointment. START PREPARING KNOW YOUR OPTIONS THE IUS The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 to 8 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse. THE IUD The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. it is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 to 10 years. THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (COCP) COCPs are tablets that may have to be taken every day, releasing the hormone progestogen and oestrogen to prevent pregnancy. They are often referred to as the pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these. THE CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks. THE PATCH A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week. THE DIAPHRAGM A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Your doctor or nurse will normally conduct an initial fitting to make sure you have the correct size. THE RING A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks. THE FEMALE CONDOM An internal condom placed in the vagina that stops sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter. THE MALE CONDOM A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter. THE Progestogen-only Pill (POP) POPs are tablets which have to be taken every day at the same time with no break between packs. These pills only contain a progestogen hormone and so they can be taken by women for whom oestrogen-containing options are not suitable. They are also known as the mini-pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these. NATURAL PLANNING Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days. SPERMICIDE Spermicides are Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered. WITHDRAWAL Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy. FEMALE STERILIZATION A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes so the egg cannot travel down the tubes to meet the sperm. MALE STERILIZATION A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm. COMPARE METHODS DOWNLOAD LARC BROCHURE
