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The Hormonal Coil

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 - 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

The Hormonal Coil
The Hormonal Coil

The Copper Coil

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. It is available with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 - 10 years.

The Copper Coil
The Copper Coil

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 Contraceptive Implant
The Contraceptive Implant

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.

Pill (COCP)
The Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

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.

The Progestogen-only Pill
The Progestogen-only Pill (POP)

The Contraceptive Injection

An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 3 months.

The Contraceptive Injection
The Contraceptive Injection

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 Patch
The Patch

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 Diaphragm
The Diaphragm

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 Ring
The Ring

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 Female Condom
The Female Condom

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 Male Condom
The Male Condom

Natural Planning

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning
Natural Planning

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.

Spermicide
Spermicide

Withdrawal

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Withdrawal
Withdrawal

Female Sterilisation

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes so the eggs cannot travel down the tubes to meet the sperm. 

Female Sterilisation
Female Sterilisation

Male Sterilisation

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Male Sterilisation
Male Sterilisation
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#MYCONTRACEPTION

CONTRACEPTION: FIND YOUR MATCH

Is your contraception working for you? Find a method that suits your lifestyle.

We’re here to let you know that support is available to help you make decisions on your contraception. #MYCONTRACEPTION

#MYCONTRACEPTION

CAN YOU RELATE?

There are plenty of reasons to think about your method of contraception. Here we’ll talk you through some common worries and suggestions on how to deal with them. #MYCONTRACEPTION

 
COMPARISON TOOL

INTERACTIVE COMPARISON TOOL

This overview of contraception methods is a great way to look at how effective each method is, how it works and how long it lasts, as well as its benefits and considerations. Find a contraception option that matches your needs.

COMPARE METHODS

© 2019, Bayer Ltd. All rights reserved

Date of last update: May 2020

This website has been developed to raise awareness of the different contraceptive options available in Ireland.

Always speak to your doctor or nurse for personal advice. Health information in this website is intended as general information only and for Irish audiences only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide specific medical advice.

If you want to report a side effect or quality complaint, please contact your health care professional (e.g. treating physician or pharmacist), Health Products Regulatory Authority, or go to the “Contact Us” menu at www.bayer.ie

The MyContraception campaign has been initiated, organised and funded by Bayer Ltd.

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