ALL METHODS FEMALE STERILIZATION A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy. MALE STERILIZATION A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm. THE IUS The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestin hormone for up to 3 to 5 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 IMPLANT A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. THE PILL (COCP) COCPs are tablets which must be taken every day, releasing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen to prevent pregnancy. They are often referred to as the Pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these. THE PILL (POP) POPs are tablets which must 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 INJECTION A shot containing hormone(s) that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 1 or 3 months. 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. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered with a prescription up to 24 hours before sex. 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 that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. 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 it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of STIs. It is self-administered and bought over the counter. NATURAL PLANNING Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days. SPERMICIDE 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.
