Return-to-fertility

I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY FERTILITY

When you’re ready

Today's contraception methods are gentler on the body than they used to be, and generally they are designed to not influence your fertility after you stop using them. Even hormonal contraceptives like the long-acting reversible methods allow you to return to your normal fertility quickly, because the hormones in these methods leave the body after you stop using them.

When do you want to get pregnant?

Thinking about future pregnancies is bound to be a factor in deciding on a contraception method. Here are some things to consider.

Within a Year

If you intend to get pregnant within a year or so, it might not be worth opting for a long-acting contraceptive. Shorter-term contraceptives such as the pill, condoms or the diaphragm just might be easier for you to manage. 

In 3-8 Years

There are plenty of options for women who want to get pregnant in a few years’ time. If using contraception every time you have sex, or remembering a daily pill isn't an issue for you, then shorter-term options can work just fine. If you would prefer a longer acting option, methods like a coil or an implant may be suitable for you and can last up to 3, 5 or 8 years depending on the method you choose. You may also want to consider the hormonal injection which is given every 12-13 weeks. After you stop using the contraceptive injection, it can take up to a year to return to your normal fertility. 

Far in the Future

If you are not planning to become pregnant in the near future and would rather have a long-acting contraception that doesn't demand a regular routine, a contraceptive implant or a hormonal coil are both good options that work for up to 3, 5 or 8 years. A copper coil works for even longer – up to 5 to 10 years. If you know that you don’t want to get pregnant, or if you don’t want to have more children, male or female sterilisation are the permanent, irreversible solutions.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

If you are thinking about an eventual return to fertility, consider these contraception methods:

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 - 8 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

View Method

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.

View Method

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.

View Method

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.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS
DOWNLOAD YOUR LONG ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTION (LARC) BROCHURE HERE
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NEED ADVICE?

Organise a visit with your healthcare professional to discuss all your contraceptive options and decide which one suits your needs best.

3 STEPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT

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.

IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

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.

IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

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. 

Contraceptive_Implant_CompareMethods

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_POP_CompareMethods

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.

Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

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_CompareMethods

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.

Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

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.

Ring_CompareMethods

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.

Female_Condom_Contraception

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.

Male_Condom_ShortActing

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.

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

NATURAL
PLANNING

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

Natural Planning - Compare Methods

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_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

WITHDRAWAL

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

Withdrawal - Contraception Method

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. 

Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

MALE
STERILIZATION

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

Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method
COMPARE METHODS

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© Bayer Limited. All rights reserved

Date of last update: 29/08/2023

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.

  • PP-PF-WHC-IE-0050-4, DOP: July 2026