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.
Click-Female Sterilisation
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.
Click-The Hormonal 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.
Click-The Copper Coil
A small, flexible silicone rod that releases a progestogen hormone for up to 3 years. It is available with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.
Click-The Contraceptive Implant
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.
Click-The Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)
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.
Click-The Progestogen-only Pill (POP)
An injection containing a progestogen hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.
Click-The Contraceptive Injection
A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and is self-administered once a week.
Click-The Patch
A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. An initial fitting with your doctor or nurse may be required and after that, they are self-administered. A prescription is not usually required.
Click-The Diaphragm
A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.
Click-The Ring
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.
Click-The Female Condom
A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina. It also helps lowers the risk of STIs. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.
Click-The Male Condom
Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.
Click-Natural Planning
Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.
Click-Spermicide
Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.
Click-Withdrawal