Compare methods by…

A brief overview of each contraception method and how you can get it

    SUMMARY

    A brief overview of each contraception method and how you can get it.

    THE
    Hormonal Coil

    IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

    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
    Copper Coil

    IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

    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
    Contraceptive Implant

    Contraceptive_Implant_CompareMethods

    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.

    THE
    Contraceptive Injection

    Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

    An injection containing a progestogen hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.

    THE
    Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

    Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

    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 Progesto-
    gen-only Pill
    (POP)

    Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

    POPs are tablets which must be taken every day at the same time with no breaks 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
    PATCH

    The_Patch_CompareMethods

    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.

    THE
    RING

    Ring_CompareMethods

    A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

    MALE
    STERILISATION

    Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method

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

    FEMALE
    STERILISATION

    Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

    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.

    THE MALE
    CONDOM

    Male_Condom_ShortActing

    A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina. It also helps lower the risk of STIs. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

    THE FEMALE
    CONDOM

    Female_Condom_Contraception

    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.

    NATURAL
    PLANNING

    Natural Planning - Compare Methods

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

    SPERMICIDE

    Spermicide_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

    Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

    THE
    DIAPHRAGM

    Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

    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.

    WITHDRAWAL

    Withdrawal - Contraception Method

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

    The percentages shown for each method reflect the efficacy from typical use. Typical use means how well the method works in real life. This is different from perfect use which means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    THE
    Hormonal Coil

    IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

    The soft, flexible intrauterine system releases a progestogen to stop sperm from fertilizing an egg. It is reversible and is one of the most effective methods of contraception.

    99%+

    THE
    Copper Coil

    IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

    The intrauterine device uses copper ions to prevent sperm from moving and fertilizing an egg. It is reversible and is one of the most effective methods of contraception.

    99%+

    THE
    Contraceptive IMPLANT

    Implant - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    The contraceptive implant releases a progestogen to stop sperm from fertilizing an egg. It is reversible and is one of the most effective methods of contraception.

    99%+

    THE
    Contraceptive INJECTION

    Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    The contraceptive injections contain a progestogen to stop sperm from fertilizing an egg. It is very effective if always administered on time.

    94%

    THE
    Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

    Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    The combined contraceptive pill contains a progestogen which stops sperm from fertilising an egg, and oestrogen, which prevents ovaries from releasing an egg. It is very effective when taken as directed.

    91%

    THE
    Progestogen-only Pill (POP)

    Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    Progestogen-only pill contains a progestogen to stop sperm from fertilising an egg. It is very effective when taken as directed.

    91%

    THE
    PATCH

    The_Patch_CompareMethods

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    The patch releases a daily dose of hormones into your blood steam and prevents the ovary from releasing an egg. It is an effective method of contraception.

    91%

    THE
    RING

    Ring_CompareMethods

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    The ring releases hormones which prevent the ovary from releasing an egg. It is an effective method of contraception.

    91%

    MALE
    STERILIZATION

    Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    Male sterilisation is permanent and is one of the most effective methods of contraception.

    99%+

    FEMALE
    STERILIZATION

    Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    Female sterilisation is permanent and is one of the most effective methods of contraception.

    99%+

    THE MALE
    CONDOM

    Male_Condom_ShortActing

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    The male condom prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. It is a fairly effective method of contraception.

    82%

    THE FEMALE
    CONDOM

    Female_Condom_ShortActing

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    The female condom prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. It is less effective than other methods of contraception.

    79%

    NATURAL
    PLANNING

    Natural Planning - Compare Methods

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    The efficacy of natural planning depends on the chosen method used. For the most part, it is less effective at preventing pregnancy.

    76%

    SPERMICIDE

    Spermicide_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    Spermicide prevents sperm from passing through the cervix, but it is not the most effective when used on its own.

    72%

    THE
    DIAPHRAGM

    Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    The diaphragm prevents sperm from entering the uterus. It is even more effective when used with spermicide.

    88%

    WITHDRAWAL

    Withdrawal - Contraception Method

    Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

    Withdrawal must be done properly and in a timely manner and is therefore less effective as a method of contraception.

    78%

    EASE OF USE

    A brief summary of how much attention each method needs.

    THE
    Hormonal Coil

    IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

    The intrauterine system is small, soft, flexible and long-acting. Once placed it is effective for up to 3 - 5 years.

    THE
    Copper Coil

    IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

    The intrauterine device is long-acting and lasts anywhere between 5 and 10 years once placed.

    THE
    Contraceptive IMPLANT

    Implant - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

    The contraceptive implant is long-acting and lasts up to 3 years once placed.

    THE
    Contraceptive INJECTION

    Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

    The contraceptive injection is effective for up to 3 months at a time, but it is important to get the injection from your doctor or nurse on time.

    THE
    Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

    Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

    The pill should be taken at the same time every day.

    THE
    Progestogen-only Pill (POP)

    Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

    The mini-pill should be taken at the same time every day.

    THE
    PATCH

    The_Patch_CompareMethods

    The patch needs to be changed weekly in order to be effective.

    THE
    RING

    Ring_CompareMethods

    The ring needs to be left in placed in the vagina for 3 weeks. It is removed during the fourth week, before being replaced at the start of another 4-week cycle.

    MALE
    Sterilisation

    Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method

    Male sterilisation is a permanent procedure. Once it’s done, it’s done.

    FEMALE
    Sterilisation

    Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

    Female sterilisation is a permanent procedure. Once it’s done, it’s done.

    THE
    MALE CONDOM

    Male_Condom_ShortActing

    The male condom needs to be placed over the penis each time before you have intercourse.

    THE
    FEMALE CONDOM

    Female_Condom_ShortActing

    The female condom needs to be inserted in the vagina each time before you have intercourse.

    NATURAL
    PLANNING

    Natural Planning - Compare Methods

    Natural planning methods vary in terms of how much attention they need, but it’s important to be aware of your fertile days and to use additional contraception on these days.

    SPERMICIDE

    Spermicide_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

    Spermicide needs to be applied each time before you have intercourse.

    THE
    DIAPHRAGM

    Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

    The diaphragm needs to be placed in the vagina prior to intercourse each time you have sex, and it must be left in place for at least 6 hours after you have sex.

    WITHDRAWAL

    Withdrawal - Contraception Method

    Withdrawal needs to be performed during intercourse, each time.
    HORMONES

    An overview of the hormones included in each method (if any) and where they are released in the body.

    THE
    Hormonal Coil

    IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

    The intrauterine system releases a low dose of a progestogen from its small, flexible plastic frame, acting mainly locally within the womb.

    YES

    THE
    Copper Coil

    IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

    The intrauterine device is hormone free and contains copper, acting mainly locally within the womb.

    NO

    THE
    Contraceptive Implant

    Implant - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

    The contraceptive implant releases a progestogen throughout the entire body.

    YES

    THE
    Contraceptive INJECTION

    Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

    The contraceptive injection contains a progestogen hormone that is released throughout the entire body.

    YES

    THE
    Combined Pill

    Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

    The pill contains two different hormones – a progestogen and oestrogen – which are released throughout the body.

    YES

    THE
    Progestogen-only Pill

    Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

    The mini-pill contains a progestogen hormone which is released throughout the body.

    YES

    THE
    PATCH

    The_Patch_CompareMethods

    The patch continuously releases hormones – oestrogen and a progestogen – throughout the entire body.

    YES

    THE
    RING

    Ring_CompareMethods

    The ring releases a low dose of a progestogen and oestrogen.

    YES

    MALE
    Sterilisation

    Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method

    Male sterilisation is hormone-free.

    NO

    FEMALE
    Sterilisation

    Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

    Female sterilisation is hormone-free.

    NO

    THE MALE
    CONDOM

    Male_Condom_ShortActing

    The male condom is hormone-free.

    NO

    THE FEMALE
    CONDOM

    Female_Condom_ShortActing

    The female condom is hormone-free.

    NO

    NATURAL
    PLANNING

    Natural Planning - Compare Methods

    Natural planning is hormone-free.

    NO

    SPERMICIDE

    Spermicide_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

    Spermicide is hormone-free, but does contain chemicals.

    NO

    THE
    Diaphragm

    Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

    The diaphragm is hormone-free and works best when it is used with spermicide.

    NO

    WITHDRAWAL

    Withdrawal - Contraception Method

    Withdrawal is hormone-free.

    NO

    IMPACT ON MENSTRUATION

    A brief description of how each method impacts your period, if at all.

    THE
    IUS

    IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

    Periods may become lighter or less frequent, with some women experiencing no periods at all. However, spotting and irregular bleeding can also be common in the first 6 months of use.

    LIGHT

    THE
    IUD

    IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

    Women with an IUD may experience heavier and longer bleeding.

    MEDIUM

    THE
    IMPLANT

    Implant - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

    Some women may experience lighter, less frequent periods while others may experience heavier and more irregular bleeding. The bleeding pattern experienced during the first three months is likely to continue.

    LIGHT

    THE
    INJECTION

    Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

    The contraceptive injection may cause irregular bleeding. In some cases, it may cause shorter, lighter periods, or no periods at all.

    LIGHT

    THE
    Combined PILL

    Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

    The pill can maintain the regularity of your cycle, and it may reduce bleeding.

    LIGHT

    THE
    Progestogen-only Pill

    Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

    The mini-pill may cause irregular bleedings with bleeding becoming more frequent, less frequent or absent.

    LIGHT

    THE
    PATCH

    The_Patch_CompareMethods

    The patch may cause disrupted periods, either in the form of irregular bleeding, or regular, lighter periods.

    NONE

    THE
    RING

    Ring_CompareMethods

    The ring may cause temporary irregular bleeding and may stop menstruation altogether.

    LIGHT

    MALE
    STERELIZATION

    Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method

    Male Sterilisation has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    FEMALE
    STERELIZATION

    Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

    Female Sterilisation has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    THE MALE
    CONDOM

    Male_Condom_ShortActing

    The male condom has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    THE FEMALE
    CONDOM

    Female_Condom_ShortActing

    The female condom has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    NATURAL
    PLANNING

    Natural Planning - Compare Methods

    Natural planning has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    SPERMICIDE

    Spermicide_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

    Spermicide has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    THE
    DIAPHRAGM

    Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

    The diaphragm has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

    WITHDRAWAL

    Withdrawal - Contraception Method

    Withdrawal has no impact on menstruation.

    NONE

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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.

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