SHORT-ACTING CONTRACEPTION
CONTRACEPTION METHODS
Short acting contraceptives are a category of contraception methods that are user dependent and need to be taken on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. They are very effective form of contraception against unplanned pregnancies when used correctly.
Short-acting contraception includes hormonal methods such as the pill, the patch, the ring, and non-hormonal methods such as condoms, spermicides and the diaphragm.
Methods of this contraceptive category require you to think about using or taking them regularly or each time you have sex.
They are reversible, meaning that once you stop using them the contraceptive effect wears off quickly and women can become pregnant as rapidly as those ones who have used no contraceptive at all.
Find out more about these short acting methods below:
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.
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 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 RING
A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.
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.
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.
SPERMICIDES
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.
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.
NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
Speak to a healthcare professional for advice and support on your contraceptive needs.
