Filter methods
How it affects periods
Effectiveness
Method (How you use it)
Type (How it prevents pregnancy)
STI Protection
  • Effective - best when used perfectly
  • No STI Protection
  • Hormones
  • Remember regularly
  • Periods regular and lighter
The combined pill also just known as "the pill"

The combined pill is usually just called the pill. It contains two hormones – estrogen and progestogen. These are…
  • Reasonably effective - best when used perfectly
  • STI Protection
  • No hormones
  • Remember before sex
  • Periods won't change
condom

External (male) and internal (female) condoms are barrier methods of contraception. They stop sperm meeting an egg. An…
  • Reasonably effective - best when used perfectly
  • STI Protection
  • No hormones
  • Remember before sex
  • Periods won't change
female condom

Internal (female) and external (male) condoms are barrier methods of contraception. They stop sperm meeting an egg. An…
  • Very effective - no need to remember it!
  • No STI Protection
  • Hormones
  • Fit and forget
  • Periods may be lighter or stop
Implant

A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod that’s placed just under the skin of your upper arm. It releases a…
  • Effective - best when used perfectly
  • No STI Protection
  • Hormones
  • Fit and forget
  • Periods may be lighter or stop
Injections

Contraceptive injections contain a progestogen hormone which is similar to the natural progesterone produced by the…
  • Effective - best when used perfectly
  • No STI Protection
  • Hormones
  • Remember regularly
  • Periods regular and lighter
contraceptive patch

The contraceptive patch is a small, thin, beige coloured patch, nearly 5cm x 5cm in size.  You stick it on your skin…
  • Effective - best when used perfectly
  • No STI Protection
  • Hormones
  • Remember regularly
  • Periods regular and lighter
Contraception vaginal ring

The contraceptive vaginal ring is a flexible, transparent plastic ring. It’s placed in the vagina where it releases…
  • Reasonably effective - best when used perfectly
  • No STI Protection
  • No hormones
  • Remember before sex
  • Periods won't change
Diaphragms and caps

Diaphragms and caps are barrier methods of contraception. This means they help stop you getting pregnant by stopping…
  • Reasonably effective - best when used perfectly
  • No STI Protection
  • No hormones
  • Remember regularly
  • Periods won't change
Fertility awareness methods

Fertility awareness involves being able to identify the signs and symptoms of fertility during the menstrual cycle so…
  • Very effective - no need to remember it!
  • No STI Protection
  • No hormones
  • Fit and forget
  • Periods sometimes get heavier
IUD

An IUD is a small, flexible plastic and copper device that’s put into your uterus (womb). It has one or two thin…
  • Very effective - no need to remember it!
  • No STI Protection
  • Hormones
  • Fit and forget
  • Periods may be lighter or stop
IUS

An IUS is a small plastic device that’s put into your uterus (womb) and releases a progestogen hormone. This is similar…
  • Effective - best when used perfectly
  • No STI Protection
  • Hormones
  • Remember regularly
  • Periods may be lighter or stop
Progestogen-only pill, also known as mini pill

Progestogen-only pills (POPs) contain a progestogen hormone. This is similar to the natural progesterone produced by…
  • Very effective - no need to remember it!
  • No STI Protection
  • No hormones
  • Fit and forget
  • Periods won't change
Sterilisation

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception, for people who don’t want more children, or any children. It…