Contraception helps you prevent pregnancy. There are 15 available contraceptive methods in the UK.
There's information about all contraception methods on the Sexwise website.
For each method, we look at how it works, how effective it is at preventing pregnancy, and the main advantages and disadvantages.
Contraception needs to be used until the menopause. This is 2 years after last having a natural period if you’re aged under 50, or 1 year if aged over 50. This advice may be different if you’re using hormonal contraception. Some contraception has non-contraception benefits. You can continue a suitable method of contraception until aged 55 to take advantage of these benefits.
Contraception at a glance
Download our Contraception at a glance chart
How do I choose a method?
By finding out more about each method, you can choose contraception that suits you.
As well as looking at the Sexwise website, you can talk about the different methods with a doctor or nurse.
Some things to consider are:
- whether you (or a partner) want to become pregnant fairly soon, many years away or not at all
- how you (and/or a partner) want contraception to fit your lifestyle
- whether you (or a partner) want to use a method every day, every time you have sex or less often.
Is contraception free and where can I get it?
See Contraception: frequently asked questions for more details.
How can I find a contraceptive service?
See Contraception: frequently asked questions for more details.
Emergency contraception
If you’ve had sex without contraception, or think your method might’ve failed, you can use emergency contraception. You can use emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected sex but try and get it as soon as possible. An intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective option. Some people will get pregnant even when they take emergency pills correctly.
Can I use breastfeeding as a form of contraception?
Breastfeeding can be up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 6 months after giving birth if all of the following apply:
- you’re fully, or nearly fully, breastfeeding, day and night – this means you’re only giving your baby breast milk, or you’re infrequently giving other liquids in addition to your breast milk
- your baby is less than six months old
- you haven’t had a period since the birth.
Even if all the above apply, certain situations increase your risk of pregnancy. See our information on your contraceptive choices after you've had a baby.
What if I get pregnant?
If you think you could be pregnant, do a pregnancy test as soon as possible.
You can do a test from the first day of a missed period – before this time the level of pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) may be too low to show up on a test and you may get a negative result even though you are pregnant.
If you don’t know when your next period is due, the earliest time to do a test is 21 days after unprotected sex.
If you’re pregnant you can choose to:
- continue with the pregnancy and be a parent
- end the pregnancy by having an abortion
- continue with the pregnancy and choose adoption.
More about your pregnancy choices.
Sexually transmitted infections
Condoms and internal condoms are the only contraception that also help protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). More about STIs.
This website can only give you general information on contraception. The information is based on evidence-guided research from the World Health Organization and The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
All methods of contraception come with a Patient Information Leaflet which provides detailed information about the method.
Contact your doctor, practice nurse or a sexual health clinic if you’re worried or unsure about anything.
