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Our specialists offer expert advice on contraception methods for women. There are many different types of contraception. Which method will work best for you is based on numerous factors including age, medical history, whether you smoke, and which medicines you take.
The only way to protect yourself against STIs (sexually transmitted diseases) is to use a condom every time you have sex. Other methods of contraception only prevent pregnancy, but do not protect against STIs.
Other factors which may influence your decision to use a certain contraceptive method include the effectiveness at preventing pregnancy, and how often you have to use/replace the contraceptive.
In your consultation, your specialist will run through different options with you and recommend the best methods for you.
Are you comfortable inserting contraceptives into your vagina?
You may wish to consider the following contraceptive methods if you are comfortable inserting them into your vagina:
If you want to have a longer term method, and do not mind a specialist inserting a contraceptive into your uterus you could consider:
Some contraceptive methods can affect your periods in different ways. They can make your periods lighter or heavier, more infrequent or more irregular. Your specialist will be able to discuss these effects with you.
Some contraceptives can help to make you periods lighter, including:
Do you smoke?
You will be able to use most types of contraception if you smoke, but if you are also over 35 years old, the combined pill,vaginal ring or patch may not be suitable. If you are over 35 and smoke, you can consider the following:
Some contraceptives produce oestrogen and progestogen, hormones which are naturally produced in women. These contraceptives may be unsuitable for women with medical conditions such as breast cancer.
Other contraceptives which do not use hormones may be more suitable. These include:
Are you taking any other medicines?
Talk to your specialist about any medications you are taking. Some contraceptives may be affected by your medication but there are options available which are not affected, including:
Contraceptive methods can be stopped if you want to have a baby. Normally, you will be able to get pregnant as soon as you stop using contraception.
Fertility normally returns to normal within a month of stopping the combined pill, vaginal ring or contraceptive patch, and more quickly for other, non-hormonal methods. Your fertility may take longer to return after stopping the contraceptive injection.
