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Contraception
There are a variety of forms of contraception that you can choose from: discover which type suits you best.
Condoms or sheaths
Condoms are made of latex and are put on a man's erect penis before intercourse to stop the sperm entering the woman's vagina.
Contraception advice on missed pills changing
New advice for women who miss their oral contraceptive pill focuses on number of pills missed before extra precautions are needed, an expert says.
Contraception: diaphragms and caps
A diaphragm or cap is a rubber dome that a woman inserts high into her vagina, covering the opening of the womb (cervix).
Contraception: female condom
The female condom is a barrier method of contraception that is stronger than latex, odourless and causes no known allergic reactions.
Contraception: female sterilisation
Female sterilisation, or tubal ligation, works by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
Contraception: hormone implant
A hormone implant is a small contraceptive device that is inserted into the upper arm.
Contraception: injection
An injection of DMPA (depo medroxyprogesterone actetate) works by preventing ovulation, making the cervical mucus thicker and making the lining of the womb thinner.
Contraception: intra-uterine device (IUD)
IUDs are contraceptive devices that work by preventing the implantation of a fertilised egg and by helping to stop the sperm from fertilising the egg.
Contraception: long-term options for women
Long-term contraceptive options for women include injections, a contraceptive implant, intrauterine devices and the vaginal ring.
Contraception: male sterilisation
Vasectomy is a form of surgical contraception that involves the cutting and tying of 2 tubes to prevent sperm from entering the seminal fluid.
Contraception: natural family planning
The birth control option known as natural family planning is sometimes referred to as periodic abstinence .
Contraception: spermicides
Spermicides work by killing sperm, but they should be used with a barrier form of contraception.
Contraception: the combined pill
The combined oral contraceptive pill is about 99 per cent effective.
Contraception: the female condom
The female condom gives women increased access to safe and effective means of fertility control.
Contraception: the mini (progestogen only) pill
The mini-pill is a progestogen only pill and an alternative to the combined pill.
Contraception: the oral contraceptive pill
The oral contraceptive pill is one of the safest commonly used medications to prevent pregnancy.
Depo-Provera contraception
Long-acting ('depot') injections of Depo-Provera and Depo-Ralovera provide reliable contraception for 3 months.
Diaphragms and cervical caps
Find out more about the the diaphragm and the cervical cap.
Emergency contraception - morning-after pill
Emergency contraception, used to prevent a pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, works by stopping the fertilised egg implanting in the womb lining.
Essure pbc (permanent birth control)
A new method of contraception is available for women seeking permanent contraception without the need for a general anaesthetic and major surgery.
Female reproductive organs
A summary of how the female reproductive organs work.
IUDs may protect against cervical cancer
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) - a long-term form of contraception - may help protect against cervical cancer, a study suggests.
Safe sex using condoms
Find out how condoms can help you practise safe sex.
Vasectomy: frequently asked questions
Ten frequently asked questions answered about having a vasectomy and what you can expect afterwards.
Condoms are made of latex and are put on a man's erect penis before intercourse to stop the sperm entering the woman's vagina.
Contraception advice on missed pills changing
New advice for women who miss their oral contraceptive pill focuses on number of pills missed before extra precautions are needed, an expert says.
Contraception: diaphragms and caps
A diaphragm or cap is a rubber dome that a woman inserts high into her vagina, covering the opening of the womb (cervix).
Contraception: female condom
The female condom is a barrier method of contraception that is stronger than latex, odourless and causes no known allergic reactions.
Contraception: female sterilisation
Female sterilisation, or tubal ligation, works by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
Contraception: hormone implant
A hormone implant is a small contraceptive device that is inserted into the upper arm.
Contraception: injection
An injection of DMPA (depo medroxyprogesterone actetate) works by preventing ovulation, making the cervical mucus thicker and making the lining of the womb thinner.
Contraception: intra-uterine device (IUD)
IUDs are contraceptive devices that work by preventing the implantation of a fertilised egg and by helping to stop the sperm from fertilising the egg.
Contraception: long-term options for women
Long-term contraceptive options for women include injections, a contraceptive implant, intrauterine devices and the vaginal ring.
Contraception: male sterilisation
Vasectomy is a form of surgical contraception that involves the cutting and tying of 2 tubes to prevent sperm from entering the seminal fluid.
Contraception: natural family planning
The birth control option known as natural family planning is sometimes referred to as periodic abstinence .
Contraception: spermicides
Spermicides work by killing sperm, but they should be used with a barrier form of contraception.
Contraception: the combined pill
The combined oral contraceptive pill is about 99 per cent effective.
Contraception: the female condom
The female condom gives women increased access to safe and effective means of fertility control.
Contraception: the mini (progestogen only) pill
The mini-pill is a progestogen only pill and an alternative to the combined pill.
Contraception: the oral contraceptive pill
The oral contraceptive pill is one of the safest commonly used medications to prevent pregnancy.
Depo-Provera contraception
Long-acting ('depot') injections of Depo-Provera and Depo-Ralovera provide reliable contraception for 3 months.
Diaphragms and cervical caps
Find out more about the the diaphragm and the cervical cap.
Emergency contraception - morning-after pill
Emergency contraception, used to prevent a pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, works by stopping the fertilised egg implanting in the womb lining.
Essure pbc (permanent birth control)
A new method of contraception is available for women seeking permanent contraception without the need for a general anaesthetic and major surgery.
Female reproductive organs
A summary of how the female reproductive organs work.
IUDs may protect against cervical cancer
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) - a long-term form of contraception - may help protect against cervical cancer, a study suggests.
Safe sex using condoms
Find out how condoms can help you practise safe sex.
Vasectomy: frequently asked questions
Ten frequently asked questions answered about having a vasectomy and what you can expect afterwards.
