Contraception

 source: Contraception

There are 15 methods of contraception available in the UK. Find out what they are, how to use them, where to get them and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Emergency contraception

If you have had unprotected sex, that is, sex without using contraception, or think your contraception might have failed, you can use emergency contraception.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)

Contraceptive methods that do not depend on you remembering to take or use them.
Contraceptive implant
Contraceptive injections
The IUD
The IUS
Your guide to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
A quick summary of all four methods of long-acting reversible contraception.

Hormonal methods

Hormonal methods of contraception contain estrogen and progestogen or progestogen alone.
Combined pill
Progestogen-only pill
Contraceptive patch
Contraceptive vaginal ring

Barrier methods

Barrier methods of contraception prevent sperm from meeting an egg.
Male and female condoms
Diaphragms and caps

Permanent methods

Male and female sterilisation are permanent methods of contraception, suitable for people who are sure they never want children or do not want more children.

Natural family planning

Natural family planning allows a woman to closely monitor the fertile and infertile times of her menstrual cycle so that she can have sex when there is no risk of pregnancy.

Understanding your body

Find out about the male and female reproductive systems, the menstrual cycle and what’s involved in conception.

Had unprotected sex?

Sex without using contraception can put you at risk of pregnancy at any time during the menstrual cycle. You can use emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is more effective at preventing pregnancy the earlier it is used.
Sex without using a condom can put you at greater risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection. Read about sexually transmitted infections including symptoms, tests and treatment.

Is contraception free and where can I go to get it?

You can obtain free contraception, including emergency contraception, from:

• a general practice, unless they say they don’t provide contraception services
• a contraception clinic or a sexual health clinic
• a young people’s service (these will have an upper age limit)
• some genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.

You can also get the emergency contraceptive pill Levonelle free from:

• most NHS walk-in centres (England only) and minor injuries units
• some hospital accident and emergency departments (phone first to check)
• some pharmacies (there may be an age limit).

If you are 16 or over you can buy the emergency contraceptive pill Levonelle from most pharmacies.

How can I find a contraception service?

• Find out about all sexual health services from the FPA helpline.
• Find details of general practices and pharmacies in England at www.nhs.uk and in Wales at www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk. In Scotland you can find details of general practices at www.show.scot.nhs.uk. In England and Wales you can also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 and in Scotland NHS 24 on 0845 4 24 24 24. In Northern Ireland call the FPA helpline or for details of general practices see www.n-i.nhs.uk.
• Get details of your nearest contraception, GUM or sexual health clinic from a telephone directory, health centre, local pharmacy, hospital, midwife, health visitor or advice centre.
• Get details of young people’s services from Brook on 0808 802 1234.

What other services are available?

Contraception clinics sometimes provide far more than contraception. This may include:

• pre-pregnancy advice/pregnancy testing
• help and advice on an unplanned pregnancy (including abortion, adoption and continuing the pregnancy)
• safer sex advice
• advice on sexual problems
• cervical screening tests and breast awareness
• checks for sexually transmitted infections
• menopause advice
• infertility advice.

Young people

Do I have to be 16 to use contraception?

No. If you are under 16 you can get confidential advice and contraception. Health workers (nurses, doctors and pharmacists) work under very specific guidance with this age group. You must be mature enough to understand the advice and any decisions made about giving you contraception.

Will my parents/carers be told if I am given contraception?

Health workers have to keep anything you tell them private but they will usually encourage you to talk to your parent or carer.
If a health worker thinks there is a risk to your health, safety or welfare they might need to share your information with someone else. The risk would need to be serious and the health worker would usually discuss this with you first.

Age of consent

In the UK it is against the law for anyone to have sex with a person under the age of 16. This is the same for men and women and for heterosexual (straight) and homosexual (gay/lesbian) sex. This is known as the age of consent.

Information and advice for young people

Brook has advice on sexual health, contraception and your rights as a young person.