Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Whatever questions you have about getting and using contraception, this guide can
help.
It aims to give practical information to everyone who wants to know more about
contraception, or who may have a question about the method they use or are thinking
about using.
You can find out about the 15 methods available on the NHS, together with where to
get them and how to decide which method might work best for you.
If you're viewing this page on a computer screen, use the blue tabs at the top of the
page to see a full menu for each section of the contraception guide.
If you can't find what you're after, try the search box at the top of the page – it covers
everything on the NHS website.
If you're viewing this on a mobile device, click the blue sections at the top of the page
and you'll see a list of all the topics covered in this guide.
You can start by finding out about the methods of contraception you can choose from,
including how they work, who can use them and possible side effects.
These methods are:
caps or diaphragms
combined pill
condoms
contraceptive implant
contraceptive injection
contraceptive patch
female condoms
progestogen-only pill
vaginal ring
There are 2 permanent methods of contraception:
female sterilisation
Which method works best for you depends on a number of factors, including your age,
whether you smoke, your medical and family history, and any medicines you're
taking.
If you need contraception, call your GP surgery or a sexual health clinic as soon as
possible. Only go in person if you're told to.
It can take longer to get contraception at the moment and some types are not widely
available.
You'll be told about other types you can use if you’re unable to get the type you want.
See Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare: advice for women seeking
contraception during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Get answers to some common questions about getting and using contraception,
including:
when your periods will come back after stopping the pill