A single-use sheath or covering that fits over an erect penis. Mostly made from latex but can be made from other materials for people with a latex allergy.¹
WORKS BY forming a barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina so it cannot meet an egg. Also protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).¹
EFFICACY:²
Typical use: 88%
Perfect use: 98%

A single-use sheath or lining that fits loosely inside the vagina. Has flexible rings at both ends, one at the closed end to help insertion, one at the open end to sit outside of the vagina.¹
WORKS BY forming a barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina so it cannot meet an egg. Also protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).¹
EFFICACY:²
Typical use: 79%
Perfect use: 95%

A soft cup that covers the cervix. The rim contains a firm, flexible spring that keeps the diaphragm in place. Should be fitted by a doctor or nurse before first use.¹
WORKS BY blocking sperm from entering the cervix so it cannot meet an egg.¹
EFFICACY:²
Typical use: 82%
Perfect use: 86%

WORKS BY relying on knowledge of the most fertile time in your cycle and avoiding sex during this time.¹
EFFICACY:²
Typical use: 76–93%
Perfect use: 95–99.5%

WORKS BY removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculating, instead ejaculating outside of the vagina.¹
EFFICACY:²
Typical use: 80%
Perfect use: 95%

The use of breastfeeding as contraception.⁵
WORKS BY reducing the probability of ovulation while you are breastfeeding.⁵
EFFICACY:⁵
98% as long as three criteria
are met:
• Periods have not come back
• Gave birth <6 months ago
• Fully breastfeeding (no formula)

A progesterone-only contraceptive given as an injection into the muscle.³
WORKS BY suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.³ Frequency of injection is once evry 12 weeks.³
EFFICACY:²
Typical use: 96%
Perfect use: 99.8%

A soft plastic ring which is inserted into the vagina where it slowly releases low doses of oestrogen and a progestogen. Can stay inside for up to three weeks.¹
WORKS BY suppressing ovulation.¹
EFFICACY:²
Typical use: 93%
Perfect use: 99.5%

A pill that you take every day which contains two hormones; a progestogen and an oestrogen.¹
WORKS BY preventing the release of an egg, making the uterus an uninviting place for embryos and thickening the cervical mucus to slow down sperm.⁴
EFFICACY:²
Typical use: 93%
Perfect use: 99.5%

A pill that contains a low dose of a progestogen, sometimes called the ‘mini pill’.¹
WORKS BY thickening the cervical mucus to slow down sperm and making the uterus an uninviting place for an embryo.⁴
EFFICACY:²
Typical use: 93%
Perfect use: 99.5%

A small plastic rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm about the size of a matchstick that releases a progestogen slowly over a three year period.⁵
WORKS BY suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to slow down sperm and making the uterus an uninviting place for an embryo.4
EFFICACY:²
99.95% (lasts up to three years)

A small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the uterus by a trained doctor and steadily releases a progestogen over five years.¹,⁵
WORKS BY acting locally on the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of fertilized eggs, also thickens the cervical mucus to slow sperm down and in some women suppresses ovulation.⁴
EFFICACY:²
99.9% (lasts up to five years)

A small, flexible plastic and copper device which must be inserted into the uterus by a trained doctor.1 Contains no hormones.¹
WORKS BY stopping the sperm from reaching the egg and stopping any fertilized egg from sticking to the wall of the uterus.⁵
EFFICACY:²
99.5% (lasts 5–10 years)

Known as tubal ligation, works by getting an operation that blocks the fallopian tubes to stop eggs getting into the uterus.⁵
EFFICACY:²
99.5% (intended to be permanent)

WORKS BY getting an operation to cut or block the tube that carries sperm out of the penis so no sperm will enter the semen.¹
EFFICACY:²
99.5% (intended to be permanent)