Methods of Contraception
General Info
Contraception (also known as birth control) is a device, medicine or a method that aims to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of contraception options but for more information on which type of contraception might be right for you, it is best to discuss this with your GP or Nurse/Doctor at your local sexual health or young people clinic. A video giving information on contraception choices is available from NHS Inform.
It is important to remember that most methods of contraception with a primary function to prevent pregnancy, do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or blood borne viruses (BBVs). Condoms are a form of contraception known as a barrier method and are the most effective method of protection against BBVs, STIs and pregnancy. Condoms can be accessed for free in Lanarkshire by anyone who lives, works or studies here via the C Card Scheme.
All contraception is free from NHS Lanarkshire clinics and there are many different types to choose from. Please note that sexual health clinics are staffed by both male and female clinicians, so we cannot guarantee a female doctor, however a female chaperone would always be present. Please call the appointment line if you wish to discuss this with staff prior to your appointment.
The only type of contraception that protects against STIs, BBVs and pregnancy are condoms.
If you would like to make an appointment at any one of our clinics, please call 0300 303 0251 (line open; Mon-Thurs: 8am–5.45pm, Fri: 8am–4pm).
A list of all clinic times and venues is on the Services page.
Condoms
Condoms are available via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme for free, but they can also be bought over the counter from Supermarkets, Pharmacies and other outlets. Condoms are a barrier method of contraception and the physical barrier prevents sperm from coming into contact with an egg thus preventing pregnancy. Condoms also protect against STI transmission if used correctly, every time, during oral, anal and vaginal sex. Condoms by Post is also available for Lanarkshire residents.
Male condoms are worn on the penis and are made from very thin latex (rubber), polyisoprene or polyurethane and are designed to stop a man's semen from coming into contact with his sexual partner. Condoms are 98% effective when used correctly, however, this drops to about 85% when human error is factored in. Common causes of condoms not being effective include; using them with oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline and moisturisers which degrade the condom and ripping or tearing the condom for example with teeth or sharp nails.
Learn more about condoms and how to use them
Internal condoms (previously known as Female condoms) are made from thin, soft plastic called polyurethane and they are worn inside the vagina to prevent semen from getting into the womb. Internal condoms (previously know as Female condoms) are around 95% effective against both pregnancy and STIs.
Learn more about female condoms and how to use them
Intrauterine system (IUS, hormonal coil)
The Mirena is the most common IUS, otherwise known as a coil, that is fitted into the uterus (womb). It is a small, T-shaped plastic device which acts locally inside the uterus by releasing a very low dose of progestogen hormone to prevent pregnancy by altering the lining of the womb and cervical mucus. In some women ovulation (releasing of an egg) is also prevented. If fitted correctly, the IUS is over 99% effective and many women find it very good as they have few periods or very light periods. The failure rate is extremely low and there are very few people who are not suitable for this method of contraception.
This method of contraception is a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) which works for five to eight years (depending on the type) without having to think about contraception every day or every time you have sex. Also, for women aged 45 and over, an IUS can be fitted and left in until you reach menopause or you no longer need contraception and it may help relieve some menopausal symptoms.
Learn more about intrauterine system.
Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.
Please note that sexual health clinics are staffed by both male and female clinicians, so we cannot guarantee a female doctor, however a female chaperone would always be present. Please call the appointment line if you wish to discuss this with staff prior to your appointment.
Intrauterine device (IUD, coil)
IUD/IUS Coil Insertion
An intrauterine device is commonly known as a coil or copper coil and is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is inserted into the uterus (womb). All coils contain copper, but there are different types and some contain more copper than others. They act by altering the lining of the womb and by being toxic to sperm, so stopping the sperm and egg from surviving and implanting in the womb. Copper coils can be kept in place for five to ten years depending on which one you have inserted and they don’t contain any hormones so do not interact with any other medications. The failure rate is extremely low and if fitted correctly, they are over 99% effective.
This method of contraception is a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) which works for three to five years (or more) without having to think about contraception every day or every time you have sex.
Learn more about intrauterine device (IUD, coil).
Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.
Please note that sexual health clinics are staffed by both male and female clinicians, so we cannot guarantee a female doctor, however a female chaperone would always be present. Please call the appointment line if you wish to discuss this with staff prior to your appointment.
Contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant, Implanon, is a small, flexible rod, which is inserted into your upper arm just under the skin. It is about the size of a match stick and once inserted you are able to feel it but it is not visible. The little rod produces a low dose of the hormone progestogen, slowly releasing it into the tissue below your skin. This stops you ovulating (releasing an egg) and also alters the cervical mucus. Almost everybody can have this method of contraception and is has an extremely low failure rate. This method of contraception once in your arm can stay in for 3 years and is a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) which works for three to five years without having to think about contraception every day or every time you have sex.
The insertion of the implant involves a small amount of local anaesthetic in your arm but there are no stitches and you do not require to be put to sleep. The area on the arm is bandaged for 48 hours to reduce swelling. If you think you would like an implant inserted, you would be counselled fully about the benefits and side effects before it is inserted. If implanted correctly, the implant is more than 99% effective.
Learn more about contraceptive implants
Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.
Contraceptive injection
The contraceptive injection, usually Sayana Press, is an injection of the hormone progestogen into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. The hormone within the injection prevents ovulation (release of an egg). The injection has to be given every 12 weeks into the buttocks, arm, leg or abdomen and it is over 99% effective if used correctly and within the correct timeframe. You would be counselled fully about the benefits and side effects of Sayana Press prior to this being given. You can stop getting injections at any time. In some women, it can take a few months for periods to return to a regular pattern once they have stopped the injection.
Learn more about contraceptive injection
Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COC)
This method of contraception requires you to take a pill every day for 3 weeks and then have a week free. These pills contain two hormones oestrogen and progestogen.
The main method of action of these pills is to prevent you from releasing an egg. If taken correctly the combined pill has a very low failure rate and is over 99% effective. The most common causes of failure of this contraception are missing one or more pills.
Prior to being given a combined pill you would be assessed by a nurse or doctor, have your blood pressure checked and a medical history taken, to check that you have no risk factors for complications with the pill. You would usually be seen 12 weeks later to check everything was alright and you can then continue on this method if it is suitable. There are certain conditions which make you unsuitable to have a combined pill and again these would be discussed with you in the clinic. Most pills are taken for 3 weeks and then there is a pill-free week of 7 days before you would start the pill again. This means that you have to be motivated and remember to take the pill as instructed. However, if you do miss a pill there is clear guidance on what you should do to prevent you from becoming pregnant.
Learn more about the combined pill.
Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.
Progestogen-only pill (POP or mini pill)
This is a pill containing the hormone progestogen only, it does not contain oestrogen. This method of contraception is suitable for many women and it acts mainly by altering the cervical mucus (the mucus at the neck of the womb) making it more resistant to sperm. It can also effect ovulation (releasing an egg) in some cycles. The progesterone only pill Cerazette, for example, is unlike other progesterone only pills as it does prevent the release of an egg.
This pill must be taken at the same time every day, however, it can be taken up to 3 hours late (or up to 12 hours late in pills such as Cerazette) and still provide contraceptive cover. With all progesterone pills, there is no pill-free week and if taken correctly, this method of contraception is over 99% effective. Missing pills or taking the pill alongside certain other medicines can reduce its effectiveness. This method would be discussed fully with you at the sexual health clinic. If you had no problems in the first 3 months, the POP could be prescribed for 6 – 12 months depending on your health.
Learn more about Progestogen-only pill (POP or mini pill)
Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.
Contraceptive patch
The contraceptive patch is a small patch, a bit like a nicotine patch, that is stuck onto the skin once a week for three weeks, followed by a one week break. The patch releases both hormones; oestrogen and progestogen to prevent pregnancy. It contains the same hormones as the combined oral contraceptive pill and so works in a very similar way by preventing ovulation (releasing an egg) and thickening the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to travel through. It also works to thin the lining of the womb, so even if an egg was fertilised by sperm, it would be much less likely to implant in the womb. When used correctly, the patch is more the 99% effective, but human error reduces effectiveness, most commonly through the patch being removed at the wrong time or a new patch being applied too late.
Learn more about Contraceptive patch
Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.
Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is a small, soft plastic ring that you place inside your vagina and leaves for 21 days, then remove it and throw it in the bin in a special disposal bag. Seven days after removing the ring, a new one can be inserted for the next 21 days. The ring releases both oestrogen and progestogen. This prevents ovulation (release of an egg), makes it difficult for sperm to get to an egg and thins the womb lining, so it’s less likely that an egg will implant there. If used correctly and within the specified timeframe, the vaginal ring is over 99% effective.
Learn more about vaginal ring
Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.
Diaphragm
A contraceptive diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception where a circle of silicone is placed inside the vagina before sex to cover the cervix so sperm cannot enter into the uterus (womb). A diaphragm must be used alongside spermicide, which basically kills any sperm. The diaphragm must be left in place for at least 6 hours after sex, then removed and washed prior to being used again. Diaphragms, like people, come in different shapes and sizes and you must be fitted for the correct size by a trained professional. When used correctly, they are around 92-96% effective, so they are less effective than many other contraceptive options.
Learn more about diaphragm.
Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.
Cap
A contraceptive cap, like a diaphragm, is a barrier method of contraception. It is a small circular dome made of soft silicone is placed inside the vagina before sex to cover the cervix so sperm cannot enter into the uterus (womb). A cap must be used alongside spermicide, which basically kills any sperm. The cap must be left in place for at least 6 hours after sex, then removed and washed prior to being used again. Caps, like people, come in different shapes and sizes and you must be fitted for the correct size by a trained professional. When used correctly, they are around 92-96% effective, so they are less effective than many other contraceptive options.
Learn more about Cap
Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.
Natural family planning
Natural family planning (or fertility awareness) is a method that teaches you at what times of the month you can have sex without using contraception and with a reduced risk of pregnancy. This method requires rigorous recording of changes in body temperature and cervical secretions over the course of the month to identify fertile and non-fertile periods but is essential to be taught the method by a qualified instructor. This method can be up to 99% effective but is estimated to be closer to 75% effective at preventing pregnancy due to mistakes and human error.
Learn more about natural family planning.
Remember, this method of contraception is only in relation to preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.