Implants and intrauterine methods work for years and require little ongoing action.
Back to the glossarySexual health
Contraception
Methods used to reduce the chance of pregnancy. Methods differ in effectiveness, duration, reversibility, side effects, user control and protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Sexual health
In brief
Pregnancy prevention chosen around health, preference and control.
There is no single best contraceptive method for everyone. A useful choice fits the person's health, priorities and ability to use it, without pressure from a partner or professional. Typical-use effectiveness reflects real-life mistakes and delays; perfect-use figures assume consistently correct use.
Pills, patches, rings and injections require repeat action on a schedule.
External and internal condoms are used at the time and also reduce transmission of many STIs.
Sterilisation is intended to be irreversible and requires careful, voluntary decision-making.
Effectiveness in real life
Implants and intrauterine methods are over 99% effective with typical use because they remove frequent user action. Pills, patches, rings and condoms have a larger gap between typical and perfect use.
Percentages describe populations over a stated period, usually one year; they do not predict one individual event.
Choosing a method
Consider bleeding changes, other side effects, medicines, migraine and cardiovascular history, pregnancy plans, privacy and whether a procedure is acceptable. A clinician can identify contraindications and interactions.
Contraceptive preferences may change. Removal or switching should be available without needing a partner's permission.
Pregnancy and STI prevention
Most contraceptive methods do not reduce STI transmission. Condoms can contribute to both pregnancy and STI prevention, and may be used alongside another method.
Testing, vaccination, PrEP or other sexual-health measures answer different risks and should not be collapsed into one decision.
Consent and reproductive autonomy
Starting, continuing or stopping contraception must be voluntary. Hiding, damaging or controlling contraception can be reproductive coercion and may accompany other abuse.
Shared discussion can be helpful, but the person using a method controls decisions about their body. Confidential services can support someone whose choices are being monitored.
Non-graphic examples
What the umbrella may include
- Comparing typical-use figures before choosing a method.
- Using condoms alongside an implant for STI prevention.
- Changing a pill after discussing side effects.
- Choosing a method that can be kept private.
- Requesting removal of a long-acting method without partner approval.
Reviewed 30 August 2026
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