Skin Patch

Skin Patch

Only used by approximately 1% of women, the skin patch, also known as Evra, is an effective external version of the contraceptive pill which you stick onto the skin and works by releasing hormones that stop you from getting pregnant. As with most contraceptive methods this self-adhesive patch (which must be changed every seven days) does come with possible side effects including headaches, nausea and symptoms that are similar to flu. This method does not act as a barrier to STIs.

Contraceptive Injection

Contraceptive Injection

Lasting for approximately three months, the contraceptive injection (usually injected into a muscle in the backside) contains hormones to help act against pregnancy becoming a reality by inhibiting ovulation. The good thing about having this injection is that unlike the contraceptive pill you do not have to remember to keep taking it. However, it does not prevent the transference of sexual infections and is not recommended for use by women who suffer from migraines.

Contraceptive Coils

Contraceptive Coils

Contraceptive coils (or intrauterine devices - IUDs) are usually used by young women who have had babies. Fitting inside the womb, the IUD is only the length of a matchstick and helps to inhibit pregnancy by preventing sperm from getting through the womb and into the tubes, making the womb lining less able to accept an egg and altering secretions in the cervix thus creating an additional barrier for sperm. Although they do not prevent STIs, they have a 98% effectiveness rate when it comes to birth control. The only notable drawback is that periods may become heavier.

The Contraceptive Pill Effective Methods of Contraception

The Contraceptive Pill Effective Methods of Contraception

Also known as the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), the contraceptive pill or the pill for short is a method of birth control that uses a combination of hormones to inhibit fertility when taken every day. Although not a method of preventing the spread of STIs, the pill can regulate and often lighten periods and is thought to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. However, if the contraceptive pill is not remembered to be taken, this can lead to pregnancy. The mini-pill (POP) can also be taken orally and is recommended for those who should not use the full pill - for example, older women, diabetics and women whose blood pressure has gone up on the pill.