Ways to Prevent Pregnancy and Protect Sexual Health

Ever since the 1960s when the contraceptive pill was released, we have been able to choose from a larger selection of methods to prevent pregnancy and safeguard our wellness from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Where to start

In the UK most people can get contraception for free, giving greater control over when to start families and wellbeing. In fact, there are about 15 different contraceptive methods available from our GPs and local sexual health clinics. With male and female sterilisation providing a permanent form of family planning. This means that you’re sure to find contraception that suits your health, lifestyle and relationship.

Hormone methods

Pregnancy occurs when sperm fertilises an egg, and contraceptive methods prevent this happening in different ways. There are those that feature hormones, such as the combined pill, progestogen-only pill, as well as patches, implants and injections. These alter the levels of hormones in your body to prevent eggs being released. You may prefer these if you like the idea of taking a pill once a day for your family planning needs. With the other hormonal contraception you have to think about it even less – as you get ‘top-ups’ over months or even years.

Combined techniques

Some of us fall into risk categories in terms of methods that rely just on hormones, so we may be offered contraception that has been developed to release lower levels of hormones in one specific area. These include intrauterine devices, which sit in the womb and as well as releasing just progestogen, they thicken mucus so sperm have difficulty reaching the egg. Vaginal rings also release hormones locally and are inserted into the vagina and changed by users every 21 days.

Just barriers

Barrier methods work for people who can’t or don’t want to take any form of hormones to prevent pregnancy. These include the diaphragm, which lies near the cervix stopping sperm from entering the womb. Condoms also work in a similar way, and there are types for both men and women. Health experts say that although all these techniques can help prevent pregnancy, only condoms can reduce the spread of STIs, so using them with other techniques is an effective way of protecting sexual health.