The contraception you use will depend on a number of factors, particularly your health and your current lifestyle. With 15 different methods of contraception to select from, you need to be fully informed about the one you choose to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Perhaps the most important consideration you will have is the effectiveness of the contraception you use. No contraception is 100% effective in preventing unplanned pregnancies – for example, the likes of the pill have to be used correctly and taken properly over days, weeks and months to protect you and if so, will provide 99% effectiveness. Other methods that have to be used correctly to provide 99% effectiveness are a contraceptive patch and the vaginal ring.
There are a number of methods also considered 99% effective. These include contraceptive injections, given every 8 or 12 weeks; contraceptive implants, which last up to three years; the intrauterine system (IUS) lasting up to five years; IUD, the intrauterine device commonly referred to as the coil, also lasting up to five years.
Some forms of contraception have to be taken regularly, such as the pill, to work properly so if you would prefer the convenience of a solution that has a long-term effect, you might want to consider using an injection, implant or patch. Condoms, either for male or female use, give you the convenience of use only when you want to have sex and have the added benefit of also protecting you against sexually-transmitted diseases (STIs).
Using particular contraceptives can affect your periods – some, like either version of the pill, patches and injections, can make them lighter or stop altogether. Contraception that uses hormones to prevent conception are not suitable for all women and your doctor will discuss with you what alternatives there are. In fact, your age, weight and whether you smoke or not will all be factors in which type of contraception is right for you and you should discuss the matter fully with your GP.