Contraception

What do non-hormonal contraceptives do?

physically prevent the sperm from meeting the egg

what do hormonal contraceptives do?

they rely on releasing oestrogen, progesterone or a combination of the two

hormone patch

lasts 1 week, slowly releases oestrogen and progesterone

contraceptive injection

injection of progesterone into upper arm lasts 2-3 months

progesterone only pill

progesterone stimulates the production of thick mucus in the cervix and so prevents sperm from meeting the egg

good for people who can’t have pills containing estrogen

combined oral contraceptive pill

An oral contraceptive that contains oestrogen and progesterone

can reduce risk of certain cancers and is 99% effective at preventing pregnancies, doesn’t interrupt sex, can make periods lighter, can reduce symptoms of PMS

however it doesn't protect against STDs, can cause headaches and nausea and it isn’t 100% effective as there's still a slight chance of getting preggers, requires user to remember to take daily, may cause spotting, changes in weight

natural methods

abstaining from sex at certain times eg. when a woman is ovulating or stopping sex just before ejaculation(unreliable)

copper iud

stops implantation of the embryo into the womb by releasing copper which creates a toxic environment for the sperm, killing sperm, can be left in for up to 10 years

cons : small risk of causing ectopic pregnancy, can cause heavy periods

diaphragm

fills over the cervix so stops sperm from entering the uterus

however it's unreliable so it must be used with spermicide(however this only kills sperm 7/10 times so it's unreliable on its own), can increase risk of UTI, can’t be used during period, has to be left in for a few hours after sex

sterilisation

The cutting or tying of the fallopian tubes or sperm duct, very much permanent so only done when a woman doesn't want any more kids

barrier methods such as a condom

only form of contraceptive that prevents against STDs, quick and easy to use, however they can tear or rip, some people are allergic to the material