Which method of contraception is right for me?
Which contraceptive method is right for me?
When it comes to contraception, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. The type of contraception that works best for you will depend on a number of things, like your medical history, needs and circumstances.
By using the table below, you can compare a range of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARC) and short-acting contraceptive methods.
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
Short-acting contraception
Implant | Injection | Hormonal coil (LNG- IUD) | Non-hormonal coil (copper coil or CU- IUD) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efficacy with perfect use | More than 99% | More than 99% | More than 99% | More than 99% | |
Efficacy with typical use | More than 99% | 94% | More than 99% | More than 99% | |
Hormonal or non-hormonal | Hormonal (progestogen-only) | Hormonal (progestogen-only) | Hormonal (progestogen-only) | Non-hormonal | |
Effect on periods | Bleeding pattern can be unpredictable. Your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer. | Your periods may become irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter or stop altogether. There is a trend toward less bleeding with duration of use. | It can make your periods lighter, shorter or stop altogether, so it may help people who have heavy or painful periods. | Your periods may become heavier, longer or more painful, though this may improve after a few months. | |
Barrier method | No | No | No | No | |
Length of protection | 5 years | Between 8 and 13 weeks (depending on type) | Between 3 and 8 years (depending on type) | Between 5 and 10 years (depending on type) | |
Fertility returns | Immediately once removed | Up to 1 year after it wears off | Immediately once removed | Immediately once removed |
Barrier methods
The table above is designed to help you compare short-acting methods and long-acting reversible contraceptive methods. There is a third category of contraceptive methods, known as ‘barrier methods’. These include condoms, diaphragms and caps. Click the button to learn more about barrier methods.
Types of contraception
Long-acting contraception
Long-acting contraceptive methods include the coils, the injection and the implant.
Short-acting contraception
Short-acting methods include the contraceptive pill, patch and ring.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception includes the emergency contraceptive pill and the non-hormonal coil.