Which method of contraception is right for me?

MSI UK nurse and client touching contraceptive coil.

Home Contraception Which method 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

Efficacy with perfect use

Efficacy with typical use

Hormonal or non-hormonal

Effect on periods

Barrier method

Length of protection

Fertility returns

Implant

Injection

Hormonal coil (LNG- IUD)

Non-hormonal coil (copper coil or CU- IUD)

More than 99%

94%

More than 99%

Hormonal (progestogen-only)

Non-hormonal

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.

3 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)

Immediately once removed

Up to 1 year after it wears off

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.

barrier methods