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
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%
More than 99%
More than 99%
More than 99%
More than 99%
94%
More than 99%
More than 99%
Hormonal (progestogen-only)
Hormonal (progestogen-only)
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.
No
No
No
No
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
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.