A Q and A on Contraception Choices
Contraception Choices: straight answers to the questions people actually ask, with the figures behind them.
The available methods of preventing pregnancy and how they compare in practice.
Key takeaways
- Most effective methods: implant, IUD and IUS
- Long-acting methods: do not depend on remembering anything
- Most useful single change: Ask specifically about long-acting reversible methods.
- Commonest mistake: Assuming typical use matches perfect use.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
What is Contraception Choices?
The available methods of preventing pregnancy and how they compare in practice.
Why does it matter?
The difference between perfect use and typical use is large for the methods most people choose, and small for the ones they are rarely offered.
Most effective methods for Contraception Choices?
Implant, IUD and IUS.
Long-acting methods for Contraception Choices?
Do not depend on remembering anything.
Emergency contraception for Contraception Choices?
More effective the sooner it is taken.
Copper IUD as emergency contraception for Contraception Choices?
The most effective option, up to 5 days.
What is the single most useful thing to do?
Ask specifically about long-acting reversible methods.
What is the most common mistake?
Assuming typical use matches perfect use.
When should I see a doctor?
Seek urgent medical help for calf pain or swelling, chest pain, severe breathlessness, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side or vision loss while using combined hormonal contraception. Tell your prescriber about migraine with aura, smoking over 35, high blood pressure or a history of blood clots.
Where to go next
- Contraception Choices at a Glance
- The Evidence on Contraception Choices, Without the Hype
- Contraception Choices — the reference entry
- What the Guidance Really Says About HIV
- What the Guidance Really Says About Cervical Screening and HPV
When to speak to a doctor
Seek urgent medical help for calf pain or swelling, chest pain, severe breathlessness, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side or vision loss while using combined hormonal contraception. Tell your prescriber about migraine with aura, smoking over 35, high blood pressure or a history of blood clots.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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