Contraception

First things first

There are 14 methods of contraception to choose from. Here you'll find information on each of them, how they work, and their advantages and disadvantages.

Different methods suit different people, but withdrawal (taking the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation) is not a method of contraception. There is semen containing sperm present at the tip of the penis as soon as it is erect.

Individual advice on contraception is available from:

• your GP
  
• another GP (registering for family planning only)
  
• a Brook Centre (for young people under 25)
  
• a family planning clinic
  

Contraception is free on the NHS and advice will be confidential.

• male condom
• female condom
• combined pill
• progestogen only pill
• contraceptive injection
• contraceptive patch
• implant
• intrauterine device (IUD)
• intrauterine system (IUS)
• diaphragm with spermicide
• cap with spermicide
• female sterilisation
• male sterilisation (vasectomy)
• natural family planning