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Are you protected

Choose a method of contraception that suits you and your partner. You and your partner can get contraceptives free from:

  • Your doctor's surgery

  • A family planning clinic

Different methods of contraception suit different people at different times. It is important to choose a method of contraception that suits you and your partner.

No contraception will give 100% protection against pregnancy. However, all the methods you can get in the UK are very effective, when you use them correctly and consistently. Protection against sexually transmitted infections. 

If you use male or female condoms, on their own or with other contraceptive methods every time you have sex, they can also help protect you against sexually transmitted infections.

  • Combined pill or progestogen-only pill
  • Male condom or female condom
  • Diaphragm or cap with spermicide
  • Natural family planning

With other contraceptives, how well they protect against pregnancy doesn’t depend on
the person using them. These methods protect against pregnancy until it is time for them
to be renewed or replaced by a doctor or nurse.

  • Contraceptive injection
  • Contraceptive implants
  • Intrauterine system (IUS)
  • Intrauterine device (IUD), or the ‘coil’

Emergency contraception

If you think your contraceptive method has not worked, or you have had sex without using contraception, there are two types of emergency contraception women can use.

  • Emergency contraceptive pills must be started within three days (72 hours) of sex. They work best if they are started within 24 hours of sex
  • An IUD must be fitted within five days.

These are available from your GP or a family planning clinic. You may also be able to get them from doctors in NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics or hospital accident and emergency departments. Phone the Contraceptive Education Service on 020 7837 4044.