Intrauterine System-IUS
A small T-shaped device inserted in the womb that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for 3-5 years. Highly effective, reversible, and requires healthcare provider insertion and removal.
Sterilisation is a surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy permanently. Both men and women can be sterilised.
Female sterilisation involves cutting or sealing the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from travelling down the fallopian tubes, which link the ovaries to the womb. The egg then cannot meet the sperm and cannot be fertilised.
Male sterilisation, or a vasectomy, is when the tubes that carry the sperm from the testes to the penis are cut or sealed. It works by stopping sperm from getting into a man’s semen, the fluid that he ejaculates. When he does ejaculate, the semen has no sperm in it and so cannot fertilise an egg.
Both procedures are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Once you are sterilised, it is very difficult to reverse it, so it is best to consider all your options before making your decision.
Sterilisation is performed by a trained healthcare professional.
Depending on the method used, you may either have a general anaesthetic, where you’re asleep during surgery, or a local anaesthetic, where you are awake but will not feel any pain.
You will need to use contraception for 3 months after the procedure, and then you will not need to think about contraception again.
There are no known side effects
Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception.
If you think you may want children in the future, consider another option.
While reversal surgery is sometimes possible, it's complex, costly, and not always successful. Even when pregnancy occurs, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is higher.
For these reasons, sterilisation should be considered irreversible.
A small T-shaped device inserted in the womb that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for 3-5 years. Highly effective, reversible, and requires healthcare provider insertion and removal.
Hormonal pills taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Most effective within 12 hours, they don’t protect against STIs and shouldn’t be used as regular contraception.
A flexible vaginal ring that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for one month. It’s 91% effective, easy to use, and doesn’t interrupt sex, but may cause mild side effects.
A small skin patch that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. Worn weekly, it’s over 91% effective when used correctly and doesn’t interrupt sex, but may cause skin irritation.
A hormone shot that prevents pregnancy for 2–3 months by stopping ovulation. It’s over 94% effective when used on schedule, but may cause irregular bleeding and other hormonal side effects.
A daily hormonal tablet that prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation. Highly effective when taken consistently at the same time each day, but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
A long-acting, reversible contraceptive placed under the skin that steadily releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for 3–5 years. Highly effective and discreet, with quick return to fertility.
A hormone-free, on-demand vaginal sponge that blocks the cervix and releases spermicide, providing up to 24 hours of contraception but with moderate effectiveness and possible irritation.
Spermicides are non-hormonal chemicals used before sex to kill or slow sperm. Best used with barrier methods, they’re easy to apply but offer low effectiveness when used alone.
A risky method where the penis is withdrawn before ejaculation to prevent pregnancy. It’s free but unreliable and best used with another contraceptive method for better protection.
A thin sheath worn on the penis to block sperm, preventing pregnancy and protecting against STIs. Effective when used every time during sex, and available in latex and non-latex options.
A small T-shaped copper device inserted into the womb by a healthcare provider. It prevents pregnancy for 5–10 years by impairing sperm and fertilized egg implantation.
A natural method that tracks fertility signals to avoid or achieve pregnancy. Effective when followed precisely, it requires daily monitoring and discipline but involves no hormones or side effects.
A soft latex sheath worn inside the vagina during sex to prevent pregnancy and STIs. Used on demand, it offers protection but may require practice to insert correctly.
A reusable silicone dome inserted into the vagina before sex to block sperm from entering the uterus. Must be used with spermicide and fitted by a healthcare provider.
A small T-shaped device inserted in the womb that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for 3-5 years. Highly effective, reversible, and requires healthcare provider insertion and removal.
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