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.
The contraceptive patch is a small sticky patch that releases a daily dose of the hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, through the skin into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
These hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation), thickening the mucus in your cervix to stop the sperm from entering your uterus, as well as thinning the lining of your uterus so it is less likely that a fertilised egg will attach.
Each patch lasts for a week. When used correctly, it is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
The patch is applied directly to the skin on almost any area of your body, as long as the skin is clean, dry and not very hairy. The patch is very sticky and should stay on.
Apply the patch and leave it in place for one week (7 days). On day 8, replace it with a new one. Do this every week for 3 weeks, and then have a patch-free week in the 4th week. During this week, you may have a withdrawal bleed, like a period, although this may not always happen.
If your patch comes loose or falls off, or you forget to replace it, read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes in the box with your patches to find out what you should do. If you are in doubt or have any questions, speak to your healthcare provider.
You may experience:
Skin irritation or rash where the patch is applied
Changes in your monthly bleeding patterns, including:
Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding
Irregular bleeding
Infrequent bleeding
No monthly bleeding
These changes in bleeding are normal and are not harmful. If you find them bothersome, speak to your healthcare professional.
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Painful and tender breasts
Stomach pain
Flu-like symptoms
Irritation, redness, or inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis)
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 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.
Sterilisation is a safe, permanent contraceptive method for men and women, offering 99% effectiveness without affecting hormones or sex drive. Ideal for those certain they don’t want children.
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.
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