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.
Contraceptive implants are small flexible rods that are placed just under the skin of your upper arm by a healthcare professional. Depending on the type of implant, one or two rods are implanted.
The rods steadily release the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream, preventing the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation). This hormone also thickens the mucus in your cervix to stop the sperm from entering your uterus.
The contraceptive implant provides very effective contraception for 3 to 5 years, depending on the type used.
Your trained healthcare provider will inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area on the inside of your upper arm. The implant is then inserted just under the skin. You will not need stitches.
The implant then releases a steady flow of progestogen over 3 to 5 years, depending on the type of implant. You can have it removed at any time by your healthcare provider, and your natural fertility will return very quickly.
You may experience:
Changes in your monthly bleeding patterns, including:
First several months to a year:
Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding
Periods that last longer
Irregular bleeding
Infrequent bleeding
No monthly bleeding
After about one year:
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.
Other symptoms include:
Dizziness
Mood changes
Nausea
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.
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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