Emergency Contraceptive
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.
The intrauterine system (IUS) is a small, T-shaped device placed in your womb by your healthcare provider. It releases a steady amount of the hormone progestin each day.
This low-dose progestin thickens the mucus in your cervix, making it difficult for the sperm to make their way to the egg. Progestin also acts to thin the lining of your uterus, so a fertilised egg won’t be able to implant.
The IUS is one of the most reliable contraceptive methods and is 99.8% effective.
Speak to your healthcare provider to determine if an IUS is the right contraceptive method for you.
Once the IUS is inserted by a trained healthcare professional, you are protected from pregnancy for 3 to 5 years, depending on the make and model used.
Once the IUS is removed, you are no longer protected and can fall pregnant.
You may experience:
Pain when the IUD is put in, and cramping or back aches for a few days after
Longer and heavier monthly bleeding
Irregular bleeding
More cramps and pain during monthly bleeding
These changes in bleeding are normal and are not harmful. If you find them bothersome, speak to your healthcare professional.
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.
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.
Join the Bold Community
Together, we can make a difference by normalising the conversation around sexual health and pleasure. Join VIYA Health’s global mission to shape a world where every woman’s pleasure, wellness and health are prioritised.
