All Methods
Click on all contraceptive method boxes you wish to compare
Hormonal IUD
Small plastic device put into the uterus by a nurse or doctor. Releases low levels of hormone Progestogen.
Copper IUD
Small plastic and copper devices are put into the uterus by a nurse or doctor.
Hormone-free.
Implant (also called “the rod”, “The bar”- Brand name: Implanon)
A small rod put under the skin by a nurse or doctor.
Releases hormone Progestogen
Injection/Depo Provera (also called as “Depo” and “DMPA”)
Injection given by a nurse or doctor every three months/ 12 weeks.
Contains the hormone Progestogen.
Combined Pill (often called “the pill”)
Pill contains hormones Oestrogen/Estrogen and Progestogen.
Must be taken at the same time each day.
Progestogen only pill (sometimes called the “mini pill” or POP)
Pill contains hormone Progestogen.
Must be taken at the same time each day.
Emergency Contraceptive Pill (also known as the “Morning after pill” or “Plan B”)
A pill that contains either Progestogen or Ulipristal Acetate.
Condoms
External (penis) condoms are a thin pouch that is put over the penis before sex.
Vaginal Ring (Brand name: “Nuvaring”)
Flexible plastic ring put into the vagina for 3 weeks at a time. Releases hormones Oestrogen/Estrogen and Progestogen.
Diaphragm (also known as “the cap”)
A soft silicone dome put into the vagina to cover the cervix. It is a barrier method.
Tubal Ligation or Occlusion
A surgical procedure to permanently clip, block, or tie the fallopian tubes.
Vasectomy
A surgical procedure to cut, block or seal the tubes that allow the sperm to leave the testicles/ enter the semen.
Withdrawal (also called “pulling out” or “the pull out” method)
The penis is taken out/ withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation (cumming)
Fertility Awareness Methods (also known as “natural family planning” methods)
Person with a uterus monitors their fertility cycle through temperature and vaginal discharge to identify fertile days
Hormonal IUD
| What is it? |
Small plastic device put into the uterus by a nurse or doctor. Releases low levels of hormone Progestogen. |
| How does it work? | Stops sperm from reaching the egg. Might also stop eggs from being released. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | >99% Works 7 days after it is put in. |
| What are the advantages? | Lasts for at least 5 years. Cost effective over time. Can be used to manage periods. |
| What are the disadvantages? | Not all nurses and doctors are trained to put them in. May need a 6 week checkup with your health professional. Having it put in may have an upfront cost. Does not protect against STIs. Periods might change. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Strings might be detectable – can be cut short by nurse/doctor putting it in. This can make it harder to remove. If put in correctly stem should not be detectable. Periods might change or become irregular. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | Yes. Someone could remove it by force, especially if the strings are not cut short. |
Copper IUD
| What is it? |
Small plastic and copper devices are put into the uterus by a nurse or doctor.
|
| How does it work? | Makes lining of the uterus unsuitable for a pregnancy, and stops sperm from reaching the egg |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | >99% Works straight away. |
| What are the advantages? | Lasts 5- 10 years. Cost effective over time. Highly effective as emergency contraception. Periods continue each month. Also works as emergency contraception |
| What are the disadvantages? | Not all nurses and doctors are trained to put them in. May need a 6 week checkup with your health professional. Having it put in may have an upfront cost. Does not protect against STIs. Periods continue but might become longer/ heavier. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Strings might be detectable – can be cut short by the nurse/doctor putting it in. This can make it harder to remove/ you might need to have it removed in hospital. If put in correctly stem should not be detectable. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | Yes. Someone could remove it by force, especially if the strings are not cut short. |
Implant(also called “the rod”, “The bar”- Brand name: Implanon)
| What is it? |
A small rod put under the skin by a nurse or doctor.
|
| How does it work? | Stops egg from being released and stops sperm from reaching the egg. Stops eggs from being released. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | >99% Takes up to 7 days to work. |
| What are the advantages? | Lasts for three years. Cost effective over time. Can be used to manage periods. |
| What are the disadvantages? | Not all nurses and doctors are trained to put them in. Having it put in may have an upfront cost. Does not protect against STIs. Periods might change. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | You/someone else might be able to feel it once in place – it is usually placed in the upper arm. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | Yes. Someone could remove it by force. If it is cracked while in place, it might not work for as long. Might not be the best choice for people experiencing/ at risk of physical violence. |
Injection/Depo Provera(also called as “Depo” and “DMPA”)
| What is it? |
Injection given by a nurse or doctor every three months/ 12 weeks.
|
| How does it work? | Stops sperm from reaching the egg. Stops eggs from being released. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | Perfect use: 99% Typical use: 94% Takes up to 7 days to work. |
| What are the advantages? | Each injection lasts 12 weeks. Can be used to manage periods. Can be used while waiting to start another method. |
| What are the disadvantages? | Have to visit a health professional every 12 weeks. Does not protect against STIs. Can lead to weight gain. Periods might change. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Might be able to see a mark at the injection site on the day of each injection. Periods might change or become irregular. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | No. Once injected it cannot be tampered with for 12 weeks. |
Combined Pill(often called “the pill”)
| What is it? |
Pill contains hormones Oestrogen/Estrogen and Progestogen.
|
| How does it work? | Stops the egg from being released. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | Perfect use: 99% Typical use: 91% Takes up to 7 days to work. |
| What are the advantages? | Can help regulate the period. Easily available at pharmacies with a script. Can be used to manage periods. |
| What are the disadvantages? | Must remember to take it around the same time every day. Does not protect against STIs. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Pills in their packets can be easily recognisable. Can be removed from packaging and hidden to reduce this risk. Can be less effective if kept near/exposed to heat, light or moisture. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | Yes. Pills can be easily found and thrown away by other people. Instructions about what to do if a pill is missed are available online. You might need emergency contraception. |
Progestogen only pill(sometimes called the “mini pill” or POP)
| What is it? |
Pill contains hormone Progestogen. Must be taken at the same time each day. |
| How does it work? | Stops the egg from being released. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | Perfect use: 99% Typical use: 91% Takes up to 7 days to work. |
| What are the advantages? | Alternative to the combined pill for people who can’t take oestrogen due to medical conditions. Easily available at chemist with a script. Can be used to manage periods. |
| What are the disadvantages? | Must remember to take around the same time every day. Does not protect against STIs |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Pills in their packets can be easily recognisable. Can be removed from packaging and hidden to reduce this risk. Can be less effective if kept near/exposed to heat, light or moisture. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | Yes. Pills can be easily found and thrown away by other people. Instructions about what to do if a pill is missed are available online. You might need emergency contraception. |
Emergency Contraceptive Pill(also known as the “Morning after pill” or “Plan B”)
| What is it? |
A pill that contains either Progestogen or Ulipristal Acetate. |
| How does it work? | Delays the egg from being released. Does not stop pregnancy if you are already pregnant. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | 85% Depending on the type, must be taken within 1, 3 or 5 days after sex. |
| What are the advantages? | Can be used as a backup for other methods. Some types can be taken up to 5 days after sex. Easily available at pharmacies and sexual health clinics without a script. |
| What are the disadvantages? | Does not protect against STIs. Pharmacist may ask you to answer some questions about your sexual experiences. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Is available as a single pill that can be taken as soon as you get it. This makes it hard for others to know about. Doesn’t need a script so will not be on your medical record. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | No, it cannot be tampered with. |
Condoms
| What is it? |
External (penis) condoms are a thin pouch that is put over the penis before sex. |
| How does it work? | Stops sperm from reaching the egg. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | Condom for penis: 98%/ 92% Condom for vagina: 95%/ 79% Works straight away. |
| What are the advantages? | Penis condoms are easily available. Vaginal condoms come with lubricant on them. Protect against STIs. Can be used as backup for other methods. |
| What are the disadvantages? | Condoms for vaginas can be harder to find and cost more than condoms for penises. Some people find condoms for vaginas hard to put in and take out. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Condoms for vaginas are easy for the person you are having sex with to see and feel. Anyone can easily remove, or choose not to use, a condom. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | Yes. The person with a penis can easily control condom use or damage condoms. Might not be suitable for people who do not have control over if, when or how sex happens. |
Vaginal Ring(Brand name: “Nuvaring”)
| What is it? |
Flexible plastic ring put into the vagina for 3 weeks at a time. Releases hormones Oestrogen/Estrogen and Progestogen. |
| How does it work? | Stops egg from being released and stops sperm from reaching the egg. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | Perfect use: >99% Typical use: 91% Takes up to 7 days to work. |
| What are the advantages? | You can put it in yourself. You don’t need to remember to take a pill every day or use a condom every time you have sex. Can be used to manage periods. |
| What are the disadvantages? | Can cost more than other methods. Does not protect against STIs. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Is easily detected. It can be removed for short periods of time (up to 3 hours) without becoming less effective. You could take it out just before sex and put back in immediately after sex. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | Yes. Can be taken out easily by another person. Might not be suitable for people who do not have control over if, when or how sex happens. |
Diaphragm(also known as “the cap”)
| What is it? |
A soft silicone dome put into the vagina to cover the cervix. It is a barrier method. |
| How does it work? | Stops sperm from reaching the egg. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | Perfect use: 92-96% Typical use: 71-88% Works straight away. |
| What are the advantages? | Can be put in ahead of time/ before you know you are going to have sex. Can be more effective if you add spermicide to your diaphragm before you put it in. Spermicide stops sperm from reaching the egg. |
| What are the disadvantages? | You need to leave the diaphragm in place for at least 6 hours after you have sex. It must be washed every 24 hours. Does not protect against STIs. It can take time to learn how to use it. Your doctor or nurse can show you how to use it. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | When it is in, someone else might be able to feel it with their fingers. It is harder to feel with a penis. Is easy to recognise due to unique shape. Someone might be able to tell you have it when it is not in use/ in its package. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | Yes. Can be taken out easily by another person. Might not be suitable for people who do not have control over if, when or how sex happens. |
Tubal Ligation or Occlusion
| What is it? |
A surgical procedure to permanently clip, block, or tie the fallopian tubes. |
| How does it work? | Stops sperm from reaching the egg. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | >99% Works straight away. |
| What are the advantages? | Is permanent and cost effective over time. |
| What are the disadvantages? | It can have an higher upfront cost than other methods. In the public health system, wait lists are long and criteria, such as age, are often strict. Does not protect against STIs. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Might require incisions/small cuts and anaesthesia. You might need to see a doctor to check you after 3 months. This can make it hard to do without other people knowing. Periods will continue. Once cuts heal it won’t be obvious it has been done. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | No, it cannot be tampered with. |
Vasectomy
| What is it? |
A surgical procedure to cut, block or seal the tubes that allow the sperm to leave the testicles/ enter the semen. |
| How does it work? | Stops sperm from leaving the penis/ reaching the egg. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | >99% Takes up to 3 months to work. |
| What are the advantages? | Is permanent and cost effective over time. Does not stop the production of semen. |
| What are the disadvantages? | Will need a semen test after 3 months to make sure it has worked. Does not protect against STIs. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Might have some bruising, pain or swelling for a few days after the procedure. After this is will not be obvious it has been done. You will continue to produce semen. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | No, it cannot be tampered with. |
Withdrawal(also called “pulling out” or “the pull out” method)
| What is it? |
The penis is taken out/ withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation (cumming) |
| How does it work? | Stops sperm from entering the vagina. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | Perfect use: 96% Typical use: 80% Works straight away. |
| What are the advantages? | Can be used in combination with any other method. No scripts or devices needed. No cost. |
| What are the disadvantages? | There is a risk of pregnancy even if the person with the penis pulls out before ejaculation as sperm can be in pre-ejaculation fluid. Might need emergency contraception as back-up. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | This method relies on the person with a penis’s motivation and skill. They will have full knowledge and control over this method of contraception. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | Yes. Not suitable for people who do not have control over if, when or how sex happens. |
Fertility Awareness Methods(also known as “natural family planning” methods)
| What is it? |
Person with a uterus monitors their fertility cycle through temperature and vaginal discharge to identify fertile days |
| How does it work? | By avoiding sex, using alternatives to penis-in-vagina sex, or using a barrier method during fertile days. |
| Effectiveness: perfect/ typical use? * | Perfect use: 75 – 99% Typical use: 76% Works straight away. |
| What are the advantages? | Does not require any device or access to medical care. Can have no cost. Can be used in combination with any other method. |
| What are the disadvantages? | Requires practice for greatest effectiveness. Does not protect against STIs. |
| Will someone else know I’m using it? | Fertility awareness methods, when used properly, require record keeping about bodily changes. These could be concealed in code in a diary or on a fertility app, but might still be risky for people experiencing high levels of monitoring and surveillance. |
| Could someone else tamper with it? | Yes. Not suitable for people who do not have control over if, when or how sex happens. |
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For research & references on reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA)