Methods used to reduce the chance of pregnancy. Methods differ in effectiveness, duration, reversibility, side effects, user control and protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Sources and evidence type
Manual claim and limitation notes are shown where an individual source audit is complete. Other evidence-type labels are a publisher aid awaiting source-by-source confirmation.
NHS: contraceptionClinical guideline
Source design
Current public-health or clinical guidance
What it can support
Service pathways, health definitions and recommended public-health or clinical actions within its stated scope.
Important limitation
General guidance cannot assess an individual’s symptoms, exposure, medicine, contraindications or urgency.
Illustration created using generative AI; not documentary evidence.
In brief
Pregnancy prevention chosen around health, preference and control.
There is no single best contraceptive method for everyone. A useful choice fits the person's health, priorities and ability to use it, without pressure from a partner or professional. Typical-use effectiveness reflects real-life mistakes and delays; perfect-use figures assume consistently correct use.
Effectiveness in real life
Implants and intrauterine methods are over 99% effective with typical use because they remove frequent user action. Pills, patches, rings and condoms have a larger gap between typical and perfect use.
Percentages describe populations over a stated period, usually one year; they do not predict one individual event.
Status
Detailed editorial draft
Publisher
The UK Kink Guide
Reviewed
Structured draft present; individual review date not recorded
Evidence
3 cited sources · types labelled below
Jurisdiction
UK-focused general education
Read the rest: evidence, law, safety and sources
Long-acting reversible
Implants and intrauterine methods work for years and require little ongoing action.
Short-acting hormonal
Pills, patches, rings and injections require repeat action on a schedule.
Barrier
External and internal condoms are used at the time and also reduce transmission of many STIs.
Permanent
Sterilisation is intended to be irreversible and requires careful, voluntary decision-making.
Choosing a method
Consider bleeding changes, other side effects, medicines, migraine and cardiovascular history, pregnancy plans, privacy and whether a procedure is acceptable. A clinician can identify contraindications and interactions.
Contraceptive preferences may change. Removal or switching should be available without needing a partner's permission.
Pregnancy and STI prevention
Most contraceptive methods do not reduce STI transmission. Condoms can contribute to both pregnancy and STI prevention, and may be used alongside another method.
Testing, vaccination, PrEP or other sexual-health measures answer different risks and should not be collapsed into one decision.
Consent and reproductive autonomy
Starting, continuing or stopping contraception must be voluntary. Hiding, damaging or controlling contraception can be reproductive coercion and may accompany other abuse.
Shared discussion can be helpful, but the person using a method controls decisions about their body. Confidential services can support someone whose choices are being monitored.
Non-graphic examples
What the umbrella may include
Comparing typical-use figures before choosing a method.
Using condoms alongside an implant for STI prevention.
Changing a pill after discussing side effects.
Choosing a method that can be kept private.
Requesting removal of a long-acting method without partner approval.
Prepare for an appointment
Questions you could ask a professional
What possible causes should be considered?
Could medicines, treatment, pain, hormones or another condition contribute?
Which symptoms or changes would need urgent review?
What options fit my priorities, access needs and health history?
These prompts do not replace assessment and do not imply that every reader needs professional care.
Continue learning
Take the next step from definition to context.
Continue with independent guidance connecting contraception to evidence, consent, safety, uncertainty and practical decisions.
The UK Kink GuideEvidence-led glossary