Methods of Contraception

Contraception (also known as birth control) is a device, medicine or a method that aims to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of contraception options but for more information on which type of contraception might be right for you, it is best to discuss this with your GP or Nurse/Doctor at your local sexual health or young people clinic. A video giving information on contraception choices is available from NHS Inform.

It is important to remember that most methods of contraception with a primary function to prevent pregnancy, do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or blood borne viruses (BBVs). Condoms are a form of contraception known as a barrier method and are the most effective method of protection against BBVs, STIs and pregnancy. Condoms can be accessed for free in Lanarkshire by anyone who lives, works or studies here via the C Card Scheme.

All contraception is free from NHS Lanarkshire clinics and there are many different types to choose from.

The only type of contraception that protects against STIs, BBVs and pregnancy are condoms.

If you would like to make an appointment at any one of our clinics, please call 0300 303 0251 (line open; Mon – Thurs: 8am–4:45pm and Fri: 8am–3:45pm

A list of all clinic times and venues is on the Services page.

Condoms are available via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme for free, but they can also be bought over the counter from Supermarkets, Pharmacies and other outlets. Condoms are a barrier method of contraception and the physical barrier prevents sperm from coming into contact with an egg thus preventing pregnancy. Condoms also protect against STI transmission if used correctly, every time, during oral, anal and vaginal sex. Condoms by Post is also available for Lanarkshire residents.

Male condoms are worn on the penis and are made from very thin latex (rubber), polyisoprene or polyurethane and are designed to stop a man’s semen from coming into contact with his sexual partner. Condoms are 98% effective when used correctly, however, this drops to about 85% when human error is factored in. Common causes of condoms not being effective include; using them with oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline and moisturisers which degrade the condom and ripping or tearing the condom for example with teeth or sharp nails.

Learn more about condoms and how to use them

Internal condoms (previously known as Female condoms) are made from thin, soft plastic called polyurethane and they are worn inside the vagina to prevent semen from getting into the womb. Internal condoms (previously know as Female condoms) are around 95% effective against both pregnancy and STIs.

Learn more about female condoms and how to use them

There are two types of intrauterine contraception which we can fit, a hormonal (Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device, LNG-IUD) and non-hormonal option (Copper Intrauterine Device, Cu-IUD). Both are often referred to as ‘coils’.

Intrauterine contraception is a very effective (8 in 1000 failure rate) reversible method of contraception, which can last for 5-10 years depending on the type. It is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into your womb (uterus) by a trained specialist. Once the coil is in fitted you do not have to think about it each day or each time you have sex.

At the clinic we will discuss your options with you and check that a coil is a suitable method of contraception for you.

LNG-IUDs act locally inside the uterus by releasing a very low dose of progestogen hormone to prevent pregnancy by altering the lining of the womb and cervical mucus and are effective 7 days after insertion. In some women ovulation (releasing of an egg) is also prevented. If fitted correctly, the LNG-IUD is over 99% effective and many women find they have fewer or lighter periods. There are very few people who are not suitable for this method of contraception.

The 52mg LNG-IUD is the most commonly fitted (Mirena, Benilexa, Levosert) and is effective for 8 years: FSRH CEU Statement: Mirena® 52mg LNG-IUD extension of licence for contraception to 8 years – Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.https://www.fsrh.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/documents/fsrh-ceu-statement-extended-use-of-all-52mg-lng-iuds-for-up-to-eight-years-for-contraception.pdf  For women aged 45 and over, a 52mg LNG-IUD can be fitted and left in until you reach menopause, or you no longer need contraception.

Copper IUDs have a toxic effect on sperm and egg preventing fertilisation and have an inflammatory effect on the endometrium. Copper in the cervical mucus also inhibits the passage of sperm. Copper coils can be kept in place for five to ten years depending on which one you have inserted and they don’t contain any hormones. The failure rate is extremely low and if fitted correctly, they are over 99% effective.

Remember, these methods of contraception are only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.

Please note: sexual health clinics are staffed by both male and female clinicians, so we cannot guarantee a female doctor, however a female chaperone would always be present. If you wish to discuss this with staff prior to your appointment, please call the appointment line on 0300 303 0251.

The contraceptive implant, Nexplanon, is a small, flexible rod, which is inserted into your upper arm just under the skin. It is about the size of a match stick and once inserted you are able to feel it but it is not visible. The little rod produces a low dose of the hormone progestogen, slowly releasing it into the tissue below your skin. This stops you ovulating (releasing an egg) and also alters the cervical mucus. Almost everybody can have this method of contraception and is has an extremely low failure rate. This method of contraception once in your arm can stay in for 3 years and is a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

The insertion of the implant involves a small amount of local anaesthetic in your arm but there are no stitches and you do not require to be put to sleep. The area on the arm is bandaged for 48 hours to reduce swelling. If you think you would like an implant inserted, you would be counselled fully about the benefits and side effects before it is inserted. If implanted correctly, the implant is more than 99% effective.

Learn more about contraceptive implants

Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.

The contraceptive injection, usually Sayana Press, is an injection of the hormone progestogen into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. The hormone within the injection prevents ovulation (release of an egg). The injection has to be given every 13 weeks into the buttocks, arm, leg or abdomen and it is over 99% effective if used correctly and within the correct timeframe. You would be counselled fully about the benefits and side effects of Sayana Press prior to this being given. You can stop getting injections at any time. In some women, it can take a few months for periods to return to a regular pattern once they have stopped the injection.

Learn more about contraceptive injection

Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.

These methods of contraception contain two hormones oestrogen and progestogen as a pill, patch or vaginal ring.
The main action of these methods is to prevent you from releasing an egg. If taken correctly combined hormonal contraception has a very low failure rate and is over 99% effective.

Prior to being given a combined method of contraception you would be assessed by a nurse or doctor, have your blood pressure checked and a medical history taken, to check that you have no risk factors for complications. You would usually be seen 12 weeks later to check everything was alright and you can then continue on this method if it is suitable. There are certain conditions which make you unsuitable to have a combined method of contraception and again these will be discussed with you in the clinic.

There are a number of ways to take combined hormonal contraception and this can be discussed at your clinic visit.

Learn more about the combined pill.

Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.

This is a pill containing the hormone progestogen only, it does not contain oestrogen. This method of contraception is suitable for many women and it acts mainly by altering the cervical mucus (the mucus at the neck of the womb) making it more resistant to sperm. It can also effect ovulation (releasing an egg) in some cycles. The progesterone only Desogestrel pill, for example, is unlike other progesterone only pills as it does prevent the release of an egg.

This pill must be taken at the same time every day, however, it can be taken up to 3 hours late (or up to 12 hours late in pills such as Desogestrels) and still provide contraceptive cover. With all progesterone pills, there is no pill-free week and if taken correctly, this method of contraception is over 99% effective. Missing pills or taking the pill alongside certain other medicines can reduce its effectiveness. This method would be discussed fully with you at the sexual health clinic. If you had no problems in the first 3 months, the POP could be prescribed for 6 – 12 months depending on your health.

Learn more about Progestogen-only pill (POP or mini pill)

Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.

A contraceptive diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception where a circle of silicone is placed inside the vagina before sex to cover the cervix so sperm cannot enter into the uterus (womb). A diaphragm must be used alongside spermicide, which basically kills any sperm. The diaphragm must be left in place for at least 6 hours after sex, then removed and washed prior to being used again. When used correctly, they are around 92-96% effective, so they are less effective than many other contraceptive options.

Learn more about diaphragm.

Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.

A contraceptive cap, like a diaphragm, is a barrier method of contraception. It is a small circular dome made of soft silicone placed inside the vagina before sex to cover the cervix so sperm cannot enter into the uterus (womb). A cap must be used alongside spermicide, which basically kills any sperm. The cap must be left in place for at least 6 hours after sex, then removed and washed prior to being used again. Caps, like people, come in different shapes and sizes and you must be fitted for the correct size by a trained professional. When used correctly, they are around 92-96% effective, so they are less effective than many other contraceptive options.

Learn more about Cap

Remember, this method of contraception is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.

Natural family planning (or fertility awareness) is a method that teaches you at what times of the month you can have sex without using contraception and with a reduced risk of pregnancy. This method requires rigorous recording of changes in body temperature and cervical secretions over the course of the month to identify fertile and non-fertile periods but is essential to be taught the method by a qualified instructor. This method can be up to 99% effective but is estimated to be closer to 75% effective at preventing pregnancy due to mistakes and human error.

Learn more about natural family planning.

Remember, this method of contraception is only in relation to preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.