Your contraception method should be based on an informed decision considering that you may have to try different things before finding the best one for you. Your contraceptive method should provide 100% confidence and no unacceptable side effects if used correctly.

The Pill remains the most popular contraception method in most of the developed world, narrowly beating the male condom into second place. Contraception methods can be divided into non-hormonal and hormonal types, with both forms equally effective if used correctly.

Non-hormonal contraception works through preventing contact between sperm and the egg or preventing implantation of the fertilised egg in the womb and includes:

- The male condom which is 99% safe and female condoms which is 95% safe. The instructions of use are very important and the female condom is especially likely to fail as a contraception method with the wrong technique. Usually effective as protection against sexually transmitted disease (STD).

- The diaphragm and cap with spermacide do not protect against STD, needs to be sized and fitted initially by a doctor or nurse, requires insertion a few hours before sex and left for 6 hours afterwards. This is a 92 – 96% effective contraception method if used correctly with the appropriate spermacide.

- IUD (Intra-uterine device) or coil needs to be fitted by a doctor or nurse, can be left in place for 3 – 10 years and is a 99% effective contraception method. It does not protect against STD and there is a small risk of complications (infection, perforation during the fitting procedure or an ectopic pregnancy)

- Natural family planning (NFP) should to be taught by an experienced NFP teacher and involves planning sex or abstinence of sex around the time of ovulation. This contraception method can be 94% effective, but does not work well in women with long or short cycles.

- Withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation is not a contraception method and unreliable.

- Sterilization is a 100% effective contraception method and recommended for people who do not want any more children.

Hormonal contraception is very reliable and reversible once treatment is stopped. Approximately 60 million women worldwide use the pill which has a 99% effectiveness as a contraception method (11). There are risks of being on the pill especially if you are over 35, over weight and a smoker. For further discussion of some of the more controversial aspects of the pill please visit  www.femhealthblissblog.com.

- Combined oral contraceptives (COC) contain a combination of synthetic hormones taken for 21 days, followed by a break of 7 days.

- The skin patch which is worn for every 3 weeks out of 4

- Progestogen-only pill for women who wish to avoid or cannot take oestrogen.

- Injections of progestogen every 3 months provides a contraception method as safe as the pill, but fertility may take months to return to normal if no further injections are given.

- Implanon implant under the skin of the upper arm can provide protection for up to 3 years and is a very effective contraception method, which can be reversed as soon as the implant is removed.

- The IUS or intra-uterine system (Mirena coil) is a device which is placed in the uterus where it slowly releases hormone into the womb. It acts as an effective contraception method, as well a helping women who suffer from very heavy periods.  

Emergency contraception is effective if taken up to 72 hours after you think your contraception method has failed and consists of 2 tablets of progestogen levonorgestrel.