What contraception does
Contraception is used to reduce the chance of pregnancy. Different methods work in different ways and differ in effectiveness, side effects, accessibility and suitability. The right choice depends on the person and their circumstances.
Method categories
- Barrier methods such as external and internal condoms.
- Hormonal methods such as pills, injections, implants or patches where available.
- Intrauterine contraception, including copper and hormonal devices where available.
- Fertility-awareness methods, which require careful instruction and consistent tracking.
- Permanent contraception for people who have made an informed decision that they do not want future pregnancies.
STI protection
Most contraceptive methods do not prevent STIs. Condoms can reduce the risk of many infections, especially when used consistently and correctly. Some people choose to combine condoms with another method for pregnancy prevention.
Getting personal advice
A qualified clinician or family-planning service can discuss medical history, interactions, side effects, timing, access and preferences. Do not rely on a website alone to decide whether a particular method is suitable.
Please remember: This guide is general education, not a diagnosis. Seek a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice, symptoms, testing or treatment.