When it comes to contraception, there are a lot of different options out there to choose from. Some are more commonly used than others, but it’s important to consider your own priorities, as well as overall health before deciding what is right for you.
As part of our Let’s Talk About Sex campaign, we want to bring awareness to the safe and healthy ways students can engage in sexual activity while looking after themselves and their sexual health.
This blogpost details the wide variety of contraceptive methods that are available via the NHS. Many of these you can get for free through prescription at a GP surgery, from your local pharmacy or by visiting a sexual health clinic.
Condoms
For people who are not actively engaging in sexual activity, they may tend to opt for single use forms of contraception to help protect against pregnancy, known as condoms. As well as preventing pregnancy, condoms are the only form of contraception that protects you from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
There are two different types of condoms:
Condoms, also known as male condoms, are put on the penis before vaginal, anal or oral sex. They are up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly. If the condom has split or comes off during sex, as well as being used after the penis has touched the vagina, these are both incorrect uses and make condoms around 82% effective.
Internal, or female condoms, are put inside the vagina or anus before having sex. They are also helpful at preventing pregnancy and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Slightly lower, internal condoms are up to 95% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly, and only 79% effective if used incorrectly, which includes: the internal condom splitting or moving out of place during sex, the penis entering the vagina outside of the condom, or the penis touching the vagina before inserting the condom.
Oral Contraception
Hormonal methods
Some women who are actively engaging in sex may choose to take regular contraception. One form of this is oral contraception, primarily a hormone-based pill. However, oral contraception can also be prescribed for people with health-related reasons, such as period pain, heavy periods, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), endometriosis, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and adenomyosis.
The combined pill, typically known as the pill, is a type of hormonal contraception, which contains oestrogen and progestogen. It prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg each month. However, it does not prevent someone from getting or passing on STIs. If taken each day correctly, it is over 99% effective.
The progestogen only pill, more commonly known as the mini pill, is another type of hormonal contraception. Containing progestogen, which works in a similar way to progesterone, the mini pill prevents pregnancy the same way the combined pill does. It is also over 99% effective, if used correctly.
Long-acting reversible contraception
Hormonal methods
For those who do not want to rely on remembering to take contraception every day or are not wanting a baby soon, long-acting reversible contraception can be the most effective way to prevent pregnancy. Some can decrease or even stop someone having their menstrual cycle, so it can be a good for those with very heavy, painful periods.
One example is an IUS (intrauterine system), a small plastic t-shape that a doctor or nurse puts into your womb. It contains progestogen, which is released into the womb, preventing pregnancy. The IUS is over 99% effective and lasts 3-8 years. As well as making periods lighter, shorter and less painful, it is also an option as part of hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms.
Another option is the contraceptive implant. This is a small plastic rod, around 4cm long, that is inserted under the skin of your arm. It prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestogen, which stops the ovaries releasing an egg each month. Lasting 3 years, if replaced, the implant is over 99% effective.
Non-hormonal methods
For those who prefer non-hormonal forms contraception, the IUD (intrauterine device) is a great long-term reversible contraception choice. Also called a copper coil, it is a similar design to the IUS and is place into the womb. It works by releasing copper into the womb. At over 99% effective and lasting between 5-10 years, an IUD can also be used as a form of emergency contraception.
Short-acting contraception
Short-acting contraception offers women certain flexibility, helping to bridge the gap between emergency and longer-term contraception. Effectiveness rates for typical use are less effective than for long-acting, however. This is due to that fact it can be easier to forget when to change the patches or ring. Despite this, they are great forms of contraception at preventing pregnancy when used correctly, for those seeking to take contraception for a shorter period.
The first option is the contraceptive patch, a small square patch that you wear on your skin. It works by releasing oestrogen and progestogen into the blood, stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg. The patch can be worn for 7 days before needing to be replaced with a new one. If done correctly, the contraceptive patch is 99% effective.
The vaginal ring is another option - made of soft, flexible plastic, it is put inside your vagina. In the same way the contraceptive patch works, the vaginal ring releases oestrogen and progestogen into the blood, which stops the ovaries releasing an egg. It lasts for 3 weeks before needing to be replaced. If used correctly, it is 99% effective.
The contraceptive injection is short-acting contraception that lasts longer than the previous two options, between 8 to 13 weeks depending on the type. The injection contains progestogen, which is what stops the ovaries releasing an egg. If the injection is given on time, the injection can be more than 99% effective.
How to access
Contraception services are available on the NHS, all of which are free and confidential. You can get contraception, as well as emergency contraception (the morning after pill), free from:
- Sexual health clinics, also known as family planning or contraception clinics. In Southampton, there is the Royal South Hants Hospital Sexual Health clinic, Bitterne Health Centre, Hythe Sexual Health Clinic and Eastleigh Sexual Health Unit 6 all within a 5-mile radius of campus.
- GP surgeries can prescribe short-term and long-term acting contraception, with some offering free condoms.
- Some pharmacies in Southampton can provide oral contraception if you are starting or need your next supply. You may need to speak to someone before being given the contraception, normally for them to check your health.
- YOUR SU – we are a Get It On Centre, which means we can give out free condoms to students. All you must do is pop into the SU Exchange or SU Office and speak to one of our staff members.
If you don’t have a prescription or access to a clinic or GP surgery, you can buy contraception from:
- Condoms from the pharmacy, supermarkets or online.
- The progestogen-only pill from some pharmacies, known as bridging contraception.
- The emergency contraceptive pill from some pharmacies.