| Method | Picture | Effectiveness | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|
The Pill (COCP, Mini pill) |
 |
92-99.7% |
The most popular and accessible contraception in the world Wide choice of the pills available Very effective if taken correctly Effects can be easily reversed Can improve acne Useful in managing PCOS |
Needs to be taken every dayMight cause breakthrough bleedings, breast tenderness
COCP can’t be prescribed if:
(these restrictions do not apply to mini-pill) |
|
Vaginal Ring |
 |
92-99.7% |
Once a month use Low dose of estrogen Very effective of used correctly Quick return to fertility |
Might be unpopular with some women as requires inserting the ring into vaginaPossible local irritation Needs to be remembered to reinsert it after the period Relatively new contraception Might occasionally be accidently expelled May be expensive |
| Implanon NXT |  |
>99.9% | Highly effective Long -acting (3 years) Cost effective over time Alternative method for ladies who do not like or can’t take the pill May improve acne |
Require a procedure for insertion and removal (performed only by specially trained doctors) Procedure related risks- bruising, scarring, infection Changes in menstrual pattern, ranging from complete loss of periods to frequent and prolonged bleeding No protection from STIs |
|
The Coil Mirena (hormonal) Copper IUD (without hormone) |
 |
99.2-99.9% |
Highly effective Long -acting (5 years) Cost effective over time Alternative method for ladies who do not like or can’t take the pill Copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception |
Require a procedure for insertion and removal (performed only by specially trained doctors) Procedure related risks- perforation of uterus, pelvic infection, fainting) May be moderately uncomfortable for some women during the insertion No protection form STIs |
| Injectable |  |
97-99.7% | Highly effective, long term contraception- 3 month Can be used to manage menstrual problems Alternative method for ladies who do not like or can’t take the pill |
The injection cannot be reversed or withdrawn once given Mean time of return of fertility is 8 months (could be up to 18 months) May produce unpredictable menstrual irregularities May cause a decrease in bone density that is likely to be reversible on ceasing the injection |
|
Condoms Male condom Female condom |
 |
85-98% |
Only method that reduces the risk of sexually- transmissible infections (STIs) Readily available& inexpensive. Choice of size and color. Female condom can be costly Alternative method if ladies do not like or can’t take the pill |
Require a high degree of motivation and cooperation between partners Not a very reliable method of contraception when used by less experienced users Condom can be damaged during the opening of the package Contraindicated if there is an allergy to latex |
| Diaphragm |  |
84-94% |
Can be used when there are medical conditions that contraindicate other methods, especially if there are drug interactions with any hormonal method. Can be used on intermittent basis |
Have the lower effectiveness than other methods May not be acceptable to some women, because of having to be self –inserted into the vagina Not suitable if latex allergy exist Possible increase in UTI |
| Sterilization (tube ligation) |  |
99.5% |
Permanent procedure Non hormonal, no effect on the menstrual cycle |
Difficult to reverse back to fertility Procedure has to be carried out by specialist A procedure carries risks of complications |
| Vasectomy (for men) |  |
99.85-99.9% |
Permanent procedure Has no systemic effects Frees the female partner from potential risks or side effects associated with other methods of contraception |
Difficult to revers back Requires specially trained doctor to perform the procedure. This is a surgical procedure with both short and long-term risks |
| Natural method | 
|
75-99% |
Useful for women with religious beliefs that forbid the use of artificial contraceptive methods Useful for women who prefers “natural” solutions Instant back to fertility if desired |
Require daily awareness of physical changes and understanding about a complex female reproductive cycle Might be difficult during breastfeeding or approaching menopause The need of sexual abstinence might put a relationship to stress “Typical use” failure rate is very high |
|
Emergency contraception (Morning after pill) |
85% |
Available over the counter from chemist High probability that it will prevent pregnancy |
Do not prevent from STIs A high dose of hormones can cause nausea &vomiting Might interact with other medications |
