Contraception is used to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
There are many options available to prevent a pregnancy, as well as condoms to protect you from both pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Different types of contraception suit different people and different lifestyles.
Contraception is free for everyone aged 13 and above.
The most common forms of contraception are:
Condoms – The male condom goes over the penis, the female condom goes inside the vagina
Pills – These are usually taken every day
Injection – This is in the bottom and lasts up to 14 weeks
Implant – This is placed under the skin of the arm and last 3 years
IUD/IUS – These are small devices also knows as coils that fit inside the womb through the vagina and don’t require changing for 3-10 years
Visit NHS Choices to find out more about all of the options for contraception, so you can consider which one is right for you.