Contraception articles

Articles on choosing a pill, the methods we prescribe, and using them safely, written by our clinical team. Updated regularly.

Health | Care | Convenience

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More than twenty articles on choosing a method, how each one works, using them safely, and what to expect.

For a full overview see our contraception service page.

Choosing your method

A young woman looking at her phone outside a pharmacy on a city street Choosing a pill: combined or progestogen-only Patch, ring or pill: choosing a combined method Patch, ring or pill: choosing A young European woman walking along a sunny city street Switching or restarting the pill Woman in her twenties or thirties at home in natural daylight. Contraception after pregnancy and breastfeeding The coil explained: IUD and IUS The coil explained: IUD and IUS

The pill, and how to use it

A woman outdoors The seven-day rule explained A woman at home with her pill pack Skipping your period A couple together outdoors Missed a pill? Where it falls matters A woman today, with a 1960s scene of men examining a pill pack behind her Why you bleed at all: a short history

The methods

A young Black woman standing in a bright kitchen holding a glass of water Combined pills: who they suit A young woman reading health information in a comfortable chair at home Progestogen-only pills and the 24-hour window The contraceptive patch (Evra), explained The contraceptive patch (Evra) The vaginal ring (NuvaRing), explained The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) The diaphragm: a hormone-free option The diaphragm, a hormone-free option A woman at home reading and making notes The contraceptive injection A South Asian woman sitting at home looking at her phone Emergency contraception: levonorgestrel vs ulipristal A couple walking together outdoors Condoms, honestly

The coil

The coil explained: IUD and IUS The coil explained: IUD and IUS The Mirena coil: more than contraception The Mirena: more than contraception What having a coil fitted is actually like What a coil fitting is like Copper coil or hormonal coil: how to choose Copper or hormonal coil: how to choose

Safety and side effects

A woman at home Is the pill safe? An honest look Two women in conversation, one listening and taking notes Side effects: skin, mood, libido, weight Woman in her twenties or thirties at home in natural daylight. The pill and blood-clot risk, in proportion A young South Asian woman walking through a park in daylight Migraine and the pill Woman in her twenties or thirties at home in natural daylight. How we decide what is safe for you

Planning a pregnancy

A couple sitting together, talking Coming off the pill to get pregnant

Read across our other services

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