Contraceptive Methods

Choosing which birth control method is best for you can be difficult. You may have heard your friends or family discussing different methods, and you may not be aware of all the options that are available.

How well these methods work can vary and you may find some methods easier to use than others. There are many things to consider including any underlying medical conditions as well as lifestyle factors.

One of the most important considerations you may have when considering different contraceptive options is how effective a method is. The effectiveness of each method is worked out by calculating how many women get pregnant if 100 women use the method for a year. In this article, we use the terms “correct use” and “common use” when talking about effectiveness.

Some methods depend on the woman using the method every time they have sex, or remembering to take or apply them every day, week or month. If the method is not used correctly, it will be less effective. “Common use” takes into account the common lapses in using the method as indicated, which is the “correct use”.

Speaking to your healthcare professional is the best way to help you choose the method that is right for you, as some methods may not be available in your country.

And remember, the only guaranteed way to prevent unwanted pregnancy is not having sex at all. But if you are sexually active, using a reliable method of contraception is the best way to reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy.

The information provided here should not be used as a substitute for specific medical advice. If you have any questions about contraception and sexual health, you should speak to your healthcare professional.

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View Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods

Contraceptive

implant

The Hormonal

IUD

The Copper-Bearing

IUD

View Short-acting reversible contraceptive methods

Barrier method

Condoms

Diaphragm

Hormonal method

Contraceptive Injection

The Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill

The progestin-only

pill

The

ring

View other methods

Calendar

Based

Emergency contraception

Female

Sterilization

Lactational Amenorrhea

To assist with your discussions with your healthcare provider, we’ve developed a guide with questions to ask your healthcare provider.

Download guide

References:

World Health Organisation (WHO); Family Planning - A global handbook for providers 2018 edition; https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/fp-global-handbook/en/; accessed 30 November 2021
National Health Services UK (NHS UK); Which method of contraception suits me? Your Contraception Guide January 2019, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/whichmethod-suits-me/ ; accessed 9 Dec 2021

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SG-NON-110059 MAR/2023 First issued February 2022

This educational website is brought to you by Organon (or its affiliates) (“Organon”), a pharmaceutical and healthcare company. Information displayed on this website is intended for residents of India, Indonesia Malaysia, Singapore and The Philippines (“These countries”) and as such, its contents have been designed to comply with the laws of these countries (unless otherwise as expressly set out). The information on this website is educational only and is not intended to be used for any self-diagnosis purposes nor to replace the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional. Please consult your doctor or healthcare professional for further information on contraception. Use and access of this website is subject to this disclaimer, terms of use and our privacy policy.