Contraception Guide
“Where can I get contraception?”
“Which method of contraception suits me?”
“I’m under 16 – can I get contraception?”
Whatever questions you have about getting and using contraception, this guide can help.
It aims to give practical information to everyone who wants to know more about contraception, or who may have a question about the method they use or are thinking about using.
You can find out about the 15 methods available on the NHS, together with where to get them and how to decide which method might work best for you.
Popular subjects and pages
- caps or diaphragms
- combined pill
- condoms
- contraceptive implant
- contraceptive injection
- contraceptive patch
- female condoms
- IUD (intrauterine device or coil)
- IUS (intrauterine system or hormonal coil)
- natural family planning (fertility awareness)
- progestogen-only pill
- vaginal ring
There are 2 permanent methods of contraception:
You can also find out about:
Deciding which method suits you
Which method works best for you depends on a number of factors, including your age, whether you smoke, your medical and family history, and any medicines you’re taking.
Find out more in Which method suits me?
Where you can get contraception and emergency contraception
Contraception is free on the NHS. Find out where to get contraception and search by postcode to find:
You can also find out where to get emergency contraception – the “morning after pill” or the IUD (coil).
Common questions about contraception
Get answers to some common questions about getting and using contraception, including:
- what to do if you’re on the pill and you’re sick or have diarrhoea
- using contraception after having a baby
- when your periods will come back after stopping the pill
- whether you can get a sterilisation reversal on the NHS
There are more questions and answers if you click on the blue tabs at the top of the page under the section “Worries and questions” and “Questions about the pill”.
