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May 7, 2026 
Aman Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Summary
Different Types of Contraception
2- Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Coil
Contraception guide: all the methods and how to get them
Contraception is a key part of modern reproductive health. It gives you control over if and when you conceive, revolutionising family planning for both men and women. It’s empowering, liberating, and a vital part of modern healthcare, with around 70% of heterosexually active women using it to gain autonomy over their fertility.
Navigating the world of contraception, though, can be daunting. There are hormonal options, non-hormonal options, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), and short-term birth control methods. How do you know which is right for you?
In this guide, our gynaecologists will walk you through everything you need to know to make a confident choice. Explore the different types of contraception available and how to get them, as well as the most popular forms of birth control.
What is Contraception?
Contraception is an umbrella term for all the methods you can use to prevent pregnancy. This includes single-use contraceptives, like condoms, and more long-term options, like the pill or injection.
LARCs are long-term contraceptives that don’t require much input on your end, like hormonal implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Once these are in, you’re protected against pregnancy for multiple years without having to do anything, making them a simple, low-maintenance choice.
In the UK, everyone has a right to contraception, with confidential services available to protect your privacy and give you the space to make your own choice.
Different Types of Contraception
Take control of your fertility by exploring the birth control methods available to you. By learning more about your options, you can choose a contraceptive that suits your family planning goals, lifestyle, and health.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of contraception in the UK.
Condoms
The most common form of condom is the male condom, which is placed over the penis to form a physical barrier and block sperm from entering the vagina. When used correctly, condoms are 98% effective.
There’s also the female condom (diaphragm), which is inserted into the vagina to block sperm and is 95% effective when used correctly. By choosing the female condom, women can take control of their reproductive and sexual health without needing to rely on their male partner.
Crucially, condoms block skin-to-skin contact during sex. This reduces the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and HIV, making them a top choice for new sexual partners.
They’re also hormone-free, which is great news if you struggle with side effects from hormonal birth control (the copper coil is another great option here).
Male condoms are the only form of non-permanent contraceptive currently available to men. The other option is a vasectomy, which is generally permanent, though it can be reversed if necessary.
Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Coil
The coil – an LARC – is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a medical professional. There are two options available:
- The hormonal coil (IUS): This contains small amounts of progesterone, which is slowly released into your body to block sperm, prevent implantation, and inhibit ovulation. Some women also find the hormonal coil makes their periods lighter or stops them altogether.
- The non-hormonal coil (IUD): This contains small amounts of copper and is hormone-free, making it a great choice if hormonal contraceptives affect your mood or physical health. Some women may experience longer and heavier periods with an IUD.
Both the hormonal and non-hormonal coils are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. They do require a minor, non-surgical procedure to insert, which usually lasts no longer than 5-10 minutes.
After insertion, the copper coil (IUD) lasts up to 10 years. The hormonal coil (IUS) lasts up to 8 years. During this time, you’ll be protected from unwanted pregnancy and don’t have to take any further steps.
If you’re interested in the coil, speak to our trained gynaecologists about our coil fitting and removal.
Contraceptive Pills
Often referred to simply as ‘the pill’, this is a hormonal contraceptive that’s taken orally. Just like the coil, there are two types of contraceptive pills available:
- Combined pill: A mix of both progesterone and oestrogen, this has a 99% efficacy rate when used correctly. You can also use it to control when you have periods, or to stop them altogether.
- Progesterone-only pill: Known as the mini pill, this birth control method contains no oestrogen and has the same 99% rate of effectiveness as the combined pill. It can lead to irregular, lighter periods or stop your periods altogether.
Typically, the progesterone-only pill has fewer side effects, though this can vary from woman to woman. The combined pill also carries a slight risk of raising blood pressure and causing blood clots.
To minimise any potential issues, it’s well worth discussing your options with our gynaecologists, and we’ll take your health and medical history into account before making our recommendation.
Contraceptive Implant
Also known as Nexplanon, the implant for birth control is a type of LARC, making it a low-maintenance option for preventing pregnancy.
It’s inserted beneath the skin (typically on your upper arm) by one of our medical professionals, and slowly releases the hormone etonogestrel into your body. This inhibits ovulation and blocks sperm by thickening cervical mucus, and is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
After insertion, the implant will last for around 3 years. After this time, we can remove and replace it, providing you with continuous protection from pregnancy.
Our implant insertion and removal services are always carried out by qualified, trusted professionals. To get the birth control implant in London, speak to our team.
Contraceptive Injection
The contraceptive injection contains progestogen, which is similar to the hormone progesterone. It’s injected, just like a vaccine, and prevents conception for up to 13 weeks. You can repeat the injection as many times as you want, ensuring constant protection from pregnancy.
With 99% efficacy, it’s a low-maintenance choice that’s easy to stop if you change your mind. Simply cancel any repeat injections and wait until the effects of the progestogen wear off.
Contraceptive Patch
The contraceptive patch looks (and functions) a lot like a plaster. It’s around 5cm by 5cm and applied directly to the skin, releasing progesterone and oestrogen into your body to prevent pregnancy.
When using the contraceptive patch, you’ll wear it constantly and change it weekly. At the 4th week, you can choose not to wear the patch so that you’ll have a period, but this is optional.
How to Access Contraceptives in the UK
When accessing contraceptives in the UK, you have a couple of options.
For private services and treatments, speak to our team at Gynaedoctors. We offer contraceptive pills, condoms, implants, and coils (both IUD and IUS), and we’ll be happy to chat more about your options, giving you the confidence that you’re making the right choice.
By choosing Gynaedoctors, you’ll have access to contraception quickly with our same-day consultations and same-week procurement. Our female gynaecologists are available around the clock to help you with aftercare, too, ensuring you have someone by your side for every step of your sexual and reproductive health journey.
You can also access contraceptives through the NHS. Look for sexual health clinics near you or speak to your NHS GP about accessing contraceptive services.
Condoms are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets.
Contraception FAQs
Still not sure about which birth control method is right for you? We’ve answered these FAQs to help you feel more confident in your decision.
The healthiest form of birth control varies from person to person. Typically, non-hormonal forms of contraception, like the copper coil and condoms, have fewer side effects, so are often perceived as a less complicated option.
Progesterone-only contraceptives, like the mini pill, are also generally safer than combined progesterone and oestrogen birth control methods. They have fewer risks of high blood pressure, strokes, and blood clots.
To find the healthiest form of birth control for you, speak to our team of experienced gynaecologists.
Condoms are a popular choice of birth control, particularly amongst people who aren’t in a relationship. Almost 70% of women, for instance, are very likely to use a condom with a new partner.
Over the past decade, there’s also been an increase in the use of LARCs. The implant is the most common form of LARC, used by 23% of women accessing sexual and reproductive health services. Another 16% are using the coil, making it the second most popular form of LARC.
As long as you’re sexually active, there isn’t a 100% effective way to avoid pregnancy. There are contraceptive methods that are 99% effective, though, including the coil, the pill, and the implant. Make sure you’re using your contraception correctly to reduce your chances of conception.
Book a Consultation for Contraception
Navigating birth control methods is overwhelming, to say the least. You need to consider whether to choose a hormonal option, what’s easiest for your routine, and how different forms can affect your health.
Feeling a little lost? We’re here to help.
We offer informative, personalised consultations for contraception and sexual health. Talk through your options, receive personalised guidance, and make a confident decision with our team by your side.
Speak to us today and book your contraception consultation.
