Contraception methods and how to choose

Every method has advantages and limits. WHO publishes medical eligibility criteria that help clinicians check which methods are suitable for each person, for example with certain health conditions, while breastfeeding or after an abortion. A health professional can go through these with you.

• How well it prevents pregnancy in everyday use
• Whether it is long acting or needs action each day, week, month or time you have sex
• Effect on periods and possible side effects
• Whether it also protects against sexually transmitted infections, which only condoms do
• How easy it is to start and stop, and how soon fertility returns
• Cost and coverage where you live

WHO groups the implant and intrauterine devices among the most effective methods, because once they are in place they work without any daily action and their effectiveness does not depend on remembering anything. They are placed and removed by a trained health professional, and fertility returns quickly after removal.

Implant

A small flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm that releases a hormone and works for several years.

Hormonal IUD

A small device placed in the uterus that releases a hormone and works for several years. Periods often become lighter.

Copper IUD

A small device placed in the uterus without hormones that works for many years. Periods can become heavier at first. It is also the most effective form of emergency contraception.

These methods are very effective when used exactly as directed. In everyday life a missed pill, a late injection or a forgotten patch or ring makes them less effective, which is why WHO describes their typical effectiveness as lower than that of the implant and IUDs.

• Combined pill, taken every day
• Progestogen-only pill, taken every day
• Contraceptive patch, changed every week
• Vaginal ring, changed every month
• Injection, given every few months

Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg. They are used each time you have sex and their effectiveness depends a lot on using them correctly every time.

• External and internal condoms, the only methods that also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections
• Diaphragm and cap, used with spermicide
• Fertility awareness methods, which track the menstrual cycle and need daily attention and training
• Withdrawal, which WHO lists among the less effective methods
• Sterilization, a permanent method for people who are sure they do not want future pregnancies

Using condoms together with another method gives protection against both pregnancy and infections.

Fertility can return within a couple of weeks after an abortion, before the first period. The WHO Abortion care guideline (2022) recommends offering contraception as part of abortion care, and WHO describes almost every method as suitable right after an abortion.

• The implant and injection can often be started on the day of a medication abortion or a procedural abortion
• An IUD can often be placed at the end of a procedural abortion, or soon after a medication abortion is complete
• Pills, the patch and the ring can usually start right away
• Condoms can be used from the first time you have sex again

Starting a method is always optional and never a condition for receiving abortion care. Read more in our abortion aftercare guide.

Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after sex without contraception, or when a method has failed, for example a broken condom or missed pills. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation, or in the case of the copper IUD by preventing fertilization. It is not an abortion and does not end an existing pregnancy.

• The copper IUD, placed by a health professional within five days, is the most effective option
• Emergency contraceptive pills can be taken within five days, and they work better the sooner they are taken
• Availability, prescription rules and cost differ by country, and a pharmacist, doctor or sexual health service can advise

Emergency contraception is not meant as a regular method. If you need it often, a health professional can help you find a method that suits you.

Contraception is available from family doctors, gynecologists, sexual and reproductive health services and many clinics that provide abortion care. In many European countries contraception is partly or fully covered by public health insurance for some age groups, and rules differ by country. A verified clinic can help you choose and start a method.

• World Health Organization, Family planning, a global handbook for providers
• World Health Organization, Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use
• World Health Organization, Abortion care guideline (2022)

This page is general information and not medical advice. Decisions about contraception are made together with a doctor or other health professional. Read our sources and editorial policy.