To discuss contraception options, please call your nearest True clinic

Permanent Contraception

Female and male sterilisation should be considered as permanent and not reversible, as successful reversal cannot be guaranteed. The methods are 99.5% effective. They are suitable only for people who have completed their families or have decided not to have children, and feel certain of their decision. It is not usually recommended for young people, people who think they may want children in the future, or people who feel unsure about the procedure.

• Female sterilisation
• Male sterilisation (vasectomy)

Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods

These are all more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy; they are also cost-effective, and reversible. These methods are administered less frequently than once per month. They have a very low failure rate compared with shorter-acting methods. LARC methods include the intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.

• Contraceptive implant (the ‘rod’, the ‘stick’, the Implant) - Implanon NXT
• Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD, Mirena®)
• Copper-bearing IUD (Copper IUD, CU-IUD)
• Depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injections

Medium-acting contraception

These need to be administered more frequently than once per month but less frequently than daily.

• Vaginal ring

Short-acting contraception

These methods need to be taken every day.

• Combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP)
• Progestogen-only pill (mini-pill)

Barrier Methods

The following barrier methods require ‘action’ with every act of intercourse and therefore they can be less effective than the longer-acting methods.

• Diaphragm
• Male condom
• Female condom

Natural methods

These do not rely on the use of hormones or devices.

• Lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM)
• Withdrawal
• Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs)