Compare contraception types
You may have a choice between contraception types — here's a summary of the main differences between them.
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'Perfect use' and 'typical use' are used to describe a contraception's effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. This is because human error — such as forgetting to take your pill — can affect how successful a contraception is.
Perfect use is when a contraception is used correctly every time, all of the time.
Typical use is generally what happens in real life. It takes into account human error.
This symbol '>' means greater than.
With perfect use, how effective is it? With typical use, how effective is it? Does it use hormones? Does it protect you from STIs? Does it affect your period? How long does it work? If you stop using it, when does your fertility return? Internal condom 95% 79% No Yes No Single use Immediately External condom 98% 85% No Yes No Single use Immediately Combined oral contraceptive pill 99% 92% Yes No Yes Daily use Immediately Progestogen-only pill 99% 92% Yes No Yes Daily use Immediately Depo Provera injection >99% 97% Yes No Sometimes 13 weeks Can be up to 12 months Copper IUD >99% >99% No No Sometimes 5-10 years Immediately Hormonal IUD >99% >99% Yes No Sometimes 3-8 years Immediately Implant >99% >99% Yes No Sometimes 5 years Immediately