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Contraception - Background information
What contraceptive methods are available in the UK?
The following methods of contraception are currently available in the UK, and are provided principally by GPs, nurses, and contraception and sexual health clinics.
- Oral preparations:
- Combined oral contraceptive (COC).
- Progestogen-only pill (POP).
- Transdermal contraceptive patch:
- Combined contraceptive patch (combined hormonal transdermal patch).
- Vaginal contraceptive ring:
- Combined contraceptive vaginal ring.
- Long-acting reversible methods:
- Injections and implants.
- Progestogen-only injectables.
- Progestogen-only implant.
- Intrauterine devices.
- Copper intrauterine device (IUD).
- Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (IUS).
- Barrier methods and spermicides:
- Male condom.
- Female condom.
- Diaphragm or cap plus spermicide.
- Sterilization:
- Male sterilization: vasectomy.
- Female sterilization: tubal occlusion, also known (less accurately) as tubal ligation.
- Natural family planning:
- Fertility awareness–based methods.
- Lactational amenorrhoea method.
- Emergency contraception:
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