If you don’t want to become pregnant, you need to use a reliable method of contraception every time you have sex. No contraception will give 100% protection against pregnancy, but all the methods available in Ireland are very effective when you use them correctly and consistently. Different methods of contraception suit different people at different times - choose a method that suits you. All contraceptives are available free of charge.

Use a reliable method of contraception every time you have sex

You can get pregnant if you have sex without using contraception, or if something stops your contraceptive method from working properly (for example if you missed one or more pills, or if a condom split or slipped off).

 

Reversible methods of contraception

Contraceptive methods work in different ways and protect against pregnancy for different lengths of time. With some methods, how well they protect against pregnancy depends on how carefully they are used. It is important to use these methods correctly and consistently according to instructions.

• Combined pill
• Progestogen-only pill
• Male condom
• Female condom
• Diaphragm or cap with spermicide
• Natural family planning

With other contraceptives, how well they protect against pregnancy does not depend on the person using them. These methods protect against pregnancy until it is time for them to be renewed or replaced by a doctor or nurse.

• Contraceptive injection
• Contraceptive implants
• Intrauterine system (IUS)
• Intrauterine device (IUD), which used to be called the coil.

Permanent methods

Sterilisation (male and female) is different from other contraceptive methods because it is permanent. You should only choose sterilisation if you are sure you will never want a baby in the future. If you use condoms on their own or with other contraceptive methods every time you have sex, they can also help protect you against sexually transmitted infections.

Emergency contraception

There are two types of emergency contraception:

• Emergency contraceptive pills (which used to be called the ‘morning after pill’). These must be started within three days (72 hours) from the time you had sex. They are most effective if you start taking them within 24 hours of sex.
• An IUD fitted within 5 days from the time you had sex. Once it has been fitted you can keep it as a regular method of contraception, or you can have it taken out when your next period starts.

 

You can get emergency contraception from most GPs (not just your own doctor) and any family planning clinic. Some NHS GUM or sexual health clinics and hospital accident and emergency departments also provide it.