UNDERSTANDING HORMONES IN CONTRACEPTION

HORMONES TO PREVENT UNINTENDED PREGNANCY

Hormones occur naturally in the body, and they affect us all in different ways. Some methods of contraception contain hormones, which affect the menstrual cycle and/or the body to stop you from becoming pregnant when you don't want to be. Whether they act in the short term or the long term, their desired effect is similar.

CONTRACEPTION THAT USES HORMONES

There are several methods of contraception that use hormones to prevent unintended pregnancy. Here's a short overview of how they work.

THE IUS AKA THE HORMONAL COIL

Placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, the IUS then releases a progestin hormone locally. This hormone thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg, and it reduces the growth of the womb lining, which makes it harder for a fertilised egg to implant and develop.

THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT

This small stick is placed beneath the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse, where it releases a progestin hormone into the blood stream. The hormone prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs, and it thickens the cervical mucus making it harder for sperm to move around.

THE CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION

This type of injection contains a progestin hormone. One injection given by a doctor or nurse every two or three months depending on the type and availability in your country, releases the hormone into the blood stream where they stop the ovaries from releasing eggs and thicken the cervical mucus.

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THE PILL

There are two different types of self-administered contraceptive pill. The combined pill contains a progestin and estrogen, whereas the progestin-only pill contains only a progestin. The different types of pill have different ways of working. The progestin-only pill acts mainly to thin the womb lining and thicken the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from getting through. The combined pill additionally stops eggs from being released.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

Find out more about hormonal contraception methods here:

THE IUS

A small, flexible T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of hormones. It is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IUD

A small, T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire that is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones. It is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor.

View Method

THE INJECTION

A shot containing progestin that is effective for up to three months. It is administered by a doctor.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that is specific to you and your lifestyle.

Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

If you’re concerned that your ring may fall out or has fallen out for more than three hours,
you should consult your doctor or nurse and read your Patient Information Leaflet. In the
meantime, consider using another form of contraception such as a condom.

LEARN MORE

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestin hormone for up to 5 years. It is available on prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

Image of an IUS

THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. It available on prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 or up to 10 years, depending on the type and availability in your country.

Image of an IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is available on prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. 

Image of the Implant

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered, orally, and needs to be taken at the same time each day. It is available on prescription.

Image of birth control pills

THE
INJECTION

An injection containing hormone(s) that is available on prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 2 or every 3 months. 

Image of an Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is available on prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Image of the Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered up to 24 hours before sex. It is available on prescription. 

Image of a Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered and available on prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks. 

Image of an Injection

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. Female condoms reduce the risk of infection with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, when used correctly with every act of sex. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of Female Condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days. 

Natural Planning

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Image of a timer for the withdrawl method

MALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Icon representing male sterilisation

FEMALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Icon representing female sterilisation
COMPARE METHODS

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Date of last update: 19 January 2021

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