Choosing a contraceptive method

Both types of sterilisation have become popular, especially in the over-35s.

What works and what doesn't?
With the exception of withdrawal (coitus interruptus), the above methods have the blessing of family planning experts because when used properly, they prevent pregnancy.

However, while the rhythm method is okay for well-motivated couples who have been trained in its use by a qualified natural family planning teacher, for the rest of us, it's a bit risky.

Also very risky are certain non-approved methods, for instance, using spermicides (chemical pessaries, creams or foams), or douching your vagina after sex.

Practices like 'doing it standing up' or 'coughing a lot afterwards' or 'trying not to come' don't work, and will simply lead to unwanted pregnancy.

How effective are the various methods?
Some contraceptive methods are more effective in preventing pregnancy than others, while only condoms offer protection against sexually transmitted infections.

The following figures will give you some idea of which kinds of contraception are the most efficient at protecting you against pregnancy.

You should also remember that some methods are quite complicated to use, and no method is as safe as the figures quoted if you don't follow the instructions carefully.

For example, if you are taking the Pill, you shouldn't miss taking a tablet. If you are using condoms, you should make sure you put them on before sex starts – not half way through.

If you're relying on the contraceptive injection, you need to turn up for your jab on time.

Every method can fail if you don't take care.

What about new methods of contraception?
Other methods of contraception will be available in the future. Below are two recent developments.

The vaginal hormone ring The vaginal hormone ring (NuvaRing) has been tried out extensively in other countries.

You keep it in your vagina for three weeks out of every four.

Like the Pill, it contains two hormones. We don't know what its long-term effects will be.

The ring hasn't been generally released in Britain, though you can get it through a few private gynaecologists.

The male Pill
The male Pill is still at least five years away from general release, despite the fact that it keeps making headlines.

At present, it's an injection, not a pill.

It's unlikely to reach the British market before 2012.

Where do I get advice about choosing a contraceptive?
The UK has good, free contraceptive services.

Traditionally, advice has been provided by the specially-trained experts at Britain's large chain of family planning clinics, which were originally set up by the family planning association (fpa).

You can find your local family planning clinic in the phone book or use the clinic finder on the fpa website.

These days, nearly all GPs also offer advice on contraception. If you don't want to talk to your own doctor about family planning, you can ask to see another.

It's fair to say that many GPs aren't experts in all methods of family planning. But usually there is one partner in the practice who does have good qualifications in contraception.

If you're under 25, you could go to a Brook advisory clinic or a local youth advice clinic.

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