Protection
Condoms, contraception, PrEP and PEP: how each method works and what to do when one fails.
Guides
Protection methods
Barrier methods
- Cervical capA small cap that fits over the cervix, used with spermicide.
- CondomA thin barrier worn on the penis or a toy.
- DiaphragmA soft cup placed over the cervix before sex, used with spermicide.
- Internal condomA soft pouch placed inside the vagina or anus before sex.
- Spermicide or vaginal gelA gel, foam or film placed in the vagina that stops sperm.
- SpongeA soft sponge with spermicide placed deep in the vagina.
Hormonal
- Contraceptive patchA patch on the skin that releases hormone, changed every week.
- Contraceptive pillA hormone pill taken every day.
- Contraceptive shotA hormone injection given every few months.
- MinipillA progestogen-only pill taken every day.
- Vaginal ringA flexible ring in the vagina that releases hormone.
Long-acting
HIV and STI prevention
Permanent
- Bilateral salpingectomySurgery that removes both fallopian tubes.
- Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomySurgery that removes both fallopian tubes and both ovaries.
- HysterectomySurgery that removes the uterus.
- Tubal ligationSurgery that blocks or closes the fallopian tubes.
- VasectomySurgery that cuts the tubes that carry sperm.