This guide supports an informed consultation and is not a personalised diagnosis or treatment plan.
Choosing a method
The best method depends on effectiveness, medical history, bleeding preferences, future fertility plans and comfort with daily or long-term methods.
Main categories
Options include condoms, pills, injectables, implants, intrauterine systems, copper IUDs and permanent methods. Each has distinct benefits and limitations.
Safety review
Migraine type, smoking, blood-clot history, blood pressure, breastfeeding and medicines can affect which options are suitable.
When to seek urgent careSevere chest pain, sudden breathlessness, one-sided leg swelling, new neurological symptoms or severe headache while using hormonal contraception requires urgent care.
Medical note: Individual assessment is essential when symptoms are new, severe, persistent or changing.