There is no single best method for everyone. Compare real-life effectiveness, duration, and what each option involves, then discuss your choice with a trained provider.
Effectiveness figures show typical use where available — real life, including missed or late use.
Very effective, discreet, and nothing to remember each day.
Irregular bleeding is common, especially at first.
Inserted and removed by a trained provider
Often makes periods lighter, shorter, or absent.
Insertion can be uncomfortable; spotting can happen at first.
Fitted and removed by a trained provider; availability varies
Long-lasting, reversible, and can also be used as emergency contraception within 5 days.
Periods may be heavier or more painful, especially at first.
Fitted and removed by a trained provider
Private and convenient, with no daily action.
Bleeding may change, and fertility can take several months to return after stopping.
Available from clinics and trained providers
Can make periods more regular, lighter, and less painful.
Must be remembered daily and is not suitable for everyone.
Clinics and pharmacies after a suitability check
Can suit people who cannot use estrogen, including many who are breastfeeding.
Timing matters and bleeding patterns may change.
Clinics and pharmacies
Easy to access and helps protect against both pregnancy and STIs, including HIV.
Must be used correctly from start to finish every time.
Pharmacies, shops, clinics, and community programmes
User-controlled protection against pregnancy and STIs.
Can take practice to use and may be harder to find.
Some clinics and pharmacies; stock may vary
No medicine or procedure; helps build cycle awareness.
Needs careful daily tracking and is less reliable with irregular cycles.
Best learned with a trained provider
Can reduce pregnancy risk after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Not for regular contraception; it does not end an existing pregnancy.
Pharmacies and health facilities
A lasting option for people certain they do not want a future pregnancy.
Female sterilisation and vasectomy should be considered irreversible.
Specialist counselling and a clinical procedure
Only external and internal condoms also help protect against STIs, including HIV. They can be used together with another contraceptive method.
Take Bloom’s personalised guide or request a conversation with a consultant. Bloom informs but does not prescribe.
Whether a method suits you depends on your health, medicines, cycle, and preferences. Speak with a trained provider before starting or changing a method.