Contraception | The SHAKE Africa Project

Sexual Health Guide

This is your quick guide to contraception. There are both hormonal and non-hormonal options available. Choosing the right method of contraception for you is a personal decision. Click through the pages to find out more about the options available, how they work, who can use them and some of the potential side effects.

Disclaimer: This guide is meant to give you information about contraception but should not be used as a replacement for a medical opinion. If you have any worries or suspect that you may be pregnant/have a sexually transmitted infection please approach an appropriate health care professional!

The Progesterone Only Pill

A tablet you can take the same time every day, different types

The Ring

A small and plastic ring, inserted into the vagina, releases hormones. Change every 3-4 weeks

The Patch

A small and sticky patch, changed once a week, releases hormones through the skin

The Combined Pill

A tablet you can take the same time every day, different types

The Injection

An injection given even every 3 months by a doctor or nurse

IUD

Small T-shaped device, inserted into the uterus, non-hormonal, lasts for 5-10 years

IUS

A small T-shaped device, inserted into the uterus, releases hormones, lasts 3-5 years

Condoms

Condoms are the only form of contraception that protect against STIs and should be used alongside the other forms of contraception.

Diaphragm

Circular dome inserted inside the vagina before sex which prevents sperm reaching uterus

Sterilisation: Tubal Occlusion

A permanent surgical procedure that blocks the tubes that carry the egg.

Implant

A small plastic rod inserted in the inside of the upper arm, releases hormones, lasts for 3 years.

Natural Family Planning

Tracking your cycle to identify the fertile and infertile days of the month.