Type: Contraception

No. There are no known risks associated with progestogen and blood clots. The only contraceptives you are not allowed to take because of your mum’s blood clots are those that contain oestrogen. This means the combined pill, the contraceptive patch and the vaginal ring. You can safely use the progestogen-only pill (POP) or any other progestogen-only methods, such as the intrauterine system (IUS).

It is hard to tell if any sperm will have leaked out of the condom. To be on the safe side, if you’re not taking another reliable method of contraception like the implant or contraceptive pill, it is best to get some form of emergency contraception. We would also recommend an STI check-up if this sex was with a partner who you haven’t already had sexual health checks with, e.g. tests for chlamydia.

Yes. This is necessary so that the person fitting your IUS/IUD can see inside your vagina up to the neck of your womb, which is called the cervix. The IUS/IUD will be inserted through the cervix to sit in your womb.

It can be uncomfortable but it is a quick procedure and taking painkillers can help. Some people experience period like cramps in their tummy for a short while after the fitting. Find out more about the IUD and IUS as long acting reversible methods of contraception.

Yes, but only in some cases, and it depends on individual circumstances. You’ll need to call your local sexual health clinic or community contraception service to discuss this further. To find your nearest sexual health service, which might be a Virgin Care service, visit the NHS location finder tool.

We recommend that you have a pregnancy test three weeks after taking the emergency contraceptive pill or having the IUD fitted, providing you have had any more pregnancy risks. If the test is negative, the emergency contraception has worked. Find out more about emergency contraception.

This will vary from person to person. Many people will not gain any weight with the contraceptive injection while some people can gain 3-4 kg over a 2 year period.

Some people say it stings a little when it is being fitted or when it is being removed but afterwards they do not feel pain. You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the skin where the contraceptive implant is inserted.

No. Pulling out (also known as the withdrawal method) is not a good way to avoid pregnancy. Men can leak sperm before they cum and it’s easy to stay a little bit too long until it’s too late. It takes a lot of self-control to pull out in time. Even if you use this withdrawal effectively, it will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Many people get pregnant using this method.

Yes. Women are usually most fertile during the middle part of their cycle. This is usually about 12 to 14 days after the start of a period and sperm can live up to seven days inside the body. However, your monthly cycle can change without you realising it. If you’re thinking about using your monthly cycle as a birth control method, you should seek natural family planning advice from a health professional like your sexual health service, CASH/contraception clinic or GP.