---
title: "Contraception: every method, compared and explained"
description: "How each method works, from pills and coils to condoms and sterilisation, plus emergency contraception, missed pills and switching or stopping a method."
url: "https://myruva.co/learn/topics/contraception"
language: "en-GB"
---

# Contraception: every method, compared and explained

Every method side by side, what to do when a pill is missed or late, and where to get emergency contraception. Ruva’s estimates are never contraception.

- [A late ring, patch or injection: what to do](https://myruva.co/learn/late-or-forgotten-ring-patch-or-injection): What to do if your ring came out, your patch came off or your injection is late, why it matters when, and when to ask about emergency contraception.
- [Bleeding on hormonal contraception: withdrawal bleeds, spotting and no bleeding](https://myruva.co/learn/bleeding-on-hormonal-contraception): Why the bleed in a pill, patch or ring break differs from a period, what each method tends to do to bleeding, and what a clinician checks first.
- [Coils: the copper IUD and hormonal IUS](https://myruva.co/learn/iud-and-ius): Compare copper and hormonal coils, how they are fitted, how long they last, bleeding changes and when to get the threads checked.
- [Condoms and other barrier methods](https://myruva.co/learn/condoms-and-other-barrier-methods): How external and internal condoms, diaphragms and caps work, with practical advice on lubricant, latex and where to get help.
- [Contraception methods compared](https://myruva.co/learn/contraception-methods-compared): Compare hormones, how well each method works and STI protection, with UK and US figures kept separate. Includes when to get help, with UK and US notes.
- [Emergency contraception: your options](https://myruva.co/learn/emergency-contraception-options): Compare the copper IUD and emergency pills, when to get help, how medicines can affect them, and when to test for pregnancy.
- [Missed or late pills](https://myruva.co/learn/missed-pills-and-what-to-do): Find the right help after a missed pill, and why your pill type, place in the pack, vomiting and diarrhoea all matter. Includes when to get help.
- [Natural family planning and fertility awareness](https://myruva.co/learn/fertility-awareness-methods): What fertility awareness involves, why you need training, how well it works, and why a period app is not contraception. Includes when to get help.
- [Sterilisation and vasectomy](https://myruva.co/learn/sterilisation-and-vasectomy): How permanent contraception works, what to talk about before surgery, and why a vasectomy needs a follow-up test. Neither procedure protects against STIs.
- [Switching or stopping contraception](https://myruva.co/learn/switching-or-stopping-contraception): Plan a change of contraception, cover any gaps between methods, and talk about fertility returning, bleeding and symptoms.
- [The combined pill, patch and ring](https://myruva.co/learn/combined-pill-patch-and-ring): How combined contraception works, who may need a different option, and which symptoms need urgent care. You still need condoms for protection against STIs.
- [The implant and the injection](https://myruva.co/learn/implant-and-injection): Compare how long the implant and injection last, bleeding changes, bone health and how soon fertility returns after each.
- [The progestogen-only pill](https://myruva.co/learn/progestogen-only-pill): Learn about the types of mini pill, their different rules for late pills, changes to bleeding, and using it while breastfeeding.
- [Periods after stopping the pill and other methods](https://myruva.co/learn/periods-after-stopping-hormonal-contraception): What to expect after you stop the pill, patch, ring, implant, hormonal coil or injection, when fertility returns, and when to see a GP.