The combined oral contraceptive pill, often simply called “the Pill”, contains oestrogen and progestogen. There are different amounts of oestrogen and different types of progestogen depending on the particular pill.

Emergency Contraception is prescribed for women where there is a risk of pregnancy occurring, i.e. that unprotected sex took place near the estimated date of ovulation. However, many women will not have regular menstrual cycles or will not be aware of their ovulation patterns. Therefore it is advisable to use Emergency Contraception if unprotected sex has occurred regardless of where you are in the menstrual cycle.

Implants (Implanon) and injectable contraception (Depo-Provera) both contain progestogen. A slow release of this type of hormone over time provides very good contraception.

There are three types of intrauterine system (IUS) used in Dublin Well Woman Centres for long term contraception. They release progesterone directly into the uterus. The Mirena intrauterine system provides safe effective contraception for 5 years. The Jaydess intrauterine system lasts for 3 years and the Kyleena intrauterine system lasts for 5 years..

At the Dublin Well Woman Centre we use two types of copper intrauterine device (IUD) for long term contraception. The Copper T 380 device provides safe effective contraception for at least 10 years. The Mini TT 380 copper lasts for 5 years.

Most contraceptive pills contain a combination of oestrogen and progestogen but Progestogen-only pills (POPs), often called “Mini –Pills”, contain only one hormone. There are two types of POP available in Ireland, one contains desogestrel and the other contains norethisterone. They have different modes of action, effectiveness and rules for taking them.

Explore the myths and facts about Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives in this infographic.