In the UK, there are many methods of contraception available to young people, which includes condoms, the implant, contraceptive injection, and different kinds of birth control pills. The first method you try out may not be the one that you stick with as our bodies’ react in different ways, but finding a contraception method that works for you is crucial and can be discussed and considered with you at your local sexual health clinic or your GP.

For example, the contraceptive implant works very well at preventing pregnancy. It’s over 99% effective if used correctly all the time (sometimes called perfect use).

This means that if 100 women use the implant for a year, less than 1 will get pregnant in that time.

This page lists the methods in order of how well they work if used correctly all the time, starting with the most effective first.

It also shows how well each method works if not used correctly all the time. Incorrect use (sometimes called typical use) includes things like forgetting to take your pill.