Contraception is the process of preventing a males sperm reaching one of the female's eggs. It helps stop this process from happening by; stopping the production of eggs, stopping the fertilised egg from attaching to the lining of the womb or keeping the egg and sperm separate to prevent the fertilisation of the egg.

Some methods of contraception include the combined pill, a diaphragm or cap, female condoms, the implant, the injection, an IUD, male condoms, the patch or female sterilisation.

Contraception services are confidential and free. You can get contraception from most GP surgeries, sexual health clinics, some young people services and community contraception clinics.

You can order emergency contraceptive pill ("morning after pill") directly from our website, your GP practice, contraception clinics, most sexual health clinics, most NHS walk-in centres, Brook centres and more.

Cerazette is a progestogen-only-pill, it does not contain oestrogen. It contains the active ingredient desogestrel. Cerazette is a highly effective contraceptive when taken properly. It works by increasing the thickness of the fluid around the neck of the womb which makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg, and prevents the egg cell from ripening. The benefits of Cerazette include; it does not interrupt sex, it is safe to take when breastfeeding and it is suitable for women who cannot take hormone oestrogen, which is in the combined pill, contraceptive patch and vaginal ring.

Noriday is a progestogen-only-pill, it does not contain oestrogen. It contains the active ingredient norethisterone. Noriday is a highly effective contraceptive when taken properly. It works by increasing the thickness of the fluid around the neck of the womb which makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg, and prevents the egg cell from ripening. The benefits of Noriday include; it does not interrupt sex, it is safe to take when breastfeeding and it is suitable for women who cannot take hormone oestrogen, which is in the combined pill, contraceptive patch and vaginal ring.