How long does contraception last?

How long does contraception last?

Some methods of contraception protect you only once, or have to be taken every day to work. Other methods of contraception can be inserted or replaced less frequently and these are ideal for people who have difficulty remembering to use contraception regularly.
 
Methods used each time you have sex:
  • male condoms and female condoms
  • diaphragm or cap
 
Methods taken on a daily basis:
  • the pill (the combined pill or the progestogen-only pill)
 
Methods replaced every week:
  • contraceptive patch - not available in Malta
 
Methods replaced every month:
  • vaginal ring
 
Methods renewed every 2 to 3 months:
  • contraceptive injection - not available in Malta
 
Methods replaced up to every 3 years:
  • contraceptive implant
  • the hormone intrauterine system (IUS) Jaydess
 
Methods renewed up to every 5 to 10 years:
  • copper intrauterine device (IUD)
  • the hormone intrauterine system (IUS) Mirena

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