Classification of contraceptive methods

Contraceptive methods can be classified by their mechanism of action (eg hormonal versus nonhormonal) or duration of action (eg long acting versus shorter acting). This guideline covers:

• long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs)
  • intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs)—levonorgestrel-releasing and copper intrauterine IUDs
  • etonogestrel contraceptive implant
• shorter-acting hormonal contraception
  • depot medroxyprogesterone injection
  • combined hormonal contraception—combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and the contraceptive vaginal ring
  • progestogen-only contraceptive pills
• barrier methods of contraception—male (external) and female (internal) condoms, diaphragm
• sterilisation—vasectomy and tubal sterilisation
• other contraceptive options—fertility awareness methods, lactational amenorrhoea method and withdrawal method
• emergency contraception—oral emergency contraception, copper IUD.

The classification of hormonal contraceptives is described in Classification of hormonal contraceptives.