# Contraception: which methods are available? > Long-acting reversible methods, hormonal options, barrier methods and permanent sterilisation — how each works, with typical failure rates and their… Published: 3 July 2026 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay **Long-acting reversible methods, hormonal options, barrier methods and permanent sterilisation — how each works, with typical failure rates and their trade-offs.** One of the questions asked most often in clinic is: *which contraceptive method is right for me?* Statistically, a substantial share of pregnancies both worldwide and in Türkiye are unplanned. Family planning matters a great deal — for the health of mother and baby, and for allowing couples to have children when they choose to. The medical literature is clear that no single method is a flawless choice for everyone. The right method depends on age, medical history, lifestyle and plans for having children. What follows sets out the contraceptive methods described in the literature — reversible and permanent — with their general advantages and drawbacks. ## Reversible methods These are for women who may want children in future or who wish to preserve their fertility. They fall into two broad groups. ### Long-acting reversible methods International guidelines place these methods — which do not have to be remembered every day — among the most effective for preventing pregnancy. **Intrauterine devices (coils).** There are two basic types, hormonal and copper. - *Copper coils:* contain no hormone. They prevent sperm reaching the egg and prevent fertilisation. They can provide protection for up to **10 years**. - *Hormonal coils:* release a low dose of progesterone inside the womb, thickening cervical secretions and preventing pregnancy. Depending on the type, they are effective for **3 to 7 years**. - *Advantages:* no daily routine; once fitted, they protect for years. Failure rates are **below 1%**. Fertility returns quickly once they are removed. - *Drawbacks:* they can only be fitted and removed by a doctor. Copper coils can increase menstrual bleeding and cramps, while hormonal coils can cause irregular spotting in the first few months. **Subdermal implants.** A flexible rod the size of a matchstick, placed under the skin on the inner side of the upper arm. - *Advantages:* very high protection for **3 years** — with a failure rate of **0.05%**, the lowest among reversible methods. - *Drawbacks:* fitted and removed by a doctor under local anaesthesia. The commonest side effect is irregular periods and spotting. ### Short-acting hormonal methods These contain hormones but depend on the user keeping to a routine. **The contraceptive pill.** A daily tablet containing oestrogen and progesterone, which prevents ovulation. - *Advantages:* regulates the menstrual cycle and reduces period pain and the amount of bleeding. - *Drawbacks:* has to be taken at the same time each day. Protection drops when a dose is missed — in typical everyday use the failure rate is around **8-9%**. It is medically inadvisable for women with a history of blood clots, for smokers over the age of **35**, and for those with severe migraine. **Monthly or three-monthly injections, vaginal rings and patches.** These work in much the same way as the pill, but are used weekly (patch), monthly (ring or monthly injection) or every three months (depot injection) rather than daily. ### Barrier methods These physically prevent sperm from entering the woman's reproductive tract. **Condoms (male and female).** - *Advantages:* available without a prescription. Besides preventing pregnancy, this is the only method that also protects against sexually transmitted infections. - *Drawbacks:* must be used correctly before and during intercourse. With tearing or slipping, the chance of pregnancy in typical use can reach **15% to 21%**. ## Permanent methods (surgical sterilisation) These are for couples who have completed their family and are certain they do not want children in future. **Tubal ligation (female sterilisation).** The fallopian tubes are surgically tied, cut or blocked. It is generally carried out by laparoscopy — keyhole surgery — or during a caesarean birth. **Vasectomy (male sterilisation).** The ducts carrying sperm are tied through a small surgical procedure. It can be done under local anaesthesia and is simpler, with fewer risks, than tubal ligation. - *Advantages of permanent methods:* they last a lifetime and their protection rates are very high. - *Drawbacks:* they require surgery. If the decision is reversed in later years and a pregnancy is wanted, reversal operations are difficult, costly and have a low chance of success — IVF is generally needed in that situation. ## In summary Which method you choose depends on your age, whether you smoke, whether you have a chronic condition and what your menstrual pattern is like. A detailed conversation with your own doctor is the way to arrive at the plan that suits your medical history and the way you live. *This page is for information. It does not replace an examination or individual medical advice.* Written and reviewed by **Op. Dr. Murat Alpay** Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology · Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa) [Full biography →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/hakkinda/) [← All posts](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/) --- Original page: https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/dogum-kontrol-yontemleri-nelerdir-gebelikten-korunma-yollari/ Last updated: 2026-07-03 Op. Dr. Murat Alpay — Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Op. Dr. Murat Alpay Practice, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:51 B Kat:2, Filo Apt., 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya 0505 351 77 88 · Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 · Closed on Sunday *This information is for general guidance only and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment.*