Table 1

Methods of contraception in order of increasing restrictiveness of a person's rights and freedom of action

Method	Discontinuation possible by client	Potential hormonal side effects	Effect on menstruation	Duration of action	Formal procedure necessary for initiation	Risks of procedure	Further procedures needed for continuation
Condom	Yes	No	None	Transient	No	NA	NA
Combined pill	Yes	Yes	Improved	Transient	No	NA	NA
Progestogen-only pill	Yes	Yes	Variable	Transient	No	NA	NA
Injectable	Yes	Yes	Usually abolished	12 weeks^*	Minor	None – transient discomfort from injection	As for initiation
Implant	No	Yes	Often induces unscheduled bleeding	3 years	Yes^†	Minor	Yes^†
Intrauterine system	No	Occasional – mild and only initially	Usually abolished	5 years	Yes^†	Minor	Yes^†
Intrauterine device	No	No	May worsen	10 years	Yes^†	Minor	Yes^†
Sterilisation	No	No	None	Permanent	Yes^†	Major (when compared to reversible methods)	No

↵* Plus potential delay in return of fertility of up to 1 year.
↵† In all but mild cases of learning disability this will usually necessitate general anaesthesia.
NA, not applicable.