The table below is based on documents produced by the Faculty for Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH).
Standard contraceptives:
| Contraceptive | Mode of action |
|---|---|
| Combined oral contraceptive pill | Inhibits ovulation |
| Progestogen-only pill (excluding desogestrel) | Thickens cervical mucus |
| Desogestrel-only pill | Primary: Inhibits ovulation |
| Also: thickens cervical mucus | |
| Injectable contraceptive (medroxyprogesterone acetate) | Primary: Inhibits ovulation |
| Also: thickens cervical mucus | |
| Implantable contraceptive (etonogestrel) | Primary: Inhibits ovulation |
| Also: thickens cervical mucus | |
| Intrauterine contraceptive device | Decreases sperm motility and survival |
| Intrauterine system (levonorgestrel) | Primary: Prevents endometrial proliferation |
| Also: Thickens cervical mucus |
Methods of emergency contraception:
| Contraceptive | Mode of action |
|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel | Inhibits ovulation |
| Ulipristal | Inhibits ovulation |
| Intrauterine contraceptive device | Primary: Toxic to sperm and ovum |
| Also: Inhibits implantation |
Contraceptives - time until effective (if not first day period):
Key points