Diaphragm

• Type: barrier method

• Description: is a small, shallow dome-shaped cup inserted in the vagina that blocks the entrance to the cervix to stop sperm from entering the womb. It is used with a spermicide cream or gel

• Efficacy: 88%

• Regimen: 24 hours’ max

• Benefits: non-hormonal, low cost

• Accessibility: consultation with a clinician or healthcare provider required, prescription required, available at public and private health facilities, available for purchase at pharmacies 

 

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Female condom

• Type: barrier method

• Description: a female condom is a sheath that is placed inside a woman’s vagina before sexual intercourse

• Efficacy: 79%

• Regimen: every single time

• Benefits: STI protection, low cost/ free, easy to use

• Accessibility: no prescription required, available for free at public health facilities, available at private health facilities, available for purchase at supermarkets and pharmacies

 

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The injection

• Type: hormonal method

• Description: the contraceptive injection is a shot of hormones either in the muscle or under the skin that lasts for one or up to three months

• Efficacy: 94%

• Regimen: lasts one to three months

• Benefits: highly effective

• Accessibility: requires a prescription, available for free at public health facilities, available at private health facilities

 

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Male condom

• Type: barrier method

• Description: a condom is a thin film sheath made of latex or polyurethane that is placed over a man’s erect penis before having sex. One can use a water-based lubricant with a condom to increase the enjoyment of sex, but oil-based lubricants usually increase the risk of the condom breaking. A condom is for single-use and should never be re-used

• Efficacy: 82%

• Regimen: every single time

• Benefits: STI protection, low cost/ free, easy to use

• Accessibility: no prescription required, available for free at public health facilities, available for purchase at most supermarkets, petrol stations and pharmacies

 

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The pill

• Type: hormonal method

• Description: the pill is a small tablet containing hormones that needs to be taken at the same time every day. There are a variety of oral contraceptives that individuals can choose from that come in 21- or 28-day packs

• Efficacy: 91%

• Regimen: every day

• Benefits: highly effective, widely available, easy to use

• Accessibility: requires a prescription, available for free at public health facilities, available at private health facilities and also available for purchase at various pharmacies

 

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The mini-pill

• Type: hormonal method

• Description: an oral contraceptive that contains the hormone progestin, the mini-pill also known as the progestin-only pill doesn’t contain estrogen. The mini-pill thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus preventing sperm from reaching the egg. The mini-pill also suppresses ovulation, but not consistently. For maximum effectiveness, the mini-pill must be taken at the same time every day

• Efficacy: 91% – 99%

• Regimen: every day

• Benefits: prevents pregnancy

• Accessibility: requires a prescription, available at private health facilities and also available for purchase at various pharmacies

 

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The contraceptive patch

• Type: hormonal method

• Description: a birth control patch that is stuck onto the skin (upper outer arm, abdomen, buttock, back or places of the body that will not be rubbed against by tight clothing). The contraceptive patch does not reduce the risk of contracting STIs, including HIV/AIDS

• Efficacy: 91%

• Regimen: every week

• Benefits: prevents pregnancy, highly effective, easy to use

• Accessibility: requires a prescription, available at private health facilities and also available for purchase at various pharmacies

 

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The ring

• Type: hormonal method

• Description: a flexible plastic ring constantly releasing hormones that is placed in the vagina to assist in preventing ovulation

• Efficacy: 91%

• Regimen: every month

• Benefits: highly effective, easy to use

• Accessibility:  -

 

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Spermicide

• Type: chemical method

• Description: spermicides affect the way a sperm travels in the womb making it hard for them to move freely and fertilize an egg.

• Efficacy: 72%

• Regimen: every time

• Benefits: hormone free, widely available

• Accessibility: does not require a prescription, available for purchase at various pharmacies 

 

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Cervical cap

• Type: barrier method

• Description: a cervical cap blocks the entrance to the cervix to stop sperm from entering the womb

• Efficacy: 84%

• Regimen: 48 hours’ max

• Benefits: low cost, hormone free

• Accessibility: consultation with a clinician or healthcare provider required, requires a prescription, available at private health facilities 

 

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Sponge

• Type: barrier method

• Description: a sponge blocks the entrance to the cervix and releases spermicide, both together stop sperm from entering the womb and fertilizing an egg

• Efficacy: 76%

• Regimen: 24 hours’ max

• Benefits: low cost, hormone free

• Accessibility: -