Sex, contraception & relationships

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Contraception Your choices Finding a method that works Emergency Contraception Talking about contraception and sex Consent

Sex, contraception and relationships are personal, and everyone’s needs are different. Having clear information about your options can help you make choices that feel right for you.

Contraception and your choices

There are lots of different ways to prevent pregnancy, including condoms, contraceptive pills, implants, injections and coils. Different methods have different benefits, possible side effects and things to consider. What works well for one person might not work well for another.

Research into contraception in the UK has found that Black African and Black Caribbean women can face additional barriers when accessing information and care. Experiences reported in research include stereotyping, concerns about confidentiality, not feeling listened to and assumptions being made about people’s sexual health or contraceptive needs. Importantly, experiences aren’t the same for everyone.

Source: ⁠BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, 2025

Your choice matters

You should be able to get clear information about the different options available and make your own decision about contraception.

You can:

ask questions about any method you’re considering
discuss benefits, possible side effects and concerns
ask about alternatives
change methods if something isn’t working for you
take time to consider your options

Evidence submitted to the government’s Women’s Health Strategy also raised concerns about Black women feeling pressured towards long-acting reversible contraception. The government notes that these examples were largely based on organisations’ direct engagement and anecdotal evidence, rather than a population-wide measure.

Source: ⁠Department of Health and Social Care, Women's Health Strategy evidence

Finding a method that works for you

Contraceptive methods include:

Condoms – help prevent pregnancy and also reduce the risk of HIV and other STIs.

Contraceptive pills – tablets containing hormones that are taken regularly.

Implant – a small flexible rod placed under the skin of the arm that can prevent pregnancy for several years.

Injection – a contraceptive injection that works for a set period before another injection is needed.

Coils – small devices placed inside the womb. Hormonal and non-hormonal options are available.

You don’t need to know which method you want before speaking to a healthcare professional. They can talk you through the options and help you consider what’s suitable for you.

Information developed with Black and minority ethnic communities

BHA for Equality has developed a contraception guide specifically around the information needs of Black, Asian and minority ethnic women. Its development considered concerns, beliefs, and cultural and religious perspectives raised through focus groups, and it’s available in several languages.

Explore contraceptive methods here.

Emergency contraception

If you’ve had sex without contraception, or think your contraception might not have worked, emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy.

There are two types: the emergency contraceptive pill and the copper coil (IUD).

How quickly you need to use emergency contraception depends on the type, so it’s best to seek advice as soon as possible.

Emergency contraception is available free from NHS sexual health services, and some pharmacies also provide it.

Click to find emergency contraception locally.

Talking about contraception and sex

Partners, family, faith, culture and previous experiences can all influence how someone feels about sex, relationships and contraception.

UK research involving Black African and Black Caribbean women has found that partners, family and communities can influence how contraception is understood and experienced. Researchers also emphasised the diversity within ethnic groups and the importance of treating people’s individual circumstances rather than making assumptions based on ethnicity.

Source: ⁠BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, 2025

Talking openly with a partner can help with decisions around contraception, condoms, STI and HIV testing, pregnancy, boundaries and what you do or don’t want.