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Short-acting contraceptive methods 

MSI UK nurse talking about the combined pill.

Home      Which method is right for me       Short-acting contraception 

Short-acting contraceptive methods

There are two different types of short acting methods: combined hormonal contraception or CHC and the progestogen-only pill or POP. CHC refers to methods that contain two hormones: the combined oral contraception, transdermal patch and vaginal ring. 

Unlike long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARC), these methods do require regular input, whether taking the pill daily, or changing the patch weekly or three weekly intervals with the vaginal ring. 


Video – Short-acting methods: pill, patch and ring 

Short-acting methods refer to methods that you need to remember to use or take regularly, such as the contraceptive pill. 

While short-acting methods offer certain flexibility, their effectiveness rates are typically less than those of long-acting contraception, and this should be taken into consideration when deciding on a method. 
Short-acting methods include hormonal methods such as the pill, patch or ring. 

Watch this short video featuring Simphiwe Sesane, Contraception and Sexual Health Consultant at MSI UK, who will tell you a little bit about short-acting methods. 

There are two types of contraceptive pill: the combined pill, and the progestogen-only pill, also known as the ‘mini pill’. 

The combined pill is a daily tablet that contains two hormones: progestogen and oestrogen. 

The combined pill works well at preventing pregnancy. 
 
Perfect use: more than 99% effective. Fewer than 1 in 100 people will get pregnant in a year when using the combined pill correctly. 

Typical use: around 91% effective. Around 9 in 100 people using the combined pill will get pregnant in a year. 

Read more about the combined pill. 

There are two types of contraceptive pill: the combined pill, and the progestogen-only pill, also known as the ‘mini pill’. 

The progestogen only pill, or “mini pill” is a daily tablet that contains one hormone: progestogen. 

The progestogen only pill works well at preventing pregnancy. 

Perfect use: 99% effective. Around 1 in 100 people will get pregnant in a year when using the progestogen-only pill correctly. 

Typical use: around 91% effective. Around 9 in 100 people will get pregnant in a year. 

Read more about the mini pill. 

The combined contraceptive vaginal ring is a small soft ring that you insert into your vagina. It contains two hormones, progestogen and oestrogen, similar to the hormones in your body. 

The contraceptive ring works well at preventing pregnancy.  

Perfect use: more than 99% effective. Fewer than 1 in 100 people will get pregnant in a year when using the ring correctly. 

Typical use: around 91% effective. Around 9 in 100 people using the ring will get pregnant in a year. 

Read more about the contraceptive ring. 

The combined contraceptive patch is a small soft plaster patch that you stick on your skin. It contains two hormones, progestogen and oestrogen, similar to the hormones in your body. 

The patch works well at preventing pregnancy. 

Perfect use: more than 99% effective. Fewer than 1 in 100 people will get pregnant in a year when using the contraceptive patch correctly. 

Typical use: around 91% effective. Around 9 in 100 people who use the patch will get pregnant in a year. 

Read more about the patch.


Learn more about contraception 

Visit the pages below to find a comparison tool to help you find the right method for you, and to learn more about long-acting reversible contraception and barrier methods of contraception. 

MSI Reproductive Choices UK 20230612_0738

Which method is right for me? 

Find a contraception comparison tool that can help you find the right method for you.   

MSI Reproductive Choices UK 20230605_0792

Long-acting contraception 

Long-acting contraceptive methods include the coils, the injection and the implant.    

MSI Reproductive Choices UK 20230605_0519

Barrier methods  

Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms and caps.