Side Effects And Risks Of Non Hormonal Contraception

Non-hormonal methods of contraception

Some methods of contraception do not contain hormones (they're non-hormonal).

Non-hormonal methods are:

condoms, which also help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
IUD (copper coil)
diaphragm
cap

Side effects of non-hormonal contraception

Side effects depend on the method of contraception.

An IUD (copper coil) can:

cause pain in your lower tummy or back for a few days after it is fitted
make your periods heavier or more painful - this usually gets better after a few months

If you use a diaphragm or cap:

the spermicide you need to use can irritate your vagina
you may be more likely to get a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as cystitis

Risks of non-hormonal contraception

There's a small risk that you may get an infection after having an IUD fitted.

There's a rare risk the IUD can fail, and you can get pregnant. If this happens, there's an increased risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.

Find out more

Sexual Health Advice

Throughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:

	This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer.
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