Finding the right contraception for your lifestyle is one of the most important health decisions you'll make

Innovation in contraception over the years means that women now have a wide choice of contraceptive methods available to them including the pill, patch, and long acting reversible methods such as the implant, injection, and intrauterine devices (IUD).

Read on to find out more about the range of safe, effective options available -there's bound to be one for you.

The choice is yours
When you're not in a settled relationship condoms are a crucial part of your sex life. Not only do they protect you from pregnancy but also ward off sexually-transmitted diseases.

Once with a long-term partner, though, many women prefer the convenience of the Pill. This is still the most widely-used contraceptive available and has an excellent safety record.

There are two main types: Combined Oral Contraceptives (COC), which use the hormones oestrogen and progestogen to disrupt ovulation and stop you becoming pregnant and the Progestogen Only Pill (POP), ideal for women who cannot, or prefer not, to take oestrogen.

When taken correctly the Pill is an effective method of contraception. However, the Pill is a daily method and one drawback is remembering to take it every day. If you're the forgetful type, a longer acting method could be a great alternative.

Here's what some genuine users had to say about their experiences:

'The Pill is great for me'
Jo Marriot, 25, London
'I started taking the combined Pill when I first had sex but I started suffering from severe mood swings, weight gain and migraines. My GP said I was intolerant to oestrogen and suggested a progestogen only pill (POP) instead. It was great - my migraines went away immediately, my moods stabilised and my weight dropped back to normal.

Tips:
The Pill is a popular choice, which offers 99 per cent protection against pregnancy. If you're worried about remembering to take the Pill, long-acting reversible methods such as an injection, hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD), or implant can offer you all the same benefits and these are also available without oestrogen.

'My implant means I don't worry'
Melissa Wilson, 28, Manchester
'I have been using the implant for over two years. I used to be on the Pill but was very forgetful when it came to taking it! So, I needed to remove the human error risk and spoke to my GP about longer-term options. He gave me a range of choices and recommended having an implant, which lasts for up to three years. I am very happy with it as I don't have to worry about taking a pill every day and I haven't had any major side effects.'

Tips:
Along with the hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD), patch or contraceptive injection, the implant can be a useful option for women of all ages who prefer a pill-free lifestyle or for whom oestrogen is not suitable or who wish to avoid it. The main side effect is that progestogen only contraceptives can make your periods irregular, although they often settle with time. While oestrogen-free contraceptives are all effective and reversible, speak to your GP about one that suits your lifestyle.

'I'm confident with condoms'
Robyn Bishop, 28, London
'I started taking a combined pill when I first started having sex but I gained a lot of weight and had severe mood swings. My GP then suggested switching to a progestagen only pill, but I still found taking the Pill everyday to be a nuisance. So, I decided to use condoms instead. I feel confident they'll prevent pregnancy and protect me from STDs now I'm not in a long-term relationship.'

Tips:
Condoms can offer vital protection from STDs and pregnancy. In a committed relationship, though, you may prefer the pill, patch or longer-acting reversible contraceptives, which you don't have to think about, such hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD), or implant.

Where to get help
Speak to your doctor or family planning trained nurse for more advice on choosing a contraceptive or contact the fpa helpline on 0845 310 1334 or FPA
For a summary of your choices in contraception go to www.organon.co.uk