Contraception beyond the pill — patch, ring and injection explained

What are the alternatives to the pill?

Several effective hormonal contraceptives do not require you to take a daily tablet. The most commonly prescribed are a weekly adhesive patch worn on the skin, a small flexible ring placed inside the vagina for three weeks at a time, and a hormonal injection given every 8 to 13 weeks depending on the type. All are highly effective when used correctly.

These methods suit women who prefer not to think about contraception every day, who struggle with pill timing, or who have digestive conditions that can affect how well oral tablets are absorbed.

How do these contraceptive methods work?

The contraceptive patch and vaginal ring both release a combination of oestrogen and progestogen continuously through the skin or the vaginal wall. Like the combined pill, they primarily work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the womb lining. Because they bypass the gut, digestion problems such as vomiting or diarrhoea do not reduce their effectiveness.

The injectable contraceptive contains only a progestogen. It is given as an injection, usually into the buttock or upper arm, and works for several weeks before the next dose is due. Because it contains no oestrogen, it can be a suitable option for women who cannot use oestrogen-containing methods.

Which method is right for me?

The patch and ring are combined hormonal methods and carry similar considerations to the combined pill — they are not recommended for women who smoke and are over 35, who have a history of blood clots, or who have migraine with aura. The injection, as a progestogen-only method, can be used by a wider group of women, including some who cannot take combined methods.

The main practical differences come down to how often you want to engage with your contraception: every week (patch), every three weeks (ring), or every few months (injection). Some women also find the injection useful because, once given, there is nothing further to remember — though it is worth knowing that fertility can take a few months to return fully after stopping injections.

Getting a prescription through NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy can prescribe the patch and ring through our online service. For the injectable contraceptive, the prescription and administration are typically handled by your GP surgery or a sexual-health clinic — we can advise you on this in the consultation and direct you to the right place if appropriate.

How the online consultation works

The consultation covers the same safety checks as for the combined pill: blood pressure, smoking, migraine history, clot history, and your current medicines. It takes around five to ten minutes. If the prescriber approves a patch or ring, it is sent in discreet plain packaging for next-day delivery, or you can collect from our Stratford branch.

If we cannot safely prescribe online — or if you specifically want the injection — we will point you clearly to your GP or a local sexual-health service, where these methods can be administered by a clinician.

When to see your GP or a sexual-health clinic instead

If you are looking for the injectable contraceptive, a coil (IUD or IUS), or an implant, these require in-person fitting or administration by a clinician and cannot be supplied by post. Your GP surgery or a local sexual-health clinic can provide these. We will always tell you clearly if another route is more appropriate for you.