Choosing contraception is a personal decision, and the good news is that nearly every method used worldwide is available in Sri Lanka. What follows is an honest guide to your options — how well each works, how long it lasts, and who it tends to suit.

What is and isn't available here

Available in Sri Lanka: condoms, the combined oral contraceptive pill, contraceptive injections, implants, copper coils, hormonal coils, emergency contraception, and sterilisation for both women and men.

Two methods used elsewhere are not available here: the progestogen-only pill (the “mini-pill”) and the contraceptive patch. If you have read about these online or used them abroad, speak to your doctor about the closest alternative.

Barrier methods

Condoms are the most widely used barrier method here. They are easy to obtain, need no prescription, and are the only method that also protects against sexually transmitted infections. Used perfectly they are about 98% effective; in real everyday use, closer to 85%.

Because no other method protects against infection, condoms are worth using alongside another method if that matters to you.

Short-acting hormonal methods

The combined pill

Taken daily. Over 99% effective when taken correctly, though with ordinary real-world use around 91%. It often makes periods lighter, more regular and less painful, and can help with acne. It is not suitable for everyone — smokers over 35, and women with certain migraines, high blood pressure or a history of blood clots, will usually be advised against it.

Contraceptive injection

Given every 12–13 weeks. Convenient if you would rather not take a daily tablet, and very effective in practice. Periods often become irregular and may stop altogether, which is harmless. One thing worth knowing: after stopping the injection, it can take several months — sometimes up to a year — for fertility to return, so it may not suit you if you are planning a pregnancy soon.

Long-acting methods

These are the most effective methods available, because once they are in place there is nothing to remember.

Contraceptive implant

Two small rods placed under the skin of the upper arm, lasting 5 years. The implant available in Sri Lanka is Jadelle. It is more than 99% effective — in fact the most effective reversible method there is. Fertility returns quickly once it is removed. See our guide to contraceptive implants.

Copper coil (copper IUD)

A small copper and plastic device placed in the womb, lasting 10 years with the product used here. It contains no hormones at all, which suits women who would rather avoid them. Periods may become heavier or more painful, particularly at first. See our guide to the copper coil.

Hormonal coil (LNG-IUS)

Similar in size to the copper coil but releases a small amount of hormone into the womb. Advised for 5 years in Sri Lanka; the latest evidence supports use for up to 8 years for contraception. It usually makes periods much lighter, and many women stop having periods altogether. It is also used as a treatment for heavy periods — though for that purpose it is changed every 5 years. See our guide to the hormonal coil.

Emergency contraception

If contraception has failed or none was used, emergency contraception can still prevent pregnancy. It works best the sooner it is taken. A copper coil fitted promptly is the most effective form of emergency contraception and can then stay as your ongoing method.

Permanent methods

Female sterilisation blocks or seals the fallopian tubes. It is the most commonly chosen permanent method here and is highly effective.

Male sterilisation (vasectomy) is also available, and is a simpler, quicker procedure with a faster recovery than female sterilisation. It is carried out by urology services, so it needs a referral rather than being arranged through a gynaecology clinic.

Both should be considered permanent. Choose them only if you are confident you do not want children in future.

Choosing what suits you

There is no single best method. Useful questions to think through:

  • Do you want children in the next year or two? If so, avoid the injection, and consider methods where fertility returns immediately.
  • Will you remember a daily tablet? If not, a long-acting method will work better for you in practice.
  • Are your periods heavy or painful? The hormonal coil or the combined pill may help with both at once.
  • Do you want to avoid hormones? The copper coil and condoms are your hormone-free options.
  • Do you need protection from infection? Only condoms provide this.
  • Are you breastfeeding? Several methods are suitable — ask your doctor which.

The bottom line

Almost every contraceptive method is available in Sri Lanka, with the progestogen-only pill and the patch being the exceptions. Long-acting methods — the implant, the copper coil and the hormonal coil — are the most effective because they do not depend on remembering anything. Talk to a doctor about which fits your health, your plans and your life, and remember that you can change method if the first choice does not suit you.

References

  1. National Health Service. Contraception [Internet]. NHS; [cited 2026 Jul 22]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/
  2. Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. CEU statement: Mirena 52 mg LNG-IUD — extension of licence for contraception to 8 years. London: FSRH; 2024. Available from: https://www.fsrh.org/Public/Public/Documents/fsrh-ceu-statement-mirena-8-years-contraception-jan-2024.aspx
  3. National Health Service. Intrauterine device (IUD) [Internet]. NHS; [cited 2026 Jul 22]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/iud-coil/
  4. National Health Service. Contraceptive implant [Internet]. NHS; [cited 2026 Jul 22]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/contraceptive-implant/