Contraception & Birth Control in Singapore: Your Options Compared

Written by BestDoctors.sg Editorial Team · Last updated November 2026

Written & reviewed by the BestDoctors.sg editorial team · Last updated 14 Nov 2026 · General information, not medical advice

Quick answer. Singapore offers a full range of contraception. Long-acting reversible methods — the hormonal IUS (e.g. Mirena), copper IUD and the implant — are the most effective (over 99%) because they do not depend on daily use. The combined pill, progestogen-only pill, patch and injection are very effective with correct use but more user-dependent. Only condoms also protect against STIs. You can get contraception from GPs, polyclinics, women’s and family planning clinics; pills and devices generally need a prescription or fitting. Emergency contraception (the ‘morning-after pill’, e.g. levonorgestrel or ulipristal) is taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, via a doctor or clinic. The best method depends on your health, plans and preferences.

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Choosing contraception is a personal decision, and in Singapore there is a wide range of safe, effective options. They differ in how they are used, how effective they are, whether they contain hormones, and whether they also protect against sexually transmitted infections.

This guide gives a neutral, factual overview of the main methods, how they compare on effectiveness, where to get them, and what to know about emergency contraception. It is general information only — a doctor can help you weigh the options against your own health, medications and plans.

At a glance

Contraceptive methods compared (typical effectiveness)
Method	How it works	Effectiveness / notes
Implant	Rod under the skin; lasts ~3 years	Over 99%; not user-dependent
Hormonal IUS (e.g. Mirena)	Device in womb; lasts ~5 years	Over 99%; also lightens periods
Copper IUD	Hormone-free device; up to ~5-10 years	Over 99%; can be used as emergency option
Injection	Progestogen jab every ~3 months	Very effective; needs regular clinic visits
Combined / progestogen-only pill	Daily tablet	~91-93% typical use; relies on taking it correctly
Condoms	Barrier, used each time	~87% typical use; also protect against STIs

How the methods work and compare

Contraceptives broadly fall into a few groups:

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) — the implant, hormonal IUS and copper IUD. These are the most effective methods (over 99%) precisely because they do not depend on you remembering to do anything daily.
Hormonal user-dependent methods — the combined pill, progestogen-only pill, patch and 3-monthly injection. Very effective when used correctly, but the pill’s typical-use effectiveness (around 91-93%) reflects missed or late doses.
Barrier methods — male and female condoms. Less effective at preventing pregnancy in typical use (around 87% for male condoms), but uniquely they also protect against STIs.

Only condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections, so some people use them alongside another method.

The pill (COC and POP)

The combined oral contraceptive (COC) contains oestrogen and progestogen and is taken daily; it can also make periods lighter and more regular and help with acne. It is not suitable for everyone — for example, certain women with migraine with aura, a history of blood clots, or who smoke and are over 35 — so a doctor will check your suitability.

The progestogen-only pill (POP) contains only progestogen and is an option for those who cannot take oestrogen, including some who are breastfeeding. It must be taken consistently each day. Both types need a prescription, which a GP, polyclinic or women’s clinic can provide after assessment.

IUD, IUS, implant and injection

Hormonal IUS (e.g. Mirena) — a small T-shaped device placed in the womb that releases progestogen, lasts about five years, and usually makes periods much lighter (it is also used to treat heavy bleeding).
Copper IUD — a hormone-free device that works for several years; periods may be heavier. It can also be used as emergency contraception if fitted soon after unprotected sex.
Implant — a small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm, lasting around three years.
Injection — a progestogen injection given roughly every three months at a clinic.

IUDs and the IUS are fitted by a trained doctor; the implant is inserted in a quick clinic procedure. These methods are removed when you wish to stop or try to conceive.

Emergency contraception (the 'morning-after pill')

Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The main options in Singapore are levonorgestrel (e.g. Postinor) and ulipristal acetate (e.g. ella). Both work best the sooner they are taken — levonorgestrel is generally used within 72 hours, and ulipristal can be used within a longer window — so do not delay.

The copper IUD is the most effective emergency method when fitted within a few days of unprotected sex, and it then continues as ongoing contraception. In Singapore, emergency contraception is obtained through a doctor or clinic (including some after-hours and telemedicine services). It does not protect against pregnancy from sex after taking it, so continue or start a regular method, and seek review if your next period is very late or unusual.

Where to get contraception and how to choose

In Singapore you can access contraception through GPs, polyclinics, women’s and family planning clinics, O&G specialists, and some telemedicine providers. Pills require a prescription, and IUD/IUS/implant insertion is done by a trained doctor. Condoms are sold over the counter at pharmacies and convenience stores.

Choosing a method depends on:

How effective you want it to be, and whether you prefer something you don’t have to think about daily
Your medical history and any medications (some conditions rule out oestrogen-containing methods)
Whether you also need STI protection (condoms)
Your plans for future pregnancy and how soon you might want to conceive
How periods are affected and personal preference about hormones

A consultation lets a doctor match a method to your needs; you can change methods if one does not suit you.

Related guides

Best Gynaecology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
gynaecology clinics directory
Heavy & painful periods
Ovarian cysts
Vaginal infections (thrush & BV)
Contraceptive Implant
Pregnancy, Fertility & IBD
Women, Pregnancy & Epilepsy

Sources

Last updated 22 June 2026. Prices are typical market ranges gathered from the cited sources and vary by clinic, doctor and individual case — they are not quotes. This guide is general information, not medical advice; always consult a qualified, MOH-accredited doctor before any treatment.

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Frequently asked questions

Which contraception is the most effective?

Long-acting reversible methods — the implant, hormonal IUS and copper IUD — are the most effective, at over 99%, because they do not rely on you remembering to use them. The pill, patch and injection are very effective when used correctly, but the pill's typical-use effectiveness is lower (around 91-93%) because doses can be missed. Condoms are less effective for pregnancy but uniquely protect against STIs.

Do I need a prescription for the pill in Singapore?

Yes. Oral contraceptive pills require a prescription, which a GP, polyclinic, women's clinic or O&G can provide after checking your suitability — for example your blood pressure, medical history and any medications. The doctor will also advise on which type (combined or progestogen-only) suits you best.

Where can I get the morning-after pill in Singapore?

Emergency contraception such as levonorgestrel (e.g. Postinor) or ulipristal (e.g. ella) is obtained through a doctor or clinic, including some after-hours GP and telemedicine services. Take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex for best effect. A copper IUD fitted by a doctor within a few days is the most effective emergency option and continues as ongoing contraception.

Does contraception protect against STIs?

Only condoms (male and female) protect against sexually transmitted infections. Pills, IUDs, the IUS, implant and injection prevent pregnancy but offer no STI protection. If STI protection matters to you, condoms can be used on their own or alongside another method for extra pregnancy protection.

Will hormonal contraception affect my future fertility?

For most methods, fertility returns to your normal baseline soon after stopping — the pill, IUS, IUD and implant do not cause long-term infertility. With the injection there can be a delay of several months before fertility returns. If you are planning pregnancy, your doctor can advise on timing and which method to stop and when.

How long does a contraceptive implant last and how is it removed?

The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm and lasts around three years. It is inserted and removed by a trained doctor in a quick clinic procedure using local anaesthetic, through a tiny cut. It can be taken out earlier at any time, and fertility returns quickly after removal. Irregular or unpredictable bleeding is a common side effect. The cost depends on the device, consultation and procedure fees, so ask the clinic for an itemised estimate.

How does the contraceptive injection work and how often is it needed?

The contraceptive injection contains a progestogen hormone that stops ovulation, and it is given by a doctor or nurse roughly every three months. It suits people who prefer not to take a daily pill. Periods often become irregular, lighter or stop altogether, and some people notice weight changes. Fertility can take several months to return after stopping, so it may not suit those planning a pregnancy soon. Set reminders, because late injections reduce protection.

Is the copper IUD a good option if I want hormone-free contraception?

Yes. The copper IUD is one of the most effective methods available and contains no hormones, so it suits people who cannot or prefer not to use hormonal contraception. It is fitted inside the womb by a trained doctor and works for several years, with fertility returning once it is removed. Periods may become heavier or more painful, particularly in the first months. Seek prompt medical care if you develop severe lower abdominal pain, fever or unusual discharge after fitting.

What are the common side effects of the birth control pill?

Many people have no problems, but common early side effects include spotting between periods, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches and mood changes, which often settle within the first few months. The combined pill is not suitable for everyone, for example some people with migraine with aura, high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, or smokers over 35, so a doctor will check your history before prescribing. Seek urgent care if you develop a painful swollen calf, chest pain, sudden breathlessness or a sudden severe headache while taking it.

How do I choose the right contraception for me?

The best method depends on how effective you need it to be, whether you want to avoid hormones, your medical history, how easy it is to remember, how your periods might change, and when you might want to conceive. Long-acting methods suit people who want reliable protection without daily effort, while pills, patches and condoms give more short-term flexibility. A GP, polyclinic or women's health doctor can go through your options. Remember that only condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections.