Contraception

Contraception prevents pregnancy, so people can have sex while preventing an unplanned pregnancy.

What is contraception?

Someone can get pregnant when a sperm released during sex fertilises an egg, which then implants in the uterus (womb). Contraception prevents pregnancy, so people can have sex while preventing an unplanned pregnancy.

There are many different forms of contraception. No form is 100% effective, but some methods are more effective than others. Aside from preventing pregnancy, some — but not all — methods of contraception can also prevent transmission of STIs.

Your choice of contraception might be an individual one, or a decision you make with your partner. In either case, it’s important to discuss contraception with a new partner before having sex, so you can choose a method that works for you. Contraception affects both you and your partner, so it the responsibility of both.

What types of contraception are available?

There are many different types of contraception available:

A male condom is a thin rubber or plastic covering worn on the penis during sex. A female condom is inserted into the vagina before sex. A condom stops body fluids mixing during sexual activity. This reduces the chance of pregnancy, as well as the likelihood of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms are the only contraceptive method that also help prevent STIs. Read more about the pros and cons of condoms.

The combined oral contraceptive pill, also known as 'the pill' or OCP, is a tablet taken daily by women to prevent pregnancy. The pill contains a combination of hormones that stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. They also alter the mucus at the entrance of the uterus, making it harder for sperm to get through. Read more about the pros and cons of the combined oral contraceptive pill.

The vaginal ring is a flexible plastic ring inserted high into the vagina. It contains the same hormones as the pill and works in the same way. It stays in place for 3 weeks, so some women find it easier to use than the daily pill. Read more about the pros and cons of the vaginal ring.

The progestogen-only pill, or 'mini-pill', is another tablet that women take daily to prevent pregnancy. It contains the hormone progestogen, which changes the mucus at the entrance of the uterus to make it harder for sperm to get through. Read more about the pros and cons of the progestogen-only pill.

The contraceptive injection is a hormone injection given to women every 12 weeks. It works in a similar way to the pill. Read more about the pros and cons of the contraceptive injection.

The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod inserted by a doctor into a woman’s upper arm. It contains the same hormone as the contraceptive injection but is more easily reversible since it can be removed. Read more about the pros and cons of the contraceptive implant.

The hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) is inserted by a doctor into a woman’s uterus through the cervix. It releases a hormone that prevents pregnancy in a few different ways, like the OCP. It can stay in position for up to 5 years. Read more about the pros and cons of hormonal IUDs.

The copper IUD is inserted into the uterus in the same way as the hormonal IUD. It does not contain hormones. The copper in the device makes it more difficult for sperm to fertilise the egg and prevents any fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterus. It can stay in place for 5 or 10 years, depending on the type of device used.

A diaphragm is a soft, reusable silicone cap placed in the vagina before sex to cover the cervix. It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from entering the uterus. Read more about the pros and cons of diaphragms.

The 'withdrawal method' is when the penis is removed from the vagina before ejaculation. This prevents sperm from being released into the vagina where they may swim up to the uterus and fertilise an egg. It is less effective than other methods because:

There is sperm in the fluid released before ejaculation (pre-ejaculate or ‘pre-cum’). If ejaculation occurs at the entrance of the vagina, sperm can swim inside the woman’s body and this can result in pregnancy. It can be difficult for the man to withdraw in time.

'Fertility awareness' is when you avoid sexual intercourse during the times of the month when the woman is most fertile (most likely to conceive). This method involves keeping track of a woman’s periods and other indicators, such as cervical mucus and body temperature. This method can be tricky to use if a woman’s cycle is not regular.

Sterilisation is a medical procedure that can permanently prevent a pregnancy. In women, this involves blocking the fallopian tubes with an operation called a tubal ligation or occlusion. This prevents the egg from being released into the uterus where it may be fertilised. In men, the operation is called a vasectomy. It blocks sperm from being released into the ejaculate (cum), meaning the sperm cannot enter the woman’s body. Read more about the pros and cons of tubal ligation and vasectomy.

What types of contraception have side effects?

Any medicine or medical device can have side effects. Many are unwanted, but some can be beneficial.

The hormones used in contraceptive pills, implants, injections, and intrauterine devices can have effects that include:

• irregular periods or bleeding between periods
• lighter or skipped periods.
• less painful periods
• mood changes
• nausea
• headaches
• clearer skin

Condoms may irritate your genital area. There are generally no other side effects. If you have an allergy to latex, make sure you use non-latex condoms.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about any side effects that you should expect due to your contraceptive method.

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception — sometimes called the ‘morning-after pill’ — is taken by a woman after having sex to reduce the risk of a pregnancy.

You might decide to use emergency contraception if:

• you had sex without using any contraception.
• you had sex using a condom, and it broke.
• you forgot to take your daily contraceptive pill, or have severe diarrhoea or vomiting after taking it
• you were sexually assaulted.

The 'morning-after pill' contains hormones that stop ovulation. Two types of morning-after pill are available in Australia. Both can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription. They can be used up to 72 hours (3 days) or 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, depending on the pill you buy. Both pills are more effective the sooner they are taken. Your pharmacist can give you more information and advice about the best pill for you.

The emergency contraceptive pill reduces your chance of pregnancy from any unprotected sex that happened a few days before taking it. It will not prevent pregnancy from future unprotected sex — and it doesn’t protect you from catching an STI.

Another option for emergency contraception is having a copper IUD inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. A copper IUD affects sperm movement, making fertilisation less likely and can also reduce the chance of a fertilised egg implanting in the uterus. The IUD can also provide long-term contraception.

Which type of contraception is best for me?

There are many things to think about when choosing which method of contraception is right for you.

Consider the following when making your contraceptive choice:

• Is it easy to use?
• How effective is it?
• Is it reversible?
• Does it protect against STIs?
• What is the cost?

Some options aren’t suitable for everyone. Some types of hormonal contraception are not recommended for people with a history of blood clots or other health problems like migraines or high blood pressure.

The type of contraception you use is your choice. Your GP or local family planning clinic can give you more information and suggestions about which options might be right for you.

When should I see my doctor?

It's a good idea to see your doctor if you’re considering your options for contraception. They can advise you on which options might be right for you depending on your health and lifestyle. Many methods, such as the oral contraceptive pill, need to be prescribed by a doctor.

If you are interested in getting an IUD or a hormone injection, ask your doctor about the process.

What are family planning clinics?

Family planning clinics offer a range of reproductive and sexual health services to the public. These include information and advice about contraceptive options. Clinic staff may also be able to prescribe contraceptive medicines, insert IUDs or contraceptive implants and refer people for sterilisation procedures.

Clinic services may have a cost so be sure to ask when you book an appointment.