Contraception
Contraception is what people use if they want to have sex but want to avoid getting pregnant. Sometimes people also use contraception to treat other women’s health issues, ask your doctor for more information.
When engaging in sexual activity with a new partner of the opposite sex, it’s important for you to discuss contraception before you decide to have sex, as the use of contraception affects both of you.
It’s also important to understand the different types of contraception so you choose one that best suits you and your partner. The different types of contraception work in different ways to prevent pregnancy.
It is very important to use your contraception as instructed if you do not want to have a baby. For example, condoms need to be used every time you have sex, the pill is taken daily, or options like the contraceptive implant or IUD don’t require any action for years after they are inserted.
Using contraception will not affect your ability to have a baby in the future. If you have recently had a baby, contraception can help you space out your next pregnancy or prevent pregnancy if you do not want to have another baby .
For more information view this postnatal contraception video, available in eight community languages.
What are the different Types of Contraception?
1. Hormonal Contraception
Contraceptive Pills
(combined oral contraceptive pill, mini pill, progesterone-only pill)
Contraceptive Implant
(rod or ‘Implanon’)
Hormonal Intrauterine Device (hormonal IUD or ‘Mirena’ or ‘Kyleena’)
contraception injection
(depo)
Vaginal Ring
2. Barrier methods
Male (external)
condoms
Female (internal)
condom
3. Contraception without hormones
Copper Intrauterine Device (copper IUD)
Contraceptive Diaphragm
4.Emergency Contraception*
Copper Intrauterine Device (copper IUD)
Emergency contraceptive pill
*You need to take the Emergency Contraception Pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex for it to be effective. Unprotected sex is whenever contraception has not been used as instructed. For example, a condom not being used or falling off during sex, or if any contraceptive pills have been missed recently.
To get the Emergency Contraceptive Pill you can go to your local pharmacy and have a short free consultation with the pharmacist. This means you do not need a prescription from a doctor. You need to take the Emergency Contraceptive Pill or have a copper IUD inserted within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner ECP is taken, the more effective it is.
Read more about contraception options here.
What are the side effects of contraception?
The different types of contraception all have different side effects. Some people get side effects, others do not.
Some beneficial side effects can include reducing menstrual bleeding, no menstrual bleeding, preventing endometriosis pain, and reducing acne.
Some challenging side effects can include bleeding more, bleeding in between periods, mood changes and breast tenderness.
For more information about the different types of contraception, or to find the type of contraception that is best for you, talk to your doctor or health care professional.
Unplanned pregnancy
Unplanned pregnancy can happen to women of all ages and backgrounds.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, the Pregnancy Choices Helpline offers free, unbiased and confidential information on pregnancy options. For expert advice from a health professional, visit the website or call the Pregnancy Choices Helpline on 1800 008 463, available Monday to Friday from 8.00am – 8.00pm.
Read more about pregnancy options with resources available in other languages.
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