contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy and some types will provide you with

protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

When thinking about contraception, you might find yourself asking: which method will be
best for me and my lifestyle? Which method protects against STIs? What about
convenience of use? How effective will it be? Possible side-effects?

To answer these questions, we’ll look at nine popular types of contraception. Let’s start
with...

1. Condoms
Condoms are the only form of contraception that protect against most STIs as well as
preventing pregnancy. They’re hormone free, can be used on demand and will easily fit
into a purse or knapsack. They also come in male and female varieties.

Male condoms are rolled onto an erect penis to create a physical barrier, preventing
sexual fluids from passing between people during sex. The female condom is placed
inside the vagina right before sex. Based on typical use, the female condom is not quite
as effective as the male latex condom and takes a little practice getting used to.

Pros include: It’s the best protection against STIs; can be used on demand; hormone
free.

Cons include: It can tear or come off during sex if not used properly; some people are
allergic to latex condoms.

Condoms are the only form of contraception that also protect against STIs.
2. Oral Contraceptive Pill
The oral contraceptive pill is the most commonly reported method of contraception used
by Australian women. There are a few different types to choose from, so it’s about
finding the one that’s right for you. The combined pill contains estrogen and progestin
while the mini pill contains only one hormone, progestin. The pill can have many
benefits, however remembering to take it on time is a must.

Pros include: Highly effective when used correctly; permits sexual spontaneity and
doesn’t interrupt sex; sometimes the pill may even reduce heavy and painful periods
and/or may have a positive effect on acne.
Cons include: Forgetting to take your pill means it won’t be as effective; it can only be
used by women; is not suitable for women who can't take oestrogen-containing
contraception; it offers no protection against STIs.

The pill is only available by getting a prescription from a medical professional so

visit your local doctor or sexual health clinic.

The oral contraceptive pill is used once, daily and is currently the most common
contraception used by Australian women.

3. Intrauterine Device (IUD)

This small, T-shaped device is made from material containing progesterone hormone or
plastic and copper and is fitted inside a woman’s uterus by a trained healthcare
professional. It's a long-acting and reversible method of contraception, which can stay in
place for three to 10 years, depending on the type used.

Some types of IUDs contain hormones that are gradually released to prevent
pregnancy. The IUD can be an effective emergency contraception if fitted by a
healthcare professional within five days of having unprotected sex. IUDs containing
coppers are 99% effective while the ones containing hormones are 99.8% effective.
You’re about as protected as you possibly can be when using an IUD.

Cons include: Irregular bleeding and spotting occurs in the first six months of use;
requires a trained healthcare provider for insertion and removal; does not protect
against STIs.

IUDs offer very effective protection against pregnancy.

4. Contraceptive Implant
In this method, a small, flexible rod is placed beneath the skin in a woman’s upper arm,
slowly releasing a form of the hormone progesterone. This hormone stops the ovary
releasing the egg and thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to enter
the womb. The implant requires a small procedure using local anesthetic to fit and
remove the rod which needs to be replaced every three years.

Pros include: Highly effective; doesn’t interrupt sex; is a long-lasting, reversible

contraceptive option.
Cons include: Requires a trained healthcare professional for insertion and removal;
sometimes there can be irregular bleeding initially; offers no protection against STIs.

Women can choose to use the implant as a long-term contraceptive method.

5. Contraceptive Injection
This injection contains a synthetic version of progestogen. It’s given into a woman’s
buttocks or the upper arm, and over the next 12 weeks the hormone is slowly released
into the bloodstream.

Pros include: Lasts for up to three months; is very effective; permits sexual spontaneity
and doesn’t interrupt sex.

Cons include: May disrupt periods or cause irregular bleeding; requires the user to
keep track of the months used; offers no protection against STIs.
The contraceptive injection uses progestogen to prevent pregnancy.

6. ‘Morning After’ Pill

The Emergency Contraception Pill can be used to prevent pregnancy after sex if
contraception wasn’t used, contraception failed, or a woman has been sexually
assaulted. This pill contains special doses of female hormones designed to prevent
pregnancy up to five days after having unprotected sex. It’s more effective the sooner
it’s taken.

Cons include: Vomiting is a common side effect, next period might come early or be
delayed; offers no protection against STIs.

Emergency contraception can be used after having sex to prevent pregnancy.

7. Contraceptive Ring
This method sees the woman place a flexible plastic ring in her vagina. It slowly
releases the hormones oestrogen and progestogen which are the same hormones used
in the combined oral contraceptive pill, but at a lower dose. The ring stays in place for
three weeks, and then removed for a week before popping a new one in.

Pros include: You can insert and remove a vaginal ring yourself; this contraceptive
method has few side effects, gives you control of your periods and allows your fertility to
return quickly when the ring is removed.
Cons include: It is not suitable for women who can't take oestrogen-containing
contraception; you need to remember to replace it at the right time; offers no protection
against STIs.

The contraceptive ring releases a lower dose of hormones to control a woman's ability
to conceive than other contraceptive methods like the pill.
8. Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a small, soft dome of silicon placed inside the vagina to prevent sperm
entering the uterus. It forms a physical barrier between the man's sperm and the
woman's egg just like a condom. It needs to stay in place for at least six hours after
sex.

Six hours after sex - but no longer than 24 - it needs to be taken out and cleaned.

Pros include: You can use the same diaphragm more than once, and it can last up to
two years if you keep good care of it.

Cons include: Using a diaphragm can take practice and requires keeping track of the
hours inserted. The diaphragm works fairly well if used correctly, but not as well as the
pill, a contraceptive implant or an IUD.

Diaphragms might seem like an 'old school' method of contraception, but could they be
your contraception of choice?
9. Sterilisation
Sterilisation is the process of completely taking away the body’s ability to reproduce
through open or minimally invasive surgery. It’s a permanent method of contraception,
suitable for people who are absolutely sure that they never want children or do not want
more. Sterilisation is available for both men and women and is performed in a hospital
with general anesthesia.

If you are thinking about sterilisation, talk with your doctor. They can talk to you about
the side effects, risks and complications and might offer up some alternative methods of
contraception that might be more suitable.
Because sterilisation can be permanent, it's only suitable for people who definitely do
not want to have any children, or any further children, in the future.

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