Contraception
You can use different methods of contraception Hormonal injection (Depo Provera)
to prevent pregnancy when you have vaginal Hormonal injections are over 96% effective.
sex. You have the right to use contraception A doctor or nurse gives you an injection of the
and choose a method that works best for you. progestogen hormone every 12 weeks, which
stops ovulation.
Types of contraception
No form of contraception is 100% effective. Intrauterine device (IUD)
Every method has its advantages and IUDs are over 99% effective. Hormonal IUDs
disadvantages. There are many things to are slightly more effective than copper ones.
consider when choosing a contraceptive A doctor or nurse inserts the IUD (a small
method. For example, its effectiveness, the T-shaped device) into your uterus through
cost, how easy it is to use and your stage of life. your vagina, which stops sperm from reaching
the egg. Hormonal IUDs can also stop egg
The most effective methods of contraception
release. The Mirena® IUD can be used for eight
are listed below.
years and the Kyleena® IUD can be used for
5 years. Copper IUDs last for 5 to 10 years.
Long-acting reversible
contraception (LARC) The Pill (oral contraception)
LARCs are highly effective and reversible The Pill is up to 99% effective if taken correctly.
methods of contraception. The other advantage You need to take one pill every day to prevent
is you don’t have to think about contraception pregnancy. The Pill contains oestrogen and
every day or every time you have sex. progesterone hormones that stop egg release.
You can also get a progesterone-only pill
Hormonal implant (Implanon®)
(mini pill). The mini pill is less effective because
Hormonal implants are over 99% effective.
it must be taken at the same time every day
Using local anaesthetic, a doctor or nurse
to work.
inserts a small implant under the skin of your
upper arm. The implant releases a progestogen
hormone, which stops ovulation (egg release).
The implant lasts for 3 years and can be easily
removed or replaced.
[Link]
Vaginal ring Permanent contraception
The vaginal ring (NuvaRing®) is 93% to 99% Permanent contraception can be:
effective. A vaginal ring has the same hormones
• an operation to close the fallopian
that are in the combined oral contraceptive pill,
tubes (‘getting your tubes tied’)
but in a lower dose. It works by stopping egg
or
release. You place a new ring in your vagina
• an operation to cut the tubes that
every month and leave it there for 3 weeks to
carry sperm from the testicles
prevent pregnancy.
to the penis (vasectomy).
Condoms and diaphragms Permanent contraception is over 99% effective.
(barrier methods)
Barrier methods of contraception work by
stopping sperm from reaching an egg. When to see your doctor
These include: If you’re not sure which contraception
• external condoms – worn over an to use, see your doctor. They can explain
erect penis (over 88% effective) the advantages and disadvantages of each
• internal condoms – a sheath that fits method so you can decide what’s best
loosely into the vagina (over 79% effective) for you.
• diaphragm (Caya®) ¬– a soft silicone Some forms of contraception, such as
cap that is placed high in the vagina LARCs, vaginal rings and the Pill, must be
before sex (over 82% effective). prescribed by a doctor.
Note that condoms are the only form of
If you’re sexually active, it’s also important
contraception that offer some protection
to have regular sexual health checks with
against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
your doctor or sexual health nurse.
Emergency contraception For more information, resources and
Emergency contraception is also known as the references, visit [Link]/health-
‘morning after’ pill. You can use this if you have a-z/sex-sexual-health/contraception
unprotected sex, you forget to take the Pill, or if
a condom breaks during sex.
The ‘morning after’ pill is over 85% effective
and works best if taken within 24 hours after
vaginal sex. It is available from pharmacies
without a prescription.
Updated July 2024
Disclaimer: This information does not replace
medical advice. If you are worried about your health,
Phone 03 9453 8999 talk to your doctor or healthcare team.
[Link] We write health information for people with diverse
backgrounds, experiences and identities. We use the
term ‘women’, but we acknowledge that this term is
not inclusive of all people who may use
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
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gratefully acknowledges the support
of the Australian Government. © Jean Hailes for Women’s Health 2024