Contraception

This is a rod of flexible plastic, about the size of a thin matchstick. It contains the hormone progestogen, which prevents the ovary from releasing an egg and thickens the cervical mucus to act as a barrier to sperm. A Healthcare Professional inserts it under the skin of the upper arm after giving a local anaesthetic. Once fitted you don’t have to think about contraception. It lasts for 5 years but can be removed at any time by a Healthcare Professional and normal fertility will return. You may experience unpredictable bleeding. 

A small plastic T-shaped device that continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen, which thickens cervical mucus to act as a barrier to sperm and interferes with implantation. A Healthcare Professional  inserts it into the uterus (womb). Once fitted you don’t have to think about contraception and it does not interfere with sex. Periods may become lighter, but you may experience unpredictable bleeding in the first few months of use. It lasts for up to 3 years but can be removed at any time by a Healthcare Professional and normal fertility will return.

A small plastic T-shaped device that continuously releases a small amount ofthe hormone progestogen, which interferes with implantation and thickenscervical mucus to act as a barrier to sperm. It requires a simple procedure, carried out by a Healthcare Professional, to insert it into the uterus (womb). Once fitted you don’t have to think about contraception and it does not interfere with sex. Periods may become light or stop altogether, but you may experience unpredictable bleeding in the first few months of use. It lasts for up to 8 years but can be removed at any time by a Healthcare Professional and normal fertility will return.

A small, T-shaped piece of flexible plastic and copper that is fitted inside the uterus (womb) by a Healthcare Professional. The copper is toxic to sperm. Once fitted you don’t have to think about contraception and it does not interfere with sex. It can be left in place for up to 10 years (or longer in certain cases) but can be removed at any time by a Healthcare Professional and normal fertility will return. In contrast to the hormonal coils, periods may become heavier, longer or more painful.

The tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis (the vasa deferentia) are tied or sealed so that there is no sperm in the semen when a man ejaculates. This method of contraception involves a simple and quick procedure and should be considered permanent. It is possible to reverse the procedure, but it is difficult and not always successful. You must use another method of contraception for the first 3 months until sterility is confirmed.

The tubes between the ovary and the womb (the fallopian tubes) are cut or blocked with rings or clips. This stops the eggs released by the ovary from reaching the uterus (womb). This method of contraception involves an operation and should be considered permanent. It is possible to reverse the operation, but it is difficult and not always successful.

During breastfeeding, ovulation is suppressed. A woman can use LAM if the all of following criteria are strictly met:

• menstrual period has not returned since delivery
• exclusively breastfeeding the baby on demand day and night
• not feeding the baby any other foods or liquids
• the baby is less than 6 months old.

As soon as any of these criteria change another method of 
contraception must be used. Another method of contraception must be used as soon as any of these criteria change. Click here for more information.

An injectable form of the hormone progestogen. It works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg. It must be given every 13 weeks. It can cause unpredictable bleeding, however, periods usually become lighter or stop altogether. Some women may experience weight gain with this method. The injection takes around 12 weeks to leave the body if side effects do occur. It can take time for fertility to return to normal.

It must be taken at the same time every day to prevent pregnancy. It contains small amounts of the hormone progestogen. Generally, Progestogen Only Pills prevent the ovary from releasing an egg each month. Periods may become irregular, lighter, more frequent or stop altogether. Missing a pill, vomiting or severe diarrhoea make it less effective. Normal fertility returns as soon as you stop using it. It is usually suitable if you cannot take the combined pill.

This must be taken daily to prevent pregnancy. You take the 21-day pill for 21 days, then have a break (not taking a pill) for 7 days. Some people taking the 21-day pill may choose to have a shorter break or no break. These options need to be discussed with your Healthcare Provider. The pill is made of hormones similar to those found naturally in a woman’s body. It works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg. Periods may become regular, lighter and less painful. Missing a pill, vomiting or severe diarrhoea make it less effective. Normal fertility returns as soon as you stop using it. May not be suitable depending on medical history, age and lifestyle. 

If you run out of pills you can get 28 day's emergency supply without prescription from any pharmacy.

A 4cm square plastic patch that sticks to the skin. You change the patch once a week for three consecutive weeks then have a break (not using a patch for 7 days. Some people may choose to have a shorter break or no break. These options need to be discussed with your Healthcare Provider. The patch contains the same hormones used in the combined pill, which prevent the ovary from releasing an egg. These hormones are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. It is not affected by vomiting and diarrhoea. Periods may become regular, lighter and less painful. It may be seen on the skin or cause skin reactions. Normal fertility returns when you stop using it. May not be suitable depending on medical history, age and lifestyle.

A flexible, transparent, plastic ring, which you insert into your vagina and leave in place for 3 weeks. You then remove it and discard it and insert a new ring 7 days later, giving you a ring-free week during which you would have a period-like bleed. Some people may choose to have a shorter break or no break and these options would need to be discussed with your Healthcare Provider. It releases the same hormones used in the combined pill, which prevent the ovary from releasing an egg. It does not interfere with sex and you don’t have to think about it every day. It is not affected by vomiting or diarrhoea. Periods may become regular, lighter and less painful. Normal fertility returns when you stop using it. It may not be suitable for everyone, depending on medical history, age and lifestyle.

Male and female condoms prevent sperm from entering the vagina and fertilising an egg. A new condom must be used every time you have sex. The male condom fits over the erect penis and the female condom fits inside the vagina. Condoms can interrupt sex and may split or slip. Condoms are the only method of contraception to provide some protection from sexually transmitted infections. All condoms can be used with water based lubricants.

Diaphragms are circular domes made of thin, soft latex (rubber) or silicone with a flexible rim. Cervical caps are smaller and are made of latex or silicone. Diaphragms and caps are barrier methods of contraception, meaning they prevent sperm and egg from meeting. They fit inside your vagina and cover your cervix (the entrance to the womb). They come in different shapes and sizes, so a doctor or nurse may need to make sure of the correct fit at first. To be effective, diaphragms and caps need to be used with a spermicide and left inside the vagina for 6 hours after sex. Spermicide needs to be reapplied every time you have sex.

The man withdraws his penis from the woman when he feels he is going to ejaculate. He then ejaculates outside her body. It is not a very effective way to prevent pregnancy as sperm can leak before ejaculation. It has a relatively high failure rate and requires great control and much practice.

A woman learns to tell the fertile time of her monthly cycle by daily monitoring of her bodily changes. She monitors and records the length of her monthly cycle, temperature, secretions, changes to the cervix, and may use fertility prediction devices as well. During the fertile time, a couple avoids vaginal sex or they use another method such as condoms. There are no physical side effects. FAM methods may be less reliable during fever, vaginal infection, after childbirth, or while breastfeeding. Some areas have limited availability of suitably trained Healthcare Professionals to teach this method.