Contraception

This information sheet is available as a PDF or hard copy. Click the image on the right to download as a printable PDF or to order hard copies of our pamphlets please see our order form.

What is contraception?

Contraception is choosing to prevent or delay pregnancy: birth control. Ideally, contraception is the responsibility of both partners engaging in sex.

Why use contraception?

If you don’t want to become pregnant then use contraception every time you have sex.

Did you know...?

• a woman can become pregnant anytime she has sex
• a woman can become pregnant the first time she has sex
• a woman can  become pregnant during her period 
• sperm can stay alive in a woman’s body for up to 5 days

It’s important to discuss contraception with:

• a health professional to determine the most suitable for you 
• your sexual partner before sex to meet both of your  contraceptive needs

What if you are pregnant?

Pregnancy home testing kits (a urine test) are available from pharmacies and supermarkets with results available in minutes. Confirm the results with a health professional.

Pregnancy symptoms include:

• missed period
• sore breasts
• nausea and vomiting
• increased urination

Some things you should know about ‘safer sex’

Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) can be passed on by vaginal, oral or anal sex through the exchange of body fluids or skin to skin contact.

If you’ve had unprotected sex in the past, get tested by a doctor or visit FPWA Sexual Health Services.

The only contraception to protect you from a STI is a condom.

To give you the most reliable information about contraception we have included the terms Perfect and Typical use.  Both terms relate to the percentage (%) of contraceptive effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.

  

Barrier Methods of Contraception

No prescription is needed for barrier methods of contraception.

Condoms

Male condoms are made of thin latex (or polyurethane) to fit closely over an erect penis. Condoms prevent semen (cum) from entering the vagina. Condoms should only be used with water-based lubricant. 

Effectiveness: Perfect use 98%, Typical use 85%

Benefits

• cheap and easy to buy from pharmacies, supermarkets, service stations, sexual health
• clinics and vending machines
• no health risks (use polyurethane condoms if allergic to latex)
• man is involved in sharing contraceptive responsibility
• protection against most STIs if used correctly
• variety of condoms to choose from

Considerations

• condoms can slip off or break
• sensitivity can be slightly reduced
• some people are allergic to lubricant
• only protect the area covered from STIs

Female condoms are a loose fitting polyurethane device with a flexible ring at both ends to stop semen from entering the vagina. 

Effectiveness: Perfect use 95%, Typical use 79%

Benefits

• insert into the vagina anytime prior to sex
• protection against most STIs if used correctly

Considerations

• awkward to use
• more expensive than male condoms
• hard to get - available at sexual health clinics and some pharmacies
• only protect the area covered from STIs

Diaphragms

A diaphragm is a soft latex or silicone dome that sits inside the vagina and covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. A health professional will fit the right size and instruct you on how to use it.

Effectiveness: Perfect use 94%, Typical use 84%
 
Benefits

• insert into the vagina anytime prior to sex

Considerations

• needs to stay in the vagina for 6 hours after sex

  

Hormonal Methods of Contraception

A prescription is needed for most hormonal methods of contraception.

All hormonal methods of contraception may have the following side effects: breast tenderness, weight gain, acne, skin pigmentation, mood and/or appetite changes.

The Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
(COCP or the Pill)

The Pill contains oestrogen and progestogen hormones which stop an egg being released from the ovary each month. A variety of Pills are available, but essentially they all work in the same way.

Effectiveness: Perfect use 99%, Typical use 92%

Benefits

• easy to use
• reduces period pain
• can decide when to have a  period

Considerations

• remembering to take it daily
• breakthrough bleeding
• not suitable for women who can’t take oestrogen
• certain medication, vomiting or diarrhoea can make the Pill less effective

The Progestogen-Only Pill
(POP or Mini Pill)

POP contains only one hormone, progestogen which changes the mucus in the cervix so sperm can’t pass through to fertilise the egg.

Effectiveness: Perfect use 99%, Typical use 92%

Benefits

• suitable for women who can’t take oestrogen     
• not affected by common medication

Considerations

• needs to be taken at the same time each day to be effective (if more than 3 hours late the risk of pregnancy increases)
• period patterns can change

Injectable Hormone Contraceptive

The injectable hormone contraceptive contains only one hormone, progestogen. This contraception is injected into the upper arm or bottom every 12 weeks by a health professional. Progestogen is slowly released into the body over a 12 week cycle to stop eggs being released from the ovaries.

Effectiveness: Perfect use 99%, Typical use 97%

Benefits

• no daily contraception to take
• suitable for women who can’t take oestrogen
• not affected by medication,vomiting or diarrhoea
• periods may be lighter or stop altogether

Considerations

• the injection can’t be cancelled - it has to  wear off
• irregular bleeding may occur
• fertility can be slow to return

Contraceptive Implant

The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod (matchstick size) containing a progestogen hormone that is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm. Progestogen is released slowly from the implant into the bloodstream over 3 years.

Effectiveness: Perfect and Typical use 99%

Benefits

• contraceptive effect lasts for 3 years
• no daily contraception to take
• can cause light or no periods at all
• suitable for women who can’t take oestrogen
• cost effective
• not affected by vomiting, diarrhoea and most medications

Considerations

• irregular bleeding may occur

Vaginal Contraceptive Ring

The vaginal contraceptive ring is a soft plastic ring containing two hormones: oestrogen and progestogen. The woman inserts the ring into the vagina every month (i.e vaginal ring inserted for 3 weeks and removed for 1 week).

Effectiveness: Perfect use 99%, Typical use 92%

Benefits

• no daily contraception to take
• not affected by diarrhoea or vomiting

Considerations

• certain medications can make the ring less effective
• more expensive than many other methods of contraception
• not suitable for women who can’t take oestrogen
• may be felt during sex

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

IUDs are inserted into the uterus by a doctor to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.  There are two types of IUDs: progestogen or copper bearing.

Effectiveness: Perfect and Typical use 99%

Benefits

• no daily contraception to take
• cost effective and can last between 5 - 10 years

Considerations

• both IUDs can change period patterns
• medical procedure to insert into the uterus

Emergency Contraception
(EC or ‘morning after pill’)

EC  is a unique dose of the progestogen hormone to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. EC is most effective when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex but can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex.

Effectiveness: Perfect use 95% if taken up to 24 hours after sex.

Benefits

• available from pharmacies, your doctor and FPWA Sexual Health Services

Considerations

• contraceptive failure rate increases after 24 hours
  

Natural Methods of Contraception

Abstinence

Abstinence is not having sex. Only you know when the time is right to have sex.  Effectiveness: Perfect use 100%

Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)

FAM helps women know when their egg is being released and when to avoid sex.  Calendar (or Rhythm), Mucus, Billings and Temperature are all types of FAM. It takes time and effort to understand FAM. Effectiveness: Ranges between 75% - 99%

Withdrawal (pulling out)

Withdrawal is when the man ‘pulls out’ his penis before he ejaculates (cums). It is still possible for the woman to get pregnant as pre-cum can ‘leak’ from the penis before ejaculation. Effectiveness: Perfect use 96%, Typical use 73%.

Permanent Methods of Contraception

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception available to women and men.

Visit your doctor or FPWA Sexual Health Services to learn about the best contraceptive choice for you

 

Page last updated Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:53