Contraception

Contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy, and is sometimes called ‘birth control’. Some forms of contraception such as condoms can also help reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

When choosing your contraception method, you should discuss it with your partner and consider:

• your lifestyle
• possible side effects
• cost
• effectiveness
• protection against STIs.

Common methods of contraception

• The pill
  • a tablet taken by women at about the same time every day
  • works in several ways, but mainly by preventing ovulation – the release of an egg from the ovary
  • only available by getting a prescription from a medical professional so visit your local doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic
  • does not prevent the transmission of STIs.
• Condoms
  • a latex or polyurethane sleeve worn by men on their penis
  • helps to protect against pregnancy and STIs
  • available from supermarkets, pharmacies, sexual health clinics, family planning clinics, and community based sexual health organisations.
• Contraceptive implant
  • a small, flexible rod that is placed under the skin in a woman’s upper arm
  • releases a form of the hormone progesterone which stops the ovary releasing the egg and thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb
  • needs to be replaced after 3 years
  • requires a small procedure using local anaesthetic to fit and remove the rod
  • must be fitted by a doctor or nurse.
• Contraceptive injection
  • a simple injection into a muscle on the top part of a woman’s bottom or in her upper arm
  • lasts approximately 12 weeks
  • contains a form of the hormone progesterone which stops the ovary from releasing an egg and thickens the mucus of the cervix so the sperm cannot enter the uterus
  • must be given by a doctor or nurse.
• IUD (Intrauterine Device)
  • a small device that’s inserted into the womb
  • lasts 5-10 years
  • stops sperm from reaching the egg, and can also stop a fertilised egg from implanting
  • must be fitted by a specially trained doctor or nurse
  • For more contraceptive options and advice, visit Family Planning Queensland or Children by Choice.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy after sex if:

• contraception wasn’t used
• a condom has broken during sex
• a woman has been sexually assaulted.

The emergency contraceptive pill contains special doses of female hormones (progestogen and possibly oestrogen) and can prevent pregnancy in a couple of ways.

• If ovulation has not already occurred, it can delay ovulation. This means a delay in the egg being released from the ovary, so fertilisation by the sperm can’t occur.
• If an egg has already been released and fertilised by sperm, the pill can prevent the fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus. This means a pregnancy cannot develop.

To be effective, the emergency contraceptive pill should be started within 24 to 72 hours of unprotected sex.

The emergency contraceptive pill can be bought over the counter at your local pharmacist or chemist, or through your local doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic.