Contraception

There are different types of contraception you can use to help to prevent pregnancy.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a soft, dome shaped cup made of silicone that covers the entrance to the womb (cervix). You put it inside your vagina before sex to stop sperm reaching an egg.

You should use it every time you have sex and leave it in place for 6 hours. After 6 hours, you can take it out, clean it, and reuse it if you want to.

Your GP or a health professional can check it fits and explain how to use it.

Hormonal options

Oestrogen and progesterone are reproductive hormones that help manage your menstrual cycle and when you ovulate (release an egg).

Hormonal contraception uses these hormones to stop you from getting pregnant.

The rod

The rod, or contraceptive implant, is a small, flexible rod put under the skin of your upper arm. It releases a steady, low dose of progesterone into your blood.

This stops your ovaries from releasing an egg. It also thickens the mucus at the entrance to the womb, making it harder for sperm to get through.

You need a prescription to get the implant. Your GP, midwife or a nurse can insert it using a local anaesthetic. It works for up to 3 years, but you can have it taken out at any time. Only a trained health professional should remove it.

IUD

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small, T-shaped device put inside your womb to prevent pregnancy.

Hormonal IUDs release a hormone called levonorgestrel. They thicken the mucus at the entrance of your womb, and thin the lining of your uterus. This makes it harder for sperm to get through and stops fertilised eggs growing in the womb.

There are 2 types of hormonal IUDs used in Australia.

• The Mirena is larger, has a higher dose of hormones and lasts up to 8 years.
• The Kyleena is smaller, has a lower dose of hormones and lasts up to 5 years.

Copper IUDs don’t use hormones. The copper makes it harder for sperm to live in your body and grow in your womb. Some types last up to 10 years. You can also use them as a form of emergency contraception after unprotected sex.

You need a prescription to get an IUD. Your GP, a nurse or midwife can insert it. Only a trained health professional should remove it.

The pill

The contraceptive pill is a small tablet you take every day to prevent pregnancy.

It uses progesterone and oestrogen to:

• stop your ovaries releasing an egg
• thicken the mucus at the entrance to the womb, making it harder for sperm to get through.

There's also a mini pill that only uses progestogen and can be less effective, as it doesn’t always stop you releasing an egg.

The pill might not work if you miss a dose, vomit, have diarrhoea, or take certain medicines. You must take it at the same time each day.

You need a prescription to get the pill.

Vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is a small plastic ring you put inside your vagina. It releases oestrogen and progesterone and has the same effects as the contraceptive pill.

The ring sits high in the vagina, near the cervix. You won’t feel it if you’ve put it in correctly.

You must keep it in for 3 weeks and take it out in week 4. You might bleed in the fourth week, but this isn’t the same as your period. After week 4, you must put in a new ring and repeat the cycle.

It might be less effective if you're taking certain medicines or take it out too early or late.

You need a prescription for the vaginal ring.

Emergency options

Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex.

You might need it if:

• you didn’t use contraception
• a condom broke or came off
• you forgot to take your pill, or change a vaginal ring at the right time
• you were sexually assaulted.

Copper IUD

The copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception. You’re not likely to get pregnant if it’s inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex.

Morning after pill

The morning after pill or ECP (emergency contraceptive pill) uses medicine or hormones to prevent pregnancy. It’s known as the morning after pill because it works best when taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.

Taking the pill can stop your body releasing an egg and stop a fertilised egg growing in the womb. It doesn’t work if you’re already pregnant, or if you have unprotected sex again.

• Levonorgestrel pills work best when taken less than 3 days after sex.
• Ulipristal acetate pills work best when taken less than 5 days after sex.

You might feel sick or vomit after taking the pill. If you vomit within a few hours of taking it, you’ll need to take another one. Taking anti-nausea medicine can stop you being sick.

Your next period might also be early or late.

You can get the pill from a:

• pharmacy
• GP or midwife
• sexual health clinic
• family planning clinic
• hospital emergency department.

Permanent options

Sterilisation is a permanent way to prevent pregnancy. It’s done with surgery, and is only for people who are sure they don't want children in the future.

Female sterilisation usually means getting your fallopian tubes tied or blocked (tubal ligation). You also won’t be able to get pregnant if you have your ovaries or uterus removed.

Male sterilisation involves cutting and sealing your vas deferens (vasectomy). These are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra.

Talk to your GP or a health professional about your options. Some procedures can be reversed, but success rates vary. You can learn more about tubal ligation and vasectomies on the healthdirect website.

Which type should I use

Contraception doesn’t always work. Some forms are more effective than others, and there may be risks and side effects.

It’s best to use several types to prevent pregnancy and STIs. Getting the facts can help you choose what’s right for you.

Talk to your GP, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic for advice. You can also compare different types of contraception on the True website.