There are so many contraception choices available, and there are pros and cons for all options. The following is some basic, general information about the range of choices available. When choosing a contraception method, please speak to your health professional about whether it suits your particular circumstances.
Please note: ‘Effectiveness’ relates to the statistical success of the method in preventing pregnancies. It is only correct if the method is used correctly. ‘STI Protection’ only indicates that some level of protection is provided, it does not necessarily mean 100% protection or protection against all STIs.
The following information is courtesy of the Better Health Channel. For more detailed, general information visit their website.
Billings Method
The Billings Method is a form of natural birth control that teaches a woman to recognise when she is infertile and when she is fertile by examining cervical mucus. The success rate depends on the couple’s commitment and their willingness to avoid genital contact and penetrative sex during the woman’s fertile times.
Type: Natural Frequency: As needed Effectiveness: Varies STI Protection: No
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Combined Pill
The ‘pill’ is a highly effective form of oral contraception for women. Two types are available in Australia: the combined pill and the mini pill. The hormones in oral contraceptives prevent ovulation, make it harder for sperm to enter the cervix or prevent implantation of a fertilised egg. Your doctor can advise you on the risks, benefits and alternative contraceptive options available to you.
Type: Hormonal (pills) Frequency: Daily Effectiveness: Varies STI Protection: No
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Condoms for Men
Male condoms are an effective form of barrier contraception if used properly, and reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmissible infection (STI). Use condoms every time you have vaginal, anal and oral sex to prevent an exchange of blood, semen or vaginal fluids. Each condom should be used once only for each activity.
Type: Barrier Frequency: As needed Effectiveness: 95-99% STI Protection: Yes
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Condoms for Women
The female condom is designed to fit all women and is suitable for all ages. It offers women and men an alternative to the male condom. If used correctly, the female condom is effective in preventing an unplanned pregnancy and protecting against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
Type: Barrier Frequency: As needed Effectiveness: 95% STI Protection: Yes
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Copper IUD
The female condom is designed to fit all women and is suitable for all ages. It offers women and men an alternative to the male condom. If used correctly, the female condom is effective in preventing an unplanned pregnancy and protecting against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
Type: Intrauterine device Frequency: 5-10 yrs Effectiveness: >99% STI Protection: No
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Depo Injections (Depo-Provera /Depo-Ralovera)
Hormonal contraception for women is available in the form of implants or injections that release the contraceptive into the body over a sustained period of time. Contraceptive implants and injections are very effective, but can cause side effects. For parent feedback, click here.
Type: Hormonal (injections) Frequency: 12-13 wks Effectiveness: 99% STI Protection: No
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Diaphragms
The diaphragm acts as a barrier method of contraception. It fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix (entrance to the womb) to stop sperm from fertilising an egg. Other barrier methods include male and female condoms and dams.
Type: Barrier Frequency: As needed Effectiveness: 84-94% STI Protection: No
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Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (the ‘morning after pill’) can be used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy after unprotected sex. It’s most effective if taken within 24 hours of having sex, but works well up to 72 hours. It might be effective if taken within 120 hours (five days). You might need emergency contraception if the pill is missed, a condom breaks, no contraception was used or in the case of rape.
Type: Hormonal (pill) Frequency: As needed Effectiveness: 85% STI Protection: No
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Essure and Adiana Procedures
Essure and Adiana are female sterilisation procedures that are less invasive than other methods. Both involve putting a tiny, flexible device (micro-insert) into each fallopian tube. The Essure device is a tiny coil of titanium and the Adiana device is small silicone plug about the size of a grain of rice. They make the body grow scar tissue around the inserts, blocking the fallopian tubes.
Type: Sterilisation Frequency: Permanent Effectiveness: >99% STI Protection: No
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Implanon
Hormonal contraception for women is available in the form of implants or injections that release the contraceptive into the body over a sustained period of time. Contraceptive implants and injections are very effective, but can cause side effects.
Type: Hormonal (implant) Frequency: 3 yrs Effectiveness: >99% STI Protection: No
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Mini Pill
The ‘pill’ is a highly effective form of oral contraception for women. Two types are available in Australia: the combined pill and the mini pill. The hormones in oral contraceptives prevent ovulation, make it harder for sperm to enter the cervix or prevent implantation of a fertilised egg. Your doctor can advise you on the risks, benefits and alternative contraceptive options available to you.
Type: Hormonal (pills) Frequency: Daily Effectiveness: up to 99.7% STI Protection: No
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Mirena
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small contraceptive device that’s inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent a pregnancy. The two types available are the copper IUD and the hormonal (Mirena) IUD. Both types are very effective forms of contraception and can stay in place for at least five years.
Type: Intrauterine device Frequency: 5-10 yrs Effectiveness: >99% STI Protection: No
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Tubal Ligation
Female sterilisation is also called tubal ligation (tying) or ‘getting your tubes tied’. Tubal occlusion, which is the surgical blocking of the fallopian tubes, is the most common method. Female sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception. It doesn’t affect menstruation (periods), menopause, sexual desire or pleasure. Pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy are a possible, but low, risk.
Type: Sterilisation Frequency: Permanent Effectiveness: >99% STI Protection: No
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Vaginal Ring
The vaginal ring works in a similar way to the oral contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy. It’s worn inside the vagina for three out of every four weeks and slowly releases synthetic forms of the natural hormones oestrogen and progestogen. In Australia, it’s available with a doctor’s prescription under the brand name NuvaRing.
Type: Hormonal Frequency: Monthly Effectiveness: 99.7% STI Protection: No
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Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception that involves cutting and blocking off the tubes in the groin (the vas) that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. The chances of pregnancy after a vasectomy are around one in 1,000. Read about a vasectomy experience from one of our resident dads.
Type: Sterilisation Frequency: Permanent Effectiveness: >99% STI Protection: No
