Contraception is a type of product that prevents pregnancy.

To decide what kind of contraception will be best for you, it’s important to understand all the different types of contraception available and how well they will prevent pregnancy.

Remember: no method of contraception is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy; however, some are more effective than others. Fit and forget methods are the most effective because they rely the least on human error, whereas condoms and the contraceptive pill require the user to use them perfectly every single time. 

If you do choose to have sex, give yourself the best chance to avoid pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease by learning how to use contraception properly.

What kinds of contraception are there?

Contraception types can be split into two different categories:

• Non-hormonal contraception (Barriers such as condoms)
• Hormonal contraception (birth control pills, hormonal IUDs)

Non-hormonal contraception 

Barrier contraception includes: Condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge

• “Barrier” contraceptives physically block contact from sperm and/or STIs.
• A condom is placed over the shaft of the penis will physically prevent sperm from entering the womb and fertilising an egg (which prevents pregnancy). A condom is the only form of contraception that will also protect you from STIs. They are 98% effective with perfect use and only about 87% effective accounting for human error, so make sure you: 
  • • Ensure the condom is not past its use-by date.
    • Open the packet carefully to ensure that you don’t rip the condom (don’t use your teeth lol)
    • Place the condom the right way around, so it can roll down the shaft with ease. If you place it the wrong way first, throw it out and start again, as the condom could have come in contact with infected fluid.
    • Hold the tip of the condom as you roll it down the shaft to ensure there is space for semen to collect. If the condom is rolled down too tightly, then semen might spill out the side.

It’s important to be aware of stealthing. Stealthing is when a person wearing a condom removes it without their partner’s consent. Stealthing is a form of sexual assault that is illegal in Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory in Australia.

Diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges

These are are usually used with ‘spermicide’, a product that kills sperm. Diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges are effective in preventing pregnancy, with an approximately 86% effectiveness rate.

• When used correctly, a condom is an excellent choice of contraception. Easy to use, affordable, and it will protect you from both pregnancy and STIs. However, there is a small risk of the condom breaking or slipping off during or after sexual activity.

The Copper IUD 

The copper Intrauterine Device is a long-acting fit and forget method.

• It works by releasing small amounts of copper into the uterus, which is toxic to sperm.
• It also slows the transport of the egg to delay the chance of sperm and egg meeting and changes the lining of the uterus to make it unable to support a fertilised egg.
• They are 99.5% effective and can last from 5-10 years.

Hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives = devices or medication that utilise synthetic hormonal replacements such as estrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy or manage pain/period-related symptoms. 

They do this by:

• Stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary)
• Thickening the mucus in the cervix so that sperm cannot penetrate 
• Stopping a fertilised egg from implanting in a uterus 

Being on the pill won’t protect you from STIs

Hormonal contraceptives come in different forms: 

Short-acting contraception 

Includes: The pill and the injection.

Oral contraceptives: the pill, birth control pills

Birth control pills are a form of hormonal contraception taken daily by mouth. They work by:

• Stopping ovulation (meaning an egg isn’t released each month)
• Also, by thickening the fluid around the cervix (opening to the uterus or womb) to prevent the sperm from entering.
• The pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen. These are similar to hormones that are produced by the ovaries. There are two types of pills in Australia, the combined and progesterone-only pill.

Similar to a period, there may be side effects on the pill:

• Birth control pills may have side effects like nausea, breakthrough bleeding, cramping and possibly breast tenderness.
• It can also change your vaginal discharge or lower your libido (sexual desire).

Contraceptive injection: an injection that needs to be updated every 12 weeks

• • This is the only contraception for which no evidence can be found (no wrapper, strings, or feelable rod in the arm – it is completely invisible)
  • If someone is facing pressure not to use contraception, however they want to, the contraceptive injection could be a good option for them.

Long-acting reversible contraception 

Includes: Hormonal IUD and the Implanon 

These are also known as fit and forget methods because they are implanted once and can last for years without the upkeep of short-acting contraceptives. 

Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) – a device implanted in the uterus that works for 5-10 years

Subdermal contraceptive implants (the Implanon or the rod) – a device implanted in someone’s arm that needs to be replaced every 3 years. 

• Fit and forget forms of contraception are a good long-term option to prevent pregnancy; they will not protect you from STIs
• Needs to be fitted or removed by a doctor
• Fit-and-forget options (like the hormonal IUD and Implanon) prevent pregnancy by releasing a slow dose of progesterone hormone into the uterus. Periods can become lighter or stop altogether. However, they may become heavier in the beginning. 

Where can I get contraception?

For ongoing contraception (like birth control pills or IUDs) you will need to see a doctor. You could see your existing doctor or head to a Sexual Health Clinic. These are free to access.

Follow the links below to find a clinic near you:

• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

For barrier contraception (like condoms or dams), visit a pharmacy or supermarket. You can also order these products online if that is a more comfortable option.

I had sex and didn’t use contraception! What should I do?

If this happens to you, breathe. It’s going to be okay. You’re not alone — it happens to everyone at some point in their life. 

If you’re worried about pregnancy, you have two options:

• Emergency contraception (used to be called the ‘morning after pill’)
• Abortion

If you don’t take any action, you may become pregnant. Think carefully about whether being pregnant and having a baby is something that you want. The choice is yours to make.

If you’re worried about contracting an STI, you should:

• Make an appointment to see a GP (doctor) or visit a Sexual Health Clinic as soon as possible. They will test to see if you have caught anything from your recent sexual encounter.
• If you have an STI, it’s important to let your sexual partner know, so that they can get checked out as well.