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Contraception Chart

Choosing Contraception.
Contraception is all about choice. Given that many different methods of contraception now exist in Australia, everyone should be able to find a suitable method. The type of contraception you choose depends on your personal circumstances - your age, your way of life, whether or not you have children, whether you have multiple partners, your health and the need to avoid unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Your choice should also take into account that only condoms offer dual protection against both STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

Remember: No method of contraception is 100% reliable. Only condoms offer dual protection against both STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

Click the titles below to expand each contraception option or download contraception chart here.


Hormonal

  • Combined Pill
    How it works 1 pill consisting of 2 hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) taken same time daily. Prevents egg being released.
    Advantages Can regulate menstrual cycle and reduce PMS and period pain.
    Considerations Not suitable for some medical conditions. If pill is taken more than 24 hours late extra precautions required.
    Reliability 99% if taken correctly.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Marie Stopes International, GP, local family planning clinics.
  • Contraception Implant (Implanon®)
    How it works A small rod containing the hormone progestogen which is inserted under the skin in the arm by a doctor. Prevents egg being released and sperm reaching egg.
    Advantages Lasts for 3 years, but easily reversible. Cost effective over time.
    Considerations Unpredictable bleeding pattern.
    Reliability Over 99% effective.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Marie Stopes International, GP, local family planning clinics.
  • Contraception Injection (Depo-Provera®)
    How it works Progestogen injection. Prevents sperm reaching egg and egg being released.
    Advantages Lasts for 12 weeks. Long-term use can stop periods, which may be desirable.
    Considerations Unpredictable bleeding pattern initially: delayed return to fertility; possible weight gain.
    Reliability 99% effective.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Marie Stopes International, GP, local family planning clinics.
  • NuvaRing®
    How it works Vaginal ring containing both oestrogen and progestogen released from the ring and absorbed through the wall of the vagina. Prevents egg being released.
    Advantages Similar advantages to the Pill but with a lower dose of hormone and once a month use (inserted for 3 weeks, remove for 1 week).
    Considerations Not suitable for some medical conditions. May be considered expensive.
    Reliability 99% effective if used correctly.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Marie Stopes International, GP, local family planning clinics.
  • Progestogen only Pill
    How it works 1 pill consisting of 1 hormone (progestogen) taken same time daily. Prevents sperm reaching egg.
    Advantages For those who can’t take oestrogen due to medical conditions or side effects; for those breast feeding.
    Considerations Unpredictable bleeding pattern. If pill is taken more than 3 hours late, extra precautions required.
    Reliability 98% if taken correctly.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Marie Stopes International, GP, local family planning clinics.

Barrier

  • Diaphragm – Cap
    How it works Dome of rubber placed over cervix to prevent sperm entering uterus. Spermicides required.
    Advantages Only use during sexual activity.
    Considerations Stays in place for 6 hours after sex.
    Reliability 95% effective if used correctly.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Local family planning clinics and some GPs.
  • Female Condom
    How it works Thin plastic sheath placed in vagina to trap sperm.
    Advantages Only use during sexual activity.
    Considerations Can reduce spontaneity.
    Reliability 95% effective if used correctly.
    STI and HIV Protection Helps protect against STIs and HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Local family planning clinics.
  • Male Condom
    How it works Rubber or latex sheath traps sperm during sexual intercourse.
    Advantages Readily available. Only use during sexual activity. Can be used as a back-up for other methods.
    Considerations Can reduce spontaneity.
    Reliability 98% effective if used correctly.
    STI and HIV Protection Helps protect against STIs and HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Marie Stopes International, chemists, supermarkets, local family planning clinics.

Intrauterine

  • IUD (Multiload®)
    How it works Plastic and copper device fitted in uterus. Prevents egg and sperm meeting.
    Advantages Stays in place for up to 5 years. Cost effective over time.
    Considerations May make periods heavy and/or may increase period pains.
    Reliability 99% effective.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Marie Stopes International, GP, local family planning clinics.
  • IUS (Mirena®)
    How it works Small plastic device with progestogen fitted in uterus. Prevents egg and sperm meeting.
    Advantages Stays in place for up to 5 years. Cost effective over time.
    Considerations Spotting and irregular bleeding common initially, though periods usually become lighter and shorter.
    Reliability Over 99% effective.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Marie Stopes International, GP, local family planning clinics.

Permanent

  • Female Sterilisation
    How it works Fallopian tubes closed – which prevents egg and sperm meeting.
    Advantages For those who want a permanent method of contraception.
    Considerations Small medical risk during procedure.
    Reliability Over 99% effective.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Requires referral to specialist. Usually done in hospital.
  • Vasectomy
    How it works Closes off the sperm- carrying tubes.
    Advantages For those who want a permanent method of contraception.
    Considerations Must use alternative method of contraception until sperm count is clear (usually 3 months).
    Reliability Over 99% effective.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Marie Stopes International (no referral needed) or GP referral to specialist.

Emergency

  • Emergency Contraceptive Pill
    How it works A single dose pill containing progestogen hormone. May prevent or delay an egg being released, sperm reaching egg or fertilised egg implanting in womb.
    Advantages Best taken within 72 hours (3 days) of sex, but can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days).
    Considerations Lapsed time increases failure rate.
    Reliability 95% effective if taken up to 24 hours after sex. 85% up to 72 hours.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability From pharmacies without prescription.
  • IUD
    How it works Fitted to prevent egg and sperm meeting.
    Advantages Fitted up to 5 days after sex.
    Considerations May make periods heavy and/ or may increase period pains.
    Reliability 98%-99% effective.
    STI and HIV Protection No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS.
    Availability Marie Stopes International, GP, local family planning clinics.