Contraceptive Methods

• Contraception can be discussed with a GP or health nurse.
• Different contraception methods may suit you at different times in your life.
• Methods of contraception that are available include implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injections, pills, vaginal rings, barrier methods, sterilisation, emergency contraception and natural methods.
• Condoms are the best available protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
• Contraception protects you from pregnancy.
• Contraception works so that an egg can’t be fertilised by sperm to conceive a baby.
• There are many contraceptive options available in Australia.
• Their level of effectiveness and the way they work varies.
• Types of contraception include implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injections, pills, vaginal rings, barrier methods, sterilisation, emergency contraception and natural methods.
• Barrier methods of contraception (such as condoms) are highly effective to protect you and your sexual partners from sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
• No method of contraception is 100% effective against pregnancy.
• When choosing a method of contraception that is right for you, it is important to have accurate information.
• If you have a partner, it is important to talk openly about your options.
• Condoms can be used with other forms of contraception.
• Individuals with a BMI over 35 kg/m2 are at risk of heart disease or stroke.
• Condoms are up to 98% effective when used the right way to prevent pregnancy.
• Individuals with severe liver disease, who have received treatment for breast cancer, or who have other health conditions should consult a doctor before using barrier methods of contraception.
• Smoking has various effects on the body, particularly after 35 years of age.
• Internal condoms, also known as female condoms or femidoms, are available from some retail outlets and sexual health clinics.
• Barrier methods of contraception, such as external condoms, internal condoms, and diaphragms, stop sperm from getting into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
• Condoms are very effective because they block the exchange of body fluids during anal, oral, vaginal, and skin-to-skin contact.
• External condoms are cheap and available without a doctor’s prescription from pharmacies, supermarkets, sexual health clinics, and vending machines in some venues.
• A body mass index (BMI) of less than 35 kg/m2 puts an individual at risk of deep vein thrombosis.
• Options for barrier methods of contraception include external condoms, internal condoms, and diaphragms.
• Diaphragms are barrier methods of contraception.
• Issues you may like to consider when choosing a method of contraception include how well each method works and why you need to use contraception.
• Some people use contraception for hormonal benefits, such as for heavy menstrual bleeding, skipping periods, or endometriosis.
• Your pharmacist, including after hours Victorian Supercare Pharmacies, can provide information on contraception and refer you to a sexual health clinic if necessary.
• The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service provides services for people aged 15-29 years.
• The Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic provides services for people aged 15-29 years.
• The Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic provides services for people aged 15-29 years.
• Sunraysia Community Health Services provides services for people aged 15-29 years.
• The Centre Clinic provides services for people of all ages.
• Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre provides services for people of all ages.
• Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic provides services for people aged 15-29 years.
• Your GP is a doctor who can provide advice on contraception and refer you to a sexual health clinic if necessary.
• 1800 My Options is Victoria’s sexual and reproductive health information and phone line service.
• Thorne Harbour Health provides services for people of all ages.
• Some public hospitals have clinics including family planning, sexual health and women’s health.
• Some secondary schools provide access to an adolescent health trained GP on site.