Sexual & Reproductive Health Information Find answers to all your questions. Popular Topics Sexually Transmissible Infections Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are infections which are passed from one person to another during sexual contact or exchange of body fluids. Genital Conditions These infections include candidiasis (also called yeast infection or thrush) and bacterial vaginosis. Menopause Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when she stops having periods. Menopause is a natural life...

WHAT IS A COPPER IUD? An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic device that is inserted into the uterus (womb) and is used to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are a highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptive. There are two different types of IUDs- hormonal and copper. The copper IUD is an IUD that has copper wrapped around its stem and arms. It does not contain any hormones. HOW DOES IT WORK? The copper IUD works mainly by preventing fertilisation. It does this by being toxic to the egg and sperm and by interfering with sperm movement. It also prevents the implantation of a fertilised...

What are hormone releasing IUDs? Hormone releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small plastic devices which are inserted into the uterus (womb) and are used to prevent pregnancy. They contain a hormone called levonorgestrel in the stem. Levonorgestrel is a type of progestogen. A very small amount of this hormone is released continuously over a period of time. There are two types of hormone releasing IUDs: the Mirena® and the Kyleena®. The Kyleena® is slightly smaller and releases a lower dose of hormone than the Mirena®.

Condoms are worn during sexual activity to prevent sexually transmissible infections and as a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy. A condom is a physical barrier that stops body fluids (e.g., semen, vaginal fluids) from passing between sexual partners. There are two different kinds of condom available, the external (male) condom and the internal (female) condom. How do external condoms work and what are they made of? External condoms are made of thin, strong latex rubber or polyurethane. How do you use them? They are used by being rolled onto the erect penis before vaginal, anal, or...

Safe sex is sexy. Sex is meant to feel good and be fun, but it can be risky if not treated with respect. When entering into sexual relations with someone, the first thing you should do is talk about it and make sure you seek consent. Always ask someone before you start touching them or engaging in intercourse. This article talks about: safe sex, consent, decision making,  STIs, unplanned pregnancy, emergency contraception, and where to go if you need advice or help.

WHAT IS THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT? The contraceptive implant, often called ‘the rod,’ is a small flexible plastic rod that contains a progestogen hormone called etonogestrel. It is inserted under the skin on the underside of your upper arm, where it slowly releases a small amount of this hormone over 3 years. The contraceptive implant used in Australia is called Implanon NXT. HOW DOES IT WORK? The contraceptive implant prevents pregnancy by stopping eggs from being released from the ovary (ovulation). It also increases mucus thickness in the cervix, making it hard for sperm to travel through...

Contraception is essential for planning the size of your family and spacing children optimally for your individual family unit. A pregnancy that occurs within 12 months of giving birth can place extra stress on the mother and baby and carry more risks of complications, so having effective contraception during this time is particularly important. It can be a good idea to talk to your doctor about this before giving birth, as some contraceptive methods can be started soon after childbirth. Contraception is not needed in the first 3 weeks following childbirth, but ovulation (the release of an...

A vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception. It involves a simple surgical procedure that prevents sperm from traveling from the testicles to the semen ejaculated from the penis. After vasectomy, your semen is the same, but it has no sperm in it. Vasectomy is a safe, effective, and permanent form of contraception. How effective is vasectomy? A vasectomy is over 99% effective. However, while it is rare, a vasectomy may fail, and you may stay fertile or become fertile again. This can happen if the tubes are not entirely blocked off, grow back together, or if a third vas deferens tube exists....

Delivered Canberra, the SHFPACT Contraceptive Implant (Implanon NXT) Training Workshop has been designed for Doctors and GP’s who wish to learn safe insertion and removal of the contraceptive implant.  LEARNING OUTCOMES Demonstrate safe insertion of the contraceptive implant Demonstrate safe removal of the contraceptive implant Counsel patients on the use of the contraceptive implant Manage common side effects associated with the contraceptive implant COURSE FORMAT 1.5 hour face to face workshop, includes theory and practise on a model arm. SHFPACT is a leading provider of training...

SHFPACT hires Contraception Kits to any High Schools and Colleges that have a Friends of SHFPACT Membership (Organisational/Nonprofit/Small Business/Schools). To take out a Friends of SHFPACT Membership follow the link below: Friends of SHFPACT Membership SHFPACT’s Contraception Kits contain: 1x diaphragm (Caya®) 1x hormone releasing IUD (Mirena®) 6 x male condoms 6 x lubricants 2 x female condoms 2 x dental dam 1 x oral contraception pill sample box 1 x emergency contraception sample box 1 x vaginal ring (Nuvaring®) 1 x contraceptive implant (Implanon®) 1 x contraceptive injection...

What is emergency contraception?   Emergency contraception (EC) is used after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.                                           You might use emergency contraception if: you had sex and didn’t use any contraception a condom broke or slipped off during sex you missed one or more of your usual contraceptive pills  you were sexually assaulted What kind of emergency contraception is available? There are two types of emergency contraception available in Australia: The emergency contraceptive pills (ECP): the Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive...

What is the combined oral contraceptive pill? The combined oral contraceptive pill, usually simply called ‘the pill’, is a contraceptive pill taken by mouth which contains 2 hormones, oestrogen, and progestogen. These hormones are similar to the hormones produced by your ovaries. How does it work? The pill works by preventing ovulation, which means it stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, which in turn means that fertilization cannot occur, and a pregnancy cannot begin. It also thickens the mucus in your cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to get into the uterus (womb). How...

What is contraception? Contraception (also called birth control) protects you from pregnancy. There are a number of different methods of contraception available. It is important to choose a method that suits you. Using contraception gives you more control, allows you to decide if, and when, to have children, and allows you to enjoy sex without having to worry about an unintended pregnancy. Which contraceptive is right for me? Many factors affect your choice of a contraceptive method including: Your stage of life Your lifestyle How effective the method is How easy the method is to use Any...

This workshop is designed for suitably experienced GPs who wish to learn to insert IUDs or GPs who are interested in learning more about IUDs as a contraceptive option for their patients but intend to refer them elsewhere for insertion. Our next course date is 8 Febuary 2025, however we have a full waitlist for this course and will not be taking any further applications for 2025.

The Family Planning Alliance Of Australia Certificate Course For Doctors In Reproductive And Sexual Health is a nationally accredited course is designed for medical practitioners who wish to expand their knowledge and increase their skills in the delivery of sexual and reproductive health care. 2025 COURSES APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN The five day Theory Component takes place over three weekends. Weekend One: 22nd and 23rd of February 2025 Weekend Two: 15th and 16th of March 2025 Weekend Three: 5th of April 2025 REGISTER NOW It is suitable for: GPs and GP Registrars,  O&G Registrars,  Sexual...

What is a diaphragm? A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It is a dome of soft silicone with a flexible rim that is placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb). The Caya® diaphragm, which is a single size diaphragm, is the only one available in Australia. How does it work? The diaphragm forms a barrier which prevents sperm from getting into the uterus. It is inserted before sexual intercourse and is left in place for at least 6 hours afterwards. It takes 6 hours for the sperm to die in the acidic environment of the vagina. How effective...