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Sexual & Reproductive Health Information

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 event. ...

The Caya Diaphragm

WHAT IS THE DIAPHRAGM? The 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 diaphragm forms a barrier which prevents sperm from getting into the uterus. It is inserted before intercourse and left in place for a minimum of 6 hours after intercourse. It takes 6 hours for all sperm to die in the acid environment of the vagina. The Caya® diaphragm, which is a single size diaphragm, is the only one available in Australia. HOW DO I USE THE DIAPHRAGM? You...

Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)

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...

Progestogen only Pill

Progestogen-only pills (POPS)  Progestogen-only pills are contraceptive pills that contain progestogen, similar to the hormone progesterone produced by the ovaries. Progestogen-only pills are different from the other contraceptive pill (‘the pill’) which contains two hormones-oestrogen and progestogen. There are two types of progestogen-only pills available in Australia: The progestogen-only pill or ‘mini pill’.  Slinda® The progestogen-only pill (mini-pill) The mini pill is an oral contraceptive pill that contains a low dose of progestogen. There are two different types of mini-pills...

Contraceptive Options

WHAT IS CONTRACEPTION? Contraception means prevention of pregnancy. There are a number of different methods of contraception available. It is important to choose a method that best suits your needs at the time. 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 unplanned pregnancy. WHICH CONTRACEPTIVE IS RIGHT FOR ME? Many factors may affect your choice of a contraceptive method including: How effective the method is Your stage of life Your lifestyle Ease of use of the method Any...

Contraceptive Implant (The Rod)

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...