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...

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...

THE PROGESTOGEN ONLY PILL (POP) The POP (sometimes also called the mini pill) is an oral hormonal Contraceptive pill which contains a low dose of progestogen. The POP is taken continuously and at the same time every day in order to prevent pregnancy. It is different to the combined pill (‘the pill’) which contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. HOW DOES IT WORK? The POP works by making the mucous produced by the cervix thicker, so that sperm cannot get into the uterus (womb) and fertilise an egg. HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT? It is thought to be between 91% - 99% effective in preventing...

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. ...

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...

WHAT IS THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT? The contraceptive implant, often called ‘the rod’ is a small flexible plastic rod that contains a progestogen hormone. It is inserted under the skin on the underside of the upper arm where it slowly releases a small amount of this hormone over three years. HOW DOES IT WORK? The contraceptive implant mainly works by stopping the egg being released from the ovary (ovulation). This prevents pregnancy occurring. It also increases the thickness of mucus in the cervix which make it hard for any sperm to travel through and fertilise an egg. HOW LONG DOES IT LAST? The...