Sexual and Reproductive Health Information The pamphlets below will help to answer all your sexual health and relationship wellbeing questions.  General Information Enjoying Sex Safely Cervical Screening Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Early Pregnancy Health and Care Unplanned Pregnancy Painful...

WHAT IS A COPPER IUD? An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small plastic device that is inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. The copper IUD has copper and sometimes silver, wrapped around its stem and arms. It does not contain any hormones. The copper IUD is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive. HOW DOES IT WORK? The copper IUD works in the following ways: • the copper is toxic to eggs and sperm which stops an egg being fertilised • it slows the movement of egg and sperm so reduces the chance of them meeting • it changes the lining of the uterus and...

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...

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...

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...

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...