Important clinic announcements

Gynaecology

Contraception 

Whether you’re exploring contraceptive options for the first time, you’re looking to change your contraception or your family is complete, there are so many options available. 

What is Contraception? 

Contraception is defined as “the deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy as a consequence of sexual intercourse”.  

When considering what method to choose, it is important to bear in mind: 

  • If it is effective in preventing pregnancy 
  • Existing health issues 
  • Ease of use 
  • Risks and side effects 
  • Cost 
  • Other benefits (e.g. – acne) 
  • Permanence 
  • Protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) 

What are the different types of contraception? 

There are six main groups of contraceptives available in Australia, and their efficacy and suitability varies from one person to the next. 

Barrier Methods 

These include both the male and female condoms, as well as diaphragms.  They provide a physical barrier to conception by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.  When used correctly, they can be up to 98% effective as a contraceptive and are the only contraceptive that also protect against STIs. 

Hormonal Contraception 

This includes the combined and mini contraceptive pills, as well as the contraceptive vaginal ring.  Used daily, this release of low-dose hormones which prevent ovulation and / or make the female reproductive tract less receptive to implantation.  Hormonal contraception does not protect the user from STIs, but can be up to 99.7% effective. 

Contraceptive Implants and Injections 

These can be small rods (Implanon NXT®) or an intramuscular injection (Depo Provera®), which slowly release low levels of hormones that prevent ovulation and may cause changes to your menstrual pattern.  Again, these offer no protection against STIs, but may be up to 99.9% effective. 

Contraceptive Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) 

Devices such as the Mirena®, Kyleena® and copper intrauterine devices are inserted into the uterus by a Health Professional, rendering it unreceptive to implantation.  They are generally highly effective, long-lasting and well-tolerated by most women, but do not offer any protection against STIs. 

Sterilisation 

Permanent contraception (sterilisation) for men (vasectomy) or women (endometrial ablation or tubal ligation) involves a small operation by a doctor using either local or general anaesthesia.  Sterilisation methods are 99.5% effective and cannot be reliably reversed. 

 

Other methods 

Other methods of contraception include Lactational Amenorrhoea (LAM), Fertility Awareness Based (FABM), Withdrawal and Emergency Contraception.  However, the efficacy of these methods is highly variable, and as such they are not routinely recommended. 

How can Gynae North help you? 

There are many different forms of contraception and working out what is best for you can be overwhelming.  That is where the team at Gynae North can help!  

Our team of friendly, discreet Specialist Gynaecologists are experts in conception and contraception, and will work with you to determine the contraceptive method that best suits your lifestyle, medical history and needs.  

Whether you are exploring your first contraceptive options or have completed your family, our doctors can prescribe hormonal contraception, arrange for insertion or removal of contraceptive devices during an in-patient procedure, or as an out-patient in the privacy of one of our dedicated treatment rooms, or walk you through the options of permanent sterilisation. 

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More information on contraception 

There are lots of different types of contraception. It can be confusing trying to decide which method is right for you. Make sure you see your doctor or health care worker to help you make this decision.

Using contraception allows people to have sex while preventing an unplanned pregnancy.  Many different methods of contraception are available and it’s important to discuss contraception with a new partner before you decide to have sex.  The type of contraception you use is your choice — your doctor can help you understand the benefits of each type to help you decide.

There are many different methods of contraception to avoid pregnancy including the oral contraceptive pill (OCP), the mini-pill, a condom, an intrauterine device (IUD) such as Mirena, an Implanon rod, the natural family planning method and more permanent measures such as tubal ligation and vasectomy for men. The way each method works including the pros and cons is discussed.

Frequently asked questions about contraception

How do I know what contraceptive is best for me? 

There are many factors that can influence your choice of contraception, including your general health, age, frequency of intercourse and your family medical history. In addition, some forms of contraception are associated with health risks and side effects.  That’s why it is important to talk to a health care professional to help determined the best method of contraception for you. 

Are there any health risks or side effects associated with contraceptive use? 

Different contraceptives carry different health risks and side effects.  These can range from localised irritation to more serious effects such as blood clots and cardiac risk.  That is why it is important to talk to a health care professional to help determine the best and safest contraceptive method for your individual circumstances. 

How effective is contraception? 

No method of contraception is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, with each different type of contraceptive performing differently.  Efficacy is influenced by many factors, including how and when the contraceptive is used.  Your Doctor will be able to advise you on the most effective contraceptive for your unique needs.