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Contraception
115-minute read
Key facts
- Contraception, also known as birth control, reduces the chance of becoming pregnant following sexual activity.
- There are many different types of contraception, including condoms, diaphragms, hormonal methods or devices inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy.
- Each type of contraception has pros and cons.
- Discuss your options with your doctor to help choose an option that is right for you.
- Contraception affects both you and your partner, so it’s important to decide together what will work best for both of you.
What is contraception?
Contraception, also known as birth control, reduces the chance of becoming pregnant following sexual activity.
There are many different types of contraception. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. It is important to choose the method that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Most people are familiar with condoms and the contraceptive pill (sometimes called ‘the pill’), but there is a wide range of options available.
What types of contraception are there?
Below are examples of different types of contraception methods. Each type of contraception works differently.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods stop sperm from entering the cervix. Options include:
- male external condom — a thin rubber or plastic covering worn on the penis during sex.
- female internal condom — a thin rubber or plastic sleeve inserted into the vagina before sex.
- female diaphragm — a soft, reusable silicone cap put into your vagina before sex
Condoms are the only type of contraception that helps prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Hormone contraception for females
Hormones are used to prevent ovulation or change the conditions in your uterus and cervix to prevent pregnancy. There are different types, with different hormones, advantages and disadvantages. Options include:
- Contraceptive pills include the combined oral contraceptive pill (the pill) and progestogen-only pill (mini pill). These pills need to be taken daily at the same time.
- A contraceptive implant is a small piece of plastic inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It slowly releases hormones that prevent pregnancy. It can stay in for 3 – 5 years.
- A hormone injection known as depot medroxyprogesterone (also known as ‘Depo’) can be used for contraception that lasts 3 months, before a new injection is needed.
- A plastic vaginal ring releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. It is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks at a time and then removed for 1 week, before a new one is placed.
IUD (Intrauterine contraceptive devices)
An intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is a small device that is placed inside your uterus to prevent pregnancy. It must be placed by a health professional, but it can be left in your uterus for 5 – 10 years, depending on the type. There are 2 types of IUD:
- hormonal IUD — slowly releases progesterone
- copper IUD — toxic to sperm and prevents fertilisation
Read about inserting an IUD.
Fertility awareness method (natural family planning)
To practice fertility awareness, you need to learn about your cycle to avoid unprotected sex during your fertile window each month. Fertility awareness is also called natural family planning.
During your cycle, your body temperature and cervical mucus change. Monitoring these changes can help you identify when you are nearing ovulation, so you know when to avoid sex.
Fertility awareness is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended if you have irregular cycles, are breastfeeding or are perimenopausal.
Sterilisation
Sterilisation is a medical procedure that can permanently prevent pregnancy. Involves a vasectomy (in males) or tubal ligation (in females). Although it is considered permanent, if you change your mind later, it can sometimes be reversed.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception aims to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
You do not need emergency contraception if you have had unprotected sex within 21 days of giving birth or 5 days after an abortion. Types of emergency contraception include:
- placement of a copper IUD
- the emergency contraception pill, also called the ‘morning-after pill’
Withdrawal
With this method, the penis is removed from the vagina before ejaculation. It is still possible to become pregnant using the withdrawal method, because some sperm can be released, even before ejaculation.
Abstinence
Abstinence means choosing not to have sex. It is the only completely effective method to avoid pregnancy and STIs.
How effective is my contraceptive method?
Male (external) condom
|
How effective |
87% effective with typical use 98% if used perfectly |
|
Protection against STIs |
Yes |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Female (internal) condom
|
How effective |
79% effective with typical use 95% if used perfectly |
|
Protection against STIs |
Yes |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Combined oral contraceptive pill
|
How effective |
93% with typical use 99.5% with perfect use |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Contraceptive implant
|
How effective |
99.65% |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Contraceptive injection
|
How effective |
96% with typical use 99.8% with perfect use |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Copper IUD
|
How effective |
99% |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Diaphragm
|
How effective |
82% effective with typical use 86% if used perfectly |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Fertility awareness method
|
How effective |
95 – 99.6% if used perfectly 79 – 93% effective with typical use |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Hormonal IUD
|
How effective |
99.7 – 99.9% |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Oral emergency contraception
|
How effective |
85% |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Progestogen-only pill
|
How effective |
93% with typical use 99.5% with perfect use |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Tubal surgery
|
How effective |
99.5% |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Vasectomy
|
How effective |
99.5% |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Vaginal ring
|
How effective |
93% with typical use 99.5% with perfect use |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
Withdrawal
|
How effective |
80% with typical use 96% with perfect use |
|
Protection against STIs |
No |
|
Advantages |
|
|
Disadvantages |
|
How do I choose the right contraception for me?
There are many different types of contraception, each with advantages and disadvantages. This can make choosing contraception overwhelming.
Here are some things to consider to help you make your decision:
- How often will you need contraception? Will you remember to take contraception every day? Do you also need protection against STIs?
- Do you have any relevant medical history that will affect your choices?
- Do you have any personal preferences?
- Are you planning a pregnancy in the near future?
- If you have a partner, what are their preferences?
- What is your budget?
- What are the potential side effects of the different types of contraception?
You can discuss your options with your local doctor or a nurse at a family planning clinic. They can answer your questions and help you make a choice you feel comfortable with.
Children by Choice has an interactive quiz to help you consider your contraceptive options.
MSI Australia has a useful contraception decision making guide.
When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor if:
- you want to discuss your contraception options
- you are experiencing side effects from your contraception
- you want to remove or renew your IUD, implant or injection
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
Where can I get contraception?
Some forms of contraception can be bought more easily than others.
You do not need a doctor’s prescription for all types of contraception.
Below is a list of where and how you can get different types of contraception:
- Condoms are easily available and sold in many places, including supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations and often in public toilets.
- An implant, injection or IUD needs to be given or inserted by a specially trained doctor or nurse. Speak to your doctor or visit a family planning clinic.
- Specific brands of the progestogen-only pill may be bought directly from your local pharmacist without a prescription. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
- If you take the combined oral contraceptive pill, your pharmacist may be able to resupply your combined oral contraceptive pill, depending on which state or territory you live in. You will need to meet specific criterion. Contact your local pharmacist to check if you are eligible.
- Emergency contraception, such as the ‘morning-after pill’, can be bought at your local family planning clinic or pharmacy. You do not need a prescription.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
When should I stop taking contraception if I want to get pregnant?
You should consider stopping your contraception when you are ready to become pregnant.
Most contraception options do not have a long-term effect on your fertility.
When you stop some types of contraception, your fertility returns straight away. For example, after removing an IUD or stopping the mini pill, your fertility returns quickly.
It might take a while for your fertility to return after stopping other forms of contraception. For example, it can take up to 18 months for your cycle to return after stopping your injectable contraceptive.
If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future, ask your doctor or health professional for more information about the contraception choice that might suit you best.
How soon after having a baby should I start using contraception?
If there’s a chance you will be sexually active and want to avoid pregnancy, you should consider using contraception as soon as possible after giving birth, whether or not you are breastfeeding. You can begin to ovulate as early as 25 days after giving birth.
It’s a good idea to discuss your contraception options with your doctor or midwife before you give birth. Most types of contraception are safe and effective to start using after having a baby.
Is breastfeeding an effective form of contraception?
In some situations, breastfeeding can be used as contraception. This is known as the 'lactational amenorrhoea' method (LAM). Breastfeeding decreases the chance of ovulation (egg release). LAM is more likely to be effective if you meet all the following criteria:
- You are exclusively breastfeeding day and night.
- Your baby only drinks breast milk, no other food or drinks.
- Your baby is less than 6 months old.
- You have not started your period since giving birth.
Your chance of becoming pregnant while breastfeeding increases if:
- You are breastfeeding less often.
- Your period has returned.
- You are more than 6 months postpartum.
It’s important to remember that breastfeeding does not guarantee you will not get pregnant. If you are having sex without using effective contraception — even while you are breastfeeding — you can still become pregnant. Your doctor, pharmacist or midwife can guide you on the best forms of contraception while you are breastfeeding.
Does contraception affect my baby if I'm breastfeeding?
While you are breastfeeding, there are several safe options for you and your baby, including:
- a contraceptive implant
- contraceptive injections
- an IUD
- the progestogen-only ’mini pill’
The ’mini pill’ is preferred during breastfeeding over the combined oral contraceptive pill because there is minimal transfer of hormones into breastmilk. It does not affect milk supply.
The combined contraceptive pill doesn’t harm breastfed babies, but it can affect your milk supply. If you do want to take the combined oral contraceptive pill and you are breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until you are at least 6 weeks postpartum and breastfeeding has been fully established.
Resources and support
- Family Planning Australia has more information about contraception choices.
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health has resources on contraception.
- Find a family planning clinic near you.
- Contact the Sexual Health Quarters’ Sexual Health Helpline for confidential information and referrals from clinicians to assist with contraception, sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancy. Metro callers can call (08) 9227 6178. Country callers can call 1800 198 205.
Other languages
The Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne has translated factsheets about contraception in many community languages.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
Family Planning Australia has resources about contraception and sexual health for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.