Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Sexual Health Victoria

Sexual Health Victoria is a non-profit organisation that focuses on sexual and reproductive health care, education and advocacy.

Vision and mission

With over 50 years in operation Sexual Health Victoria's vision is to improve everyone's reproductive and sexual health and wellbeing in Victoria and beyond.

How Sexual Health Victoria can help

  • SHV has two Victorian based sexual health clinics.
  • SHV delivers reproductive and sexual health training clinics.
  • SHV offers training programs and professional development for medical professionals.
  • SHV provides professional development for teachers and youth/community workers.
  • SHV delivers relationships and sexuality education in schools.
  • SHV conducts research and provides advocacy support in the sexual health sector.

Information lines / help lines

  • Call 1800 013 952 Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm AEST

Programs and apps and tools

  • IRL — A free sexual health taboo-free app for youth.
  • Doing’IT’ Podcast for parents, carers and teachers on talking to youth about sex and growing up.

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - Sexual Health Victoria.

Last reviewed: May 2022

Information from this partner

Found 41 results

Abortion - Sexual Health Victoria

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Contraception Options - Sexual Health Victoria

Home Sexual Health Information Contraception Options Print Contraception Options Key Facts about Contraception Use contraception to avoid getting pregnant. Contraceptive Implant Implants are inserted under skin release hormones. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) An IUD is a device that is inserted into the womb. Contraceptive Injection (Depo) Depo is an injection of the hormone progestogen. Contraceptive Pills […]

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Contraceptive Implant - Sexual Health Victoria

Home Sexual Health Information Contraception Options Contraceptive Implant Print Contraceptive Implant The main points Over 99.95 % EffectiveNo STI Protection3 years What is the contraceptive implant? The contraceptive implant is a flexible plastic stick, 4 cm long. The implant slowly releases a hormone, progestogen, into your body. Progestogen is similar to the hormone produced by […]

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Diaphragm (Caya) - Sexual Health Victoria

Home Sexual Health Information Contraception Options Diaphragm (Caya) Print Diaphragm (Caya) The main points 82-86 % EffectiveNo STI Protection24 hoursDue to the recent changes in distribution channels of the Caya Diaphragm in Australia, access can be difficult. The Caya (and gel) can be purchased online from here. What is the diaphragm (Caya)? A diaphragm is a […]

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) - Sexual Health Victoria

Home Sexual Health Information Contraception Options Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Print Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) The main points The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device made of plastic and/or metal that is inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy.The two main types available are the non-hormonal copper IUD and the hormonal IUD.Both types are among the most effective […]

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Key Facts about Contraception - Sexual Health Victoria

Home Sexual Health Information Contraception Options Key Facts about Contraception Print Key Facts about Contraception The main points If you have sex and do not want to get pregnant, you can use contraception.There are many types of contraception and each works in a different way.You have the right to choose the type of contraception that […]

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Fertility Awareness Methods - Sexual Health Victoria

Home Sexual Health Information Contraception Options Fertility Awareness Methods Print Fertility Awareness Methods The main points 76-99.5 % EffectiveNo STI ProtectionDaily What are fertility awareness methods (natural family planning)? Fertility awareness methods (natural family planning) avoid sex around the fertile time of the menstrual cycle (the time pregnancy is most likely to happen). How effective are fertility […]

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Vaginal Ring - Sexual Health Victoria

Home Sexual Health Information Contraception Options Vaginal Ring Print Vaginal Ring The main points 93 - over 99.5 % EffectiveNo STI Protection4 weeks What is the vaginal ring? The vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring that contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the hormones that are produced by the […]

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Contraception after Pregnancy - Sexual Health Victoria

Home Sexual Health Information Contraception Options Contraception after Pregnancy Print Contraception after Pregnancy The main points Choosing when to start using contraception after pregnancy and which method to use is a personal choice.There are restrictions on use of some contraception options after delivery.Speak to your doctor, nurse or midwife for more information on contraception options […]

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Tubal Ligation (sterilisation) - Sexual Health Victoria

Home Sexual Health Information Contraception Options Tubal Ligation (sterilisation) Print Tubal Ligation (sterilisation) The main points Over 99.5 % EffectiveNo STI ProtectionForever What is a tubal ligation (sterilisation)? Tubal ligation is a minor surgical procedure which blocks the two fallopian tubes with small clips. Fallopian tubes are the pathway for the egg to enter the […]

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

1800 882 436

Video call

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2026 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.