Send to a friend Need emergency contraception?

Contraceptive Overview

Click the buttons below as a quick overview of your different contraception options and then read through our detailed Contraception Options and take the free survey. If you'd like to speak with someone about your contraception options, freecall the Marie Stopes call centre on 1800 772 727.

The Contraceptive Implant

What is it?

A small flexible plastic rod (about the size of a matchstick) containing progestogen that is inserted by a trained doctor just under the skin on the inside of the upper arm.

How long does it last?

The implant contains enough contraceptive hormone for up to three years. After that it must be removed by a doctor and can be replaced if desired.

How does it work?

The implant continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy by changing the cervical mucous and inhibiting ovulation.

Return to pre-existing fertility

Return to pre-existing fertility usually occurs within the first cycle after the implant is removed.

The Intrauterine Device (IUD)

What is it?

A small plastic and copper device that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor.

How long does it last?

The IUD can remain in place for up to 5 years.

How does it work?

The IUD does not release any hormones. It prevents fertilisation and implantation.

Return to pre-existing fertility

The majority of women wishing to become pregnant should be able to conceive within 12 months following the removal of the IUD.

The Intrauterine System (IUS)

What is it?

A small, plastic T-shaped device with a cylinder around its stem that releases the hormone progesterone. It is placed inside the uterus by a trained doctor.

How long does it last?

The IUS contains enough hormone for up to 5 years.

How does it work?

The IUS continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy by changing cervical mucus and preventing fertilisation and implantation.

Return to pre-existing fertility

The majority of women wishing to become pregnant should be able to conceive within 12 months following the removal of the IUS.

The Contraceptive Injection

What is it?

An injection of the hormone progestogen that provides a longer acting alternative to the pill. The injection contains the hormone progestogen.

How long does it last?

The injection contains enough hormone for 3 months.

How does it work?

The injection prevents pregnancy by preventing the egg from leaving the ovary.

Return to pre-existing fertility

It is expected that 65% of women wishing to become pregnant will conceive within 12 months, however for some women return to pre-existing fertility may be delayed for up to 18 months.

The Contraceptive Ring

What is it?

A small, flexible plastic ring that contains oestrogen and progestogen. It is inserted into the vagina by the woman.

How long does it last?

Once inserted, the ring should be left in place for three weeks. It is then removed for a week to allow for a withdrawal bleed.
One week after the ring is removed, a new ring is inserted.

How does it work?

The ring releases hormones similar to those found in the combined pill. The hormones are released directly into the blood vessels in the vaginal wall. The hormones in the ring prevent the egg from leaving the ovary.

Return to pre-existing fertility

Return to pre-existing fertility is likely to occur within the first cycle after ceasing to use the ring.

The Contraceptive Pill

What is it?

The combined pill contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen.
The mini pill contains small amounts of one hormone – progestogen.

How long does it last?

The combined pill is taken every day, at roughly the same time, for three weeks followed by a break. It is not reliable if taken over 12 hours late.
The mini pill must be taken every day but is not reliable if taken over 3 hours late

How does it work?

The combined pill prevents pregnancy by several mechanisms: preventing the egg from leaving the ovary, changing the cervical mucus to restrict sperm movement and changing the lining of the uterus to make it less suitable for implantation.
The minipill prevents pregnancy by changing the cervical mucus to restrict sperm movement and changing the lining of the uterus.

Return to pre-existing fertility

Return to pre-existing fertility usually occurs within the first cycle after ceasing to take the pill.

Condoms

Info

The male condom is placed on the penis when erect. The female condom is a vaginal liner.
Condoms provide protection only for as long as they are properly worn. Condoms prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering theuterus.
With the male condom, the penis should be withdrawn after ejaculation while still erect, being careful not to spill any semen.
You may want to consider combining the male or female condom with one of the forms of contraception listed here to provide even better contraceptive cover while providing protection from sexually transmitted infections.

The information contained in this table is based on the approved Product Information/Consumer Medicine Information for the various contraceptive options (excluding condoms)

Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to answer any additional questions you may have about any of the above contraceptive options.

IMP-10-AUS-7301-PE First issued February 2011

New! Contraception conversation starters!

Contraception use

Almost a quarter of women surveyed about contraception and choice admit they have never considered changing from the contraceptive method they are currently using.

Contraception use

1 in 10 women say they are too uncomfortable to ask their partner to wear a condom.

Unplanned pregnancy

A Marie Stopes International survey revealed that an unplanned pregnancy was a reality for over half of the 2,003 Australian women surveyed.

Unplanned pregnancy

60% of these women were using contraception at the time they fell pregnant.

Unplanned pregnancy

The chances of a woman becoming pregnant from a single act of unprotected sex increases from almost nothing on day one of her period to 25% on the day prior to ovulation.

Talking to your GP

Research shows that 3 out of 10 Australian women have never visited their doctor specifically to talk about contraception or to have a contraception check-up.

Talking to your GP

49% of all women said that their doctor had never asked about their contraception during a check up.

Talking to your GP

7 out of 10 women said that their doctor had never encouraged them to consider alternative forms of contraception.

References
Safer sex and contraception fast facts – Family planning Victoria. Available at www.fpv.org.au. [Accessed December 2010].
Marie Stopes International Australia. Media release: research shows women place low priority on contraception. 25 August 2010.
Marie Stopes International Australia. Real Choices: Women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy. January 2008. Available at www.mariestopes.com.au/research. [Accessed December 2010 ].
IMP-10-AUS-7288-PE. First issued February 2011.

References
Marie Stopes International Australia. Media release: research shows women place low priority on contraception. 25 August 2010.
Marie Stopes International Australia. Real Choices: Women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy. January 2008. Available at www.mariestopes.com.au/research. [Accessed December 2010 ].
IMP-10-AUS-7288-PE. First issued February 2011.

< >