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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Women often have many questions about contraception and what type of contraception is best for them. Below is a list of some of the common questions you may have.

The information provided here should not be used as a substitute for specific medical advice. If you have any questions about contraception and sexual health you should speak to your healthcare professional.

Q. Are all contraceptives the same? A. No, not all contraceptives are the same. And not all contraceptive methods are suitable for all women. There are many different types of contraceptives available, and choosing which method is best for you can be difficult. Your doctor is able to help you decide what's best for you.
Read more about the different types of contraceptive methods.
Q. How do contraceptives affect my menstrual cycle? A. Different contraceptives work differently. As a result, each method will have a different effect on your cycle and bleeding patterns. Speak to your doctor or a healthcare professional about what changes you may expect from the different methods. Read more about how different contraceptive methods can affect your menstrual cycle.
Q. Who can I talk to about contraception? A. Contraception can be a confusing topic, and it often helps to talk it through with your doctor or healthcare professional, or your partner, family or close friend. Get some handy hints on how to start a conversation about contraception. You may also want to do the survey on this website. This list of questions is not exhaustive but will help your doctor advise you about contraceptive methods that may suit you and your lifestyle.
Q. The condom broke when my partner and I were having sex. What should I do? A. Emergency contraception can be used to reduce the chance of pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex. You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

The information provided on this website about medicines is taken from the relevant Product Information/Consumer Medicine Information leaflets. Please see your doctor or pharmacist for more information on individual options.

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.

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