Non Hormonal Options

Condoms

What is the male condom?

The male condom is placed on the penis when erect and prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from entering the uterus. It can also reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections. It is the most popular type of non-hormonal contraceptive.

What is the female condom?

The female condom is a vaginal liner.

How long do condoms last?

Condoms provide protection only for as long as they are properly worn. With male condoms, the penis should be withdrawn after ejaculation while still erect, being careful not to spill any semen.

Other considerations

The effectiveness of condoms against pregnancy depends largely on whether they are used properly. You may want to consider combining condoms with another form of contraception, such as the pill, contraceptive implant or ring, to provide even better contraceptive cover while reducing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.

Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have about condoms.

The intrauterine device (IUD)

What is the intrauterine device?

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic and copper device inserted into the uterus by a doctor.

How long does the IUD last?

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

How does the IUD work?

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

Other considerations

The IUD is inserted by a doctor in a short procedure. It is inserted into the uterus through the cervix via an insertion tube. It can be removed by your doctor at any time. The majority of women wishing to become pregnant should be able to conceive within 12 months following removal of the IUD.

References
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.
Sexual Health & Family Planning Australia. Contraception. An Australian clinicial practice handbook. 2nd edition. November 2008.

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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