Choosing contraception is a personal decision, and there is no single method that is right for everyone. Your health, lifestyle, relationships, future pregnancy plans, menstrual symptoms and personal preferences can all influence which contraception options may suit you.
In Australia, there are many contraception options available , ranging from daily contraceptive pills to long-acting options that can provide protection for several years. Some are hormonal, some are hormone-free, and condoms have the additional benefit of helping reduce the risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
Understanding the differences can make a conversation with your GP about contraception much easier.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Contraception?
The right method should work with your health and circumstances rather than simply being the option you have always used.
When discussing birth control advice with your GP, it can be helpful to consider:
- How effective you want the method to be
- Whether you want something daily or long-acting
- Whether you would prefer a hormonal or non-hormonal method
- Whether you would like your periods to become lighter or less painful
- How soon you may want to become pregnant in the future
- Whether you are breastfeeding
- Your medical and medication history
- Whether you also need protection against STIs
- How comfortable you are with a procedure such as an implant or IUD insertion
Certain contraceptive methods may not be suitable for people with particular medical conditions, so a health assessment is an important part of choosing safely.
If you are also reviewing your overall reproductive and preventive health needs, a women’s health check can be a useful opportunity to discuss contraception, menstrual health and pregnancy planning with your GP.
The Contraceptive Pill
The contraceptive pill remains one of the most familiar contraception options in Australia.
There are two main types:
Combined oral contraceptive pill: contains oestrogen and progestogen.
Progestogen-only pill: contains progestogen without oestrogen and may be suitable for some people who cannot use an oestrogen-containing contraceptive.
The pill needs to be taken consistently to maintain its effectiveness. Missing tablets, vomiting, severe diarrhoea and some medications can reduce its effectiveness.
Depending on the type prescribed, hormonal contraception may also change bleeding patterns or help with period-related symptoms. If you are unsure which type of pill may be suitable for you, a GP can review your health history, current medications and contraceptive needs as part of women’s health care.
However, the pill is not appropriate for everyone. Your GP will consider factors such as your age, smoking status, migraine history, blood pressure, medications and risk factors for blood clots before helping you choose from the available contraception options.
Contraceptive Implant
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod placed beneath the skin of the upper arm by a trained healthcare professional.
It gradually releases progestogen and can provide contraception for up to three years. It is also one of the most effective reversible contraception options, with effectiveness greater than 99%.
One of its main advantages is convenience. Once inserted, there is no daily tablet to remember.
Changes to menstrual bleeding are common. Some people experience lighter bleeding or no periods, while others experience irregular or more frequent bleeding.
The implant can be removed if you decide you would like to change contraception or try for pregnancy.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small device placed inside the uterus by a healthcare professional trained in insertion. It is one of the most effective contraception options available and can provide protection for several years.
There are two main types available:
Hormonal IUD
A hormonal IUD gradually releases a small amount of progestogen. Depending on the device, it can provide contraception for several years.
Periods may become lighter, and some people eventually experience little or no menstrual bleeding.
Copper IUD
The copper IUD does not contain hormones and can provide contraception for five to ten years depending on the device.
Unlike hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs may make periods heavier or more painful for some people.
Both hormonal and copper IUDs are among the most effective reversible methods of contraception, with effectiveness greater than 99%.
Because they provide years of contraception without requiring daily action, IUDs and implants are collectively known as long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).
Contraceptive Injection
The contraceptive injection contains progestogen and is generally given approximately every three months. It is one of the contraception options for people who prefer not to take a pill every day or have a contraceptive device inserted.
However, bleeding patterns can change, and there may be a delay in the return of fertility after stopping the injection. Your GP can discuss these considerations alongside your medical history before deciding whether the injection is appropriate.
Vaginal Ring
The vaginal ring is a flexible ring containing hormones similar to those used in the combined contraceptive pill.
It is inserted into the vagina and replaced according to a regular schedule. It provides another option for people who want combined hormonal contraception without remembering a tablet every day.
Like the combined pill, however, it contains oestrogen and is therefore not suitable for everyone.
Condoms and Barrier Contraception
Condoms are widely available and can be used alone or alongside another contraceptive method.
They have an important advantage that other contraceptive methods do not: condoms also help protect against STIs.
For people with new or multiple sexual partners, using condoms in addition to another contraceptive method can provide both pregnancy prevention and additional STI protection.
Other barrier methods, such as diaphragms, are also available.
What About Fertility Awareness Methods?
Fertility awareness involves monitoring menstrual cycles and signs of fertility to identify when pregnancy is most likely.
Methods may involve tracking:
- Menstrual cycle dates
- Cervical mucus
- Basal body temperature
- Other signs associated with ovulation
These methods require consistent monitoring and may be less suitable for people with irregular menstrual cycles. They are also generally less effective at preventing pregnancy than long-acting reversible methods.
If you are considering fertility awareness, discussing the method with a healthcare professional can help you understand its limitations and how to use it correctly.
Permanent Contraception
For people who are confident that they do not want a pregnancy in the future, permanent contraception may be considered.
Options include:
- Tubal sterilisation
- Vasectomy
Because these procedures are intended to be permanent, careful counselling about future reproductive plans is important before proceeding.
What Is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex or when contraception has failed, for example, if a condom breaks or contraceptive pills have been missed.
Options available in Australia include:
- Emergency contraceptive pills
- A copper IUD
Emergency contraception works best when accessed promptly. Depending on the method, it may be used within several days following unprotected sex. A copper IUD can be inserted within five days in appropriate circumstances and is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
A pharmacist, GP or sexual health service can advise which option is appropriate.
Does Contraception Protect Against STIs?
Most contraception does not protect against sexually transmissible infections.
The pill, implant, injection and IUDs are designed primarily to prevent pregnancy.
Condoms provide the best available contraceptive protection against many STIs and can be used alongside another method.
If you have a new sexual partner, have had unprotected sex or are concerned about an STI, speak with your GP about testing.
Can Contraception Affect Your Period?
Yes. Changes to menstrual bleeding are common with several contraception options.
Depending on the method, periods may become:
- Lighter
- Less painful
- Irregular
- Less frequent
- Absent altogether
Other methods, particularly copper IUDs, may make periods heavier or more uncomfortable for some people.
If changes in bleeding are persistent, troublesome or unexpected, discuss them with your GP rather than stopping contraception without advice.
What Happens During a Contraception Consultation?
A family planning GP consultation is an opportunity to discuss what matters to you and compare suitable contraception options.
Your GP may ask about:
- Your menstrual cycle
- Previous contraception
- Pregnancy and reproductive plans
- Medical conditions
- Current medications
- Migraines
- Smoking
- Blood pressure
- Previous blood clots or relevant family history
- Breastfeeding or recent pregnancy
- Sexual health and STI protection
You can also discuss any concerns about side effects, weight, periods, fertility or procedures such as an IUD or implant insertion.
Contraceptive needs can change throughout life, so a method that suited you several years ago may not necessarily remain your preferred option.
Get Personalised Contraception Advice at Botanic Ridge Doctors
Choosing between different contraception options can be difficult when you are unsure which method best suits your health, lifestyle or future pregnancy plans. At Botanic Ridge Doctors, our experienced GPs can help you understand the available options and discuss the benefits, possible side effects and suitability of different contraceptive methods.
Our Women’s Health service includes contraception counselling, contraceptive pills, the vaginal ring, injections, IUDs and Mirena, Implanon, emergency contraception and pre-conception and fertility advice. Your GP can take your medical history, menstrual symptoms and reproductive goals into account when helping you make an informed decision.
If you are considering changing your contraception, starting a new method or simply want professional birth control advice, book a consultation with the team at Botanic Ridge Doctors.
Book an appointment with Botanic Ridge Doctors to discuss your contraception options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective contraception?
Long-acting reversible contraceptives, including IUDs and contraceptive implants, are among the most effective reversible contraception options available and are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Which contraception has the fewest side effects?
There is no single answer because people respond differently to each method. Your medical history, menstrual symptoms and preferences all matter when comparing contraception options. A GP can help compare the likely benefits and potential side effects.
What is the best non-hormonal contraception?
Options include condoms, diaphragms, fertility awareness methods and the copper IUD. These contraception options allow people to choose a method without relying on hormonal contraception, while the copper IUD provides highly effective, long-acting protection.
Can contraception help with heavy or painful periods?
Some hormonal contraception can reduce menstrual bleeding or period pain. When choosing between contraception options, the effect on your periods is an important consideration, so discuss your symptoms and treatment goals with your GP.
How quickly can fertility return after stopping contraception?
This varies by method. Fertility generally returns quickly after an implant or IUD is removed, while return to fertility may take longer after stopping contraceptive injections. Understanding how different contraception options affect the return of fertility can help when planning a future pregnancy.
Can my GP help me choose contraception?
Yes. A GP can review your health history, discuss your preferences and reproductive plans, explain the risks and benefits of different methods, and prescribe or arrange suitable contraception where appropriate.
The Bottom Line
There is no universally “best” contraception, only the option that best suits your health, lifestyle, preferences and plans at a particular stage of life.
From pills and condoms to implants and IUDs, today’s contraception options provide considerable flexibility. A consultation with your GP can help you understand the benefits, possible side effects and suitability of each method so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.
References
Healthdirect Australia – Contraception Options
Better Health Channel – Contraception Choices
Sexual Health Victoria – Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Healthdirect Australia – Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUD)
Healthdirect Australia – Hormonal Contraceptives and Periods
Healthdirect Australia – Condoms