Making decisions about your health and future is important—and that includes understanding your options for contraception. In Australia, there are many safe and effective ways to prevent pregnancy and take control of your reproductive health. Whether you want a method you can use every day, something long-lasting, or just need protection now and then, there’s an option that can work for you.

This is especially for young women from different cultural backgrounds, and we recognise that everyone’s beliefs, values, and personal situations are unique. You may come from a community where talking about contraception is not common, or where there are certain expectations around relationships and family. Whatever your background, you deserve clear, respectful information and the freedom to make your own choices—privately and without judgment.

In Australia, you can access contraception through doctors (GPs), women’s health clinics, family planning services, and pharmacies. Some options require a prescription or medical procedure, while others can be bought over the counter.

Your body, your choice. Whatever path you choose, it should be informed, supported, and right for you.

1. Hormonal Contraception

Combined Hormonal Methods

Contain both estrogen and progestogen.

• Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)
  Examples: Yasmin, Yaz, Microgynon, Femme-Tab
  Taken daily to prevent ovulation.
• Vaginal Ring
  Example: NuvaRing
  Inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks, removed for 1 week.

Progestogen-Only Methods

Estrogen-free options, suitable for individuals who cannot tolerate estrogen.

• Progestogen-Only Pill (Mini Pill)
  Example: Cerazette
  Taken daily at the same time each day.

2. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

LARC methods are highly effective, low-maintenance, and reversible. Suitable for most individuals, including those who have not had children.

Contraceptive Implant (Implanon/Nexplanon): procedure available at Skyarch Medical Clinic Brisbane

• Inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a healthcare provider
• Effective for up to 3 years
• Advantages:
  ▪ >99% effective
  ▪ No daily action required
  ▪ Quick return to fertility after removal
• Side effects:
  ▪ Irregular bleeding
  ▪ Mood changes, headaches, breast tenderness

Depot Injection (Depo-Provera)

• Administered every 12 weeks
• Suitable for those avoiding estrogen
• Advantages:
  ▪ >99% effective
  ▪ Infrequent dosing
• Side effects:
  ▪ Irregular or absent periods
  ▪ Weight gain
  ▪ Delayed fertility return
  ▪ Reversible bone mineral loss (with long-term use)

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): proceure not available at Skyarch Medical Clinic Brisbane

Copper IUD

• Examples: ParaGard, Nova-T
• Non-hormonal, effective for 5–10 years
• Creates a hostile environment for sperm

Hormonal IUD

• Examples: Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess
• Releases levonorgestrel locally
• Effective for 3–5 years
• Reduces bleeding and cramping

LARC Benefits

• Over 99% effectiveness
• “Set and forget” convenience
• Rapid fertility return (except depot injection)
• Suitable for breastfeeding and estrogen-intolerant individuals

3. Barrier Methods

• Male Condoms
  Widely available, protect against STIs and pregnancy
• Female Condoms
  Inserted into the vagina before intercourse
• Diaphragm & Cervical Cap
  Less commonly used; placed over the cervix to block sperm

4. Natural Methods

• Fertility Awareness
  Tracking cycles to avoid intercourse during fertile windows
• Withdrawal Method
  Requires high self-control; less reliable

5. Permanent Methods (Sterilisation)

• Tubal Ligation (Female)
  Surgically blocks fallopian tubes
• Vasectomy (Male)
  Surgically cuts or blocks sperm ducts

6. Emergency Contraception

• Levonorgestrel Pill (Plan B)
  Effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex
• Ulipristal Acetate (EllaOne)
  Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex
• Copper IUD
  Most effective emergency option; can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse

7. Access & Prescription in Australia

• Requires Prescription:
  Hormonal contraception, implants, IUDs, and depot injections
• Over-the-Counter (OTC):
  Condoms, emergency contraception pills
• Specialist Procedures:
  IUD insertion/removal, contraceptive implants, sterilisation require trained providers

For more information, please contact Skyarch Medical Clinic Brisbane

References:

🔹 Department of Health and Aged Care (Australian Government)

Contraception and reproductive choices
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/sexual-health/contraception

🔹 Family Planning NSW

Contraception – Your options
https://www.fpnsw.org.au/health-information/individuals/contraception/contraception-choices

🔹 Family Planning Victoria (Sexual Health Victoria)

Contraception methods – Fact sheets and guides
 https://shv.org.au/for-you/contraception

🔹 Queensland Health – Types of contraception

🔹 Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH)

Multilingual contraception resources
https://www.ceh.org.au/resource-hub/contraception-for-women-multilingual-resources