Contraception 101

June 29, 2020

So you want to have sex but not get pregnant? Well, there are lots of options available to choose from! But honestly, it can be kind of overwhelming, and they all have their positives and negatives. Which one is right for you? We’ll give you the quick 101 overview so you can make an informed decision!

Broadly, contraception options can be separated into two types – hormonal and non-hormonal.

Non- hormonal:

Condoms:
  • A condom is rolled onto and covers an erect penis. It stops semen from entering the vagina to prevent pregnancy. It can also be used for oral and anal sex.
  • Found at shops, chemists, doctors, pretty much everywhere.
  • Effectiveness: with typical use: 82%, with perfect use: 98%
  • Can protect you from STI’s.
Internal condom
  • An internal condom is inserted into the vagina, instead of covering the penis. This stops semen from getting into the vagina during sex.
  • Found at some chemists and online.
  • Effectiveness: with typical use: 79%, perfect use: 95%
  • Can protect you from STI’s.
The Caya Diaphragm
  • The Caya is the only diaphragm brand currently available in Australia (as at June 2021). It is a soft silicone ‘one size fits all’ dome, that prevents sperm from entering the cervix. It is intended to be used with the Caya Gel, which provides additional protection by inhibiting the movement of sperm.
  • Found at: most pharmacies and online.
  • Effectiveness: around 82- 86%
  • Lasts for 2 years.
  • Will NOT protect you from STIs.
The Copper IUD
  • An IUD is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. It works by impairing sperm mobility, so they cannot implant into the egg.
  • Effectiveness: 99.9%.
  • Will NOT protect you from STIs.

Hormonal:

The Pill
  • A pill is a tablet taken orally every day. There are many different types of the pill, with different levels of estrogen and progesterone, so it’s important to discuss these with your doctor. You can get a prescription from your doctor and buy it at chemists.
  • Effectiveness: with typical use: 93%, with perfect use: 99.5%.
  • Will NOT protect you from STIs.
The Mini Pill
  • The mini pill is taken orally every day at the same time, with only 3 hours leeway. It uses progesterone only and doesn’t contain any oestrogen. You can get a prescription from your doctor and buy at chemists.
  • Effectiveness: with typical use: 93%, with perfect use: 99%.
  • Will NOT protect you from STIs.
The Injection
  • A progesterone injection into the arm or buttocks every 12 weeks. The shot is administered by a health professional.
  • Lasts about 3 months.
  • Effectiveness: with typical use: 94%, with perfect use: 99%.
  • Will NOT protect you from STIs.
The Ring
  • A soft plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina. It stays in the vagina for 3 weeks and is removed for one week, if you would like to bleed. It stays in for 1 month if you would not like to bleed.
  • Effectiveness: with typical use: 91%, with perfect use: 99%.
  • Will NOT protect you from STIs.
The Implant
  • An implant is inserted just under the skin by a doctor,  usually on the inner side of the upper arm. It can be placed elsewhere, such as the thigh.
  • It usually lasts 3 years.
  • Effectiveness: 99.5%
  • Will NOT protect you from STIs.
The Hormonal IUD
  • An IUD is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. It releases progesterone into the body.
  • Effectiveness: 99.9%.
  • Will NOT protect you from STIs.
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill
  • A pill taken orally soon after unprotected sex to reduce the  risk of a pregnancy. Can be bought at chemists, with no prescription needed. You can also get it from any hospital. Taken within 5 days of sex.
  • Effectiveness: 85%.
  • Will NOT protect you from STIs.
Alternative methods (AKA withdrawal)
  • There are a range of alternative contraceptive options which use behaviour change rather than medical intervention. We’ve chosen to  focus on withdrawal, but you can learn more about the other methods by contacting the sexual health helpline or talking to the YEP crew at one of our workshops.
  • The withdrawal method involves taking a penis out of the vagina before ejaculation so fewer sperm go inside.
  • Effectiveness: with typical use bad%, with perfect use: 78%.
  • Will NOT protect you from STIs.

As you can see, there are many options available. Speaking to a safe health worker, such as a GP or sexual health nurse is a good place to start! If you would like more information, check out our #12DaysofContraception resources.