Combined Hormonal Contraceptive Pill (the Pill)

The combined hormonal contraceptive pill (the Pill) is made up of two hormones, an oestrogen and a progestogen. These hormones are similar to the ones made in your ovaries. Many brands of the Pill are available which all have different types and doses of these two hormones.

Progestogen-only Pill (POP or "Mini-Pill")

This page covers the progestogen-only pills containing norethisterone or levonorgestrel, also known by brand names Microlut or Noriday. They are also known as mini-pills. This is a form of oral contraception that you take every day to prevent pregnancy. The progestogen is similar to the natural hormone, progesterone, which is produced by the ovaries.

IUD Removal

What is an IUD?

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a form of contraception that is inserted into the uterus. There are two types of IUDs:

• the hormonal IUD (Mirena) - a small plastic T-shaped device that contains progestogen
• the copper IUD - a small plastic device with copper wire wrapped around it

An IUD can usually be removed easily by a doctor or nurse. Both types of IUDs are removed the same way.

For more information about IUDs please see our other factsheets.

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)

The vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring which contains two types of hormones - an oestrogen and a progestogen. These hormones are similar to the ones made in your ovaries and are like the hormones that are in the contraceptive pill. In Australia the only vaginal ring you can buy is called NuvaRing.

Vaginal Ring Troubleshooting

What to do if you have issues with the ring.

Contraceptive Implant

The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod about the size of a match stick. The implant slowly releases a progestogen hormone called etonogestrel into the blood stream. This can prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.

Contraceptive Injection

The contraceptive injection is a hormone injection that prevents pregnancy. The injection works for 12 weeks. The injection contains depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). DMPA is a hormone similar to progesterone. Progesterone is made naturally in the body by the ovaries.

Copper IUD

What is the copper IUD?

A copper IUD is a small device with a fine copper wire wrapped around a plastic frame. It's placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A fine nylon thread is attached to the IUD - the thread comes out through the cervix into the top end of the vagina. There are two types of copper IUDs available in Australia - one lasts for 5 years and the other for 10 years.

Female (Internal) Condom

What is a female condom?

There are two types of condoms:

• female condoms (internal condoms) which are worn inside the vagina
• male condoms (external condoms) which are worn on the outside of the penis

Female condoms are an alternative to male condoms as a barrier method for safe sex and contraception. They are worn during vaginal sex to prevent semen (the fluid that contains sperm) getting to the uterus. Condoms are the only contraception that prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Male (External) Condom

The male condom is a thin, soft sheath which is open at one end and closed on the other. The most common type of male condom is a fine latex rubber sheath.

The male condom can be used to prevent pregnancy during vaginal sex.