Thinking about contraception?
Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC)
Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) have been around for a long time, and have been rigorously refined and researched to ensure they are both safe and highly effective at preventing unintended pregnancy.
Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives last a lot longer than the Pill, but are completely reversible - you can chose to stop at any time, and you will return to your previous level of fertility.
Some women prefer LARC because they can last for up to 3, 5 or even 10 years at a time, are cost effective, avoid the potential for human error (ever forgotten to take your Pill on time?) and are very safe.
Examples of LARCs:
Hormonal IUD - (Mirena®)
The hormonal IUD is a small T-shaped device that is fitted inside the uterus (womb). Over a 5 year timeframe, it slowly releases a very low dose of progestogen hormone into the uterus. Periods usually become lighter or may stop when using a hormonal IUD.
The hormonal IUD is 99.8% effective.
For more information, see our factsheet on hormonal IUD.
Copper IUD
The copper IUD is a small device made from plastic and copper that is fitted inside the uterus. They stop sperm from reaching the egg and any fertilised egg from sticking to the wall of the uterus. They have no hormones and therefore have no effect on the normal female cycle but periods may become heavier when using a copper IUD.
Copper IUDs are 99.2% effective.
For more information, see our factsheet on copper IUD.
Contraceptive implant - (Implanon®)
The contraceptive implant is inserted directly under the skin, on the inner arm above the elbow, where it continuously releases a low dose of a progestogen hormone into the blood stream over a 3 year timeframe.
The implant works by preventing ovulation (egg release from the ovary). Devices need to be replaced every 3 years or can be removed earlier if required.
Using an implant will change a woman's usual bleeding pattern - for some women this will mean little or no bleeding at all but about 1 in 5 women have irregular or persistent bleeding.
Contraceptive implants are 99.9% effective.
For more information, see our factsheet on the contraceptive implant.
Vaginal ring - (NuvaRing®)
The contraceptive vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring which slowly releases low doses of two hormones, oestrogen and a progestogen. These hormones are like those used in the combined oral contraceptive pill. The ring is self-inserted and remains in the vagina for three weeks and then removed and replaced with the next ring a week later.
NuvaRing is 99% effective.
For more information, see our factsheet on the vaginal ring.
Contraceptive injections - DMPA (Depot medoxyprogesterone acetate)
The contraceptive injection is given by an injection into a muscle every 12 weeks. It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation. Periods may stop while using DMPA and there may be a short delay in return to usual fertility.
DMPA is 94-99.8% effective.
For more information, see our factsheet on injectable contraception.
For more detailed information on LARCs, see our factsheet on LARCs.
Pill
Progestogen only pill (POP)
The progestogen-only pill, sometimes referred to as 'the mini-pill', is an oral contraceptive taken daily. It contains a low dose of progestogen, similar to those naturally produced by the female body. The POP can be used by most women, even if they have any significant health issues.
Pill rely on regular and consistent daily use to be effective.
For more information, see our factsheet on the mini-pill.
Combined oral contraceptive pill (COC)
The combined oral contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as 'the pill', is an oral contraceptive taken daily. It contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones are similar to those naturally produced by the female body. The pill may help with acne or heavy periods.
Pill rely on regular and consistent daily use to be effective.
For more information, see our factsheet on the pill.
Barrier methods
Male condom
The male condom is a sheath made of latex or polyurethane, which is rolled onto the erect penis before sex.
Condoms are the only method that offers protection from both unintended pregnancy and STIs.
The male condom is 82-98% effective for pregnancy prevention and consistent use is very important if they are the sole method of contraception.
For more information, see our factsheet on the male condom.
Female condom
The female condom is a polyurethane sheath, which is inserted into the vagina before sex. It has two flexible rings to keep it in place in the vagina.
The female condom is 79-95% effective.
For more information, see our factsheet on the female condom.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a soft, dome-shaped silicone cap with a flexible rim, which is placed in the vagina before sex to cover the cervix and stop sperm getting into the uterus. A diaphragm should be fitted for the right size by a doctor or nurse and instructions provided on how to use it.
The diaphragm is 88-94% effective.
For more information, see our factsheet on the diaphragm.
Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM)
LAM is the use of breastfeeding as a contraceptive method. Breastfeeding reduces the probability of ovulation (egg release) occuring, therefore reducing the chance of a pregnancy.
LAM is 98% effective when all 3 criteria are met:
- menstrual period have not returned
- gave birth less than 6 months ago
- fully breastfeeding (not feeding the baby with any food or milk supplements)
Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABM)
FABMs do not rely on the use of hormones or devices. FABMs include any method based on the identification of the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle to indicate when sexual intercourse should be avoided to prevent pregnancy.
FABMs are 75-99.6% effective and require specific education from experts in this field.
Withdrawal method
Withdrawal is where the man takes his penis out (withdraws) from the woman's vagina before he ejaculates (comes). It is also known as coitus interruptus.
Withdrawal is 78-97% effective and is not recommended as a reliable form of contraception.
Emergency contraception (EC)
There are two types of EC - the emergency contraception pill (ECP), a pill containing a progestogen hormone and Cu-IUD.
The ECP can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex but it is most effective if taken in the first 24 hours. When taken in the firs 72 hours (3 days), it prevents about 85% of expected pregnancies.
The Cu-IUD can also be used as emergency contraception. When inserted in the first 120 hours (5 days) after sex, it prevents about 99% of expected pregnancies. A Cu-IUD then provides immediate and ongoing contraception.
For more information, see our factsheet on emergency contraception.
Sterilisation
Sterilisation is permanent contraception which can't be reversed.
Female sterilisation involves an operation blocking the Fallopian tubes to stop the passage of the ovum (egg). It is usually performed with a general anaesthetic.
Male sterilisation involves an operation on the vas deferens to prevent sperm formed in the testes from joining the ejaculate fluid. It can be performed under local anaesthetic, often with light sedation.
Sterilisation methods are 99.5% effective.
For more information, see our factsheet on sterilisation.
More information
If you have any questions or concerns, you can call our Talkline on 1300 658 886.
We provide free and confidential advice and information on a wide range of sexual and reproductive issues.
