Contraception Program

What Is Contraception?

Contraception is any method used to prevent pregnancy. Contraceptive methods can be used by both males and females, although females have a greater number of options available to them, particularly in Australia with the PBS. 

How Does Contraception Work?

Reproductive Biology 101

In order to become pregnant, a sperm cell must reach and fertilise the egg. The fertilised egg must then successfully attach to the uterus for pregnancy to occur. Contraceptive methods, such as the combined oral contraceptive and progesterone-only pills, aim to disrupt this process at various places in order to avoid pregnancy.

What are the Different Birth Control Options?

All people will have slightly different experiences with each contraceptive. One that is perfect for one person may not be viable for another. For this reason, there are many different methods, strengths of medicines, devices and ways to prevent pregnancy.

Female Contraceptives

Contarception options vary depending on individual health and needs and should be determined by a doctor.

Other Methods of Birth Control

Barrier Contraceptives

There are two barrier options for women, the female condom or the diaphragm. 

The female condom is a plastic sheath that is placed into the vagina before sex. This method is up to 95% effective when used correctly. This method is also effective in the prevention of STIs. The drawback for these is the same as male condoms, they can tear during use, which accounts for the last 5%.

The diaphragm is a silicone dome that is placed over the cervix which does not allow sperm to pass. These need to be fitted initially by a doctor or nurse to ensure it is a correct fit. When used correctly the diaphragm is up to 94% effective. 

Fertility Awareness Method

This method is centred around knowing where you are in your cycle and being aware of when ovulation is happening and avoiding sex around this time. If this method is going to be used it is recommended to seek specific education from family planning experts first. This method is around 75-88% effective however ovulation times can vary in some women making this method unreliable at times. Medically it is recommended to use a more reliable method if possible.

Surgical Contraception

This surgery is called tubal ligation, or more commonly known as getting your tubes tied and is a more permanent form of contraception. For this reason, it should only be used once a person is sure that they do not wish to have more children.

This is keyhole surgery where the surgeon blocks the fallopian tubes with a tie or clip to prevent sperm and eggs from meeting. This method is over 99% effective and is only ineffective if a tie or clip fails and a fallopian tube becomes unblocked.

Male Birth Control

Barrier Contraceptives

Perhaps one of the most well known contraceptive methods is the use of condoms. This involves placing a latex or latex-like sheath over the erect penis. This keeps the sperm inside the barrier preventing pregnancy and STIs. If used correctly condoms are up to 98% effective.

The Withdrawal Method

The method is where the man takes his out from the vagina before ejaculation. This method varies in success from 78-96%. The variance comes from a failure to withdraw before ejaculation or enough pre-ejaculate to cause impregnation. For this reason, it is only recommended as a secondary method of contraception.

Surgical Contraception

This surgery is known as a vasectomy. A vasectomy involves cutting or blocking the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra. This prevents sperm from being present in the ejaculate.

This method is one of the most effective methods of contraception at 99.98% effective. This method is close to permanent with reversal being possible in some cases although not ideal. This should only be used by men who are sure they do not want more children.