Choosing contraception is a personal decision. The right method depends on your health, your stage of life and what matters to you. Our doctors are happy to talk it through with you, with no judgement and in confidence.
Why it matters
- Planning pregnancy. Contraception lets you decide if and when to have children.
- Protection from infections. Condoms also lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Your choice. Good contraception puts you in control of your reproductive health.
Your options
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
These are the most effective methods, at more than 99%. Once in place, you don’t need to remember anything day to day.
- Contraceptive implant. A small flexible rod, about the size of a matchstick, placed under the skin of the inner upper arm. It lasts up to three years. Putting it in and taking it out each take a few minutes under local anaesthetic in our treatment room. See minor surgery.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs). A small T-shaped device placed in the uterus. Hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs both last for several years. Dr Adele Austin inserts IUDs, and any of our female GPs can remove one. All of our GPs can insert and remove contraceptive implants.
Hormonal methods
- The pill, taken every day. It works well when taken correctly, but in everyday use it is about 93% effective because pills get missed.
- The vaginal ring, a soft ring you place yourself and change monthly.
- The injection, given every 12 weeks.
Barrier methods
- External (male) condoms and internal (female) condoms both protect against pregnancy and most STIs. In everyday use, condoms are about 88% effective, so many people use them with another method.
Natural methods
- Withdrawal and fertility awareness (tracking your cycle) are much less reliable and don’t protect against STIs.
Emergency contraception
If you have had sex without contraception, or something went wrong, act quickly.
- Emergency contraceptive pills work best the sooner they are taken. Depending on the type, they can be used up to three or five days after sex. You can buy them from a pharmacy without a prescription.
- A copper IUD inserted within five days of unprotected sex is the most effective emergency option, and it then keeps working as ongoing contraception.
Choosing what suits you
When we talk through your options, we will think about:
- how well each method works
- how easy it is to use and keep up
- whether you also need protection from STIs
- your periods, medical history and any medicines you take
- plans for pregnancy in the future.
For young people
You can see a GP on your own, and what you tell us stays private. The only exception is if we are worried about your safety. From age 15 you can have your own Medicare card. We will never judge you for asking. See confidentiality for teens.
Helpful resources
- Healthdirect: plain-English guides to every method.
- SHQ (Sexual Health Quarters): WA’s sexual health organisation, formerly Family Planning WA.
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health: information on contraception and periods.