99% contraception.
Zero BS.
So you don’t want to have a baby. WinWin sex health educator Zoe Dee tells us how.
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Gone are the days of the pill being our only option. Now, contraception can last years. Up to TEN years, in fact! Not only will some of these options help you prevent pregnancy, they might also help with your skin, or stop your periods. If you change your mind, or something is not working for you, you can switch it up. Or, if you want to start with the baby-making, your body will be back online in no time at all.
Need to know:
There are three ways that contraception works.
1. Hormones: This type of contraception enters your blood-stream and talks to different parts of your body; perhaps by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg — no egg, no baby! — or thickening the mucus in the cervix (the entrance to the uterus) and stopping the sperm from ever reaching the egg.
2. No hormones: The metal in the copper IUD makes the uterus a harsh place for sperm. They swim in circles, get confused and die. Yay! This type also prevents the fertilised egg from implanting into the uterus.
3. Barrier: Condoms and diaphragms act as a physical stop between the sperm and the egg meeting. Condoms have the added bonus of protecting you and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).
Here are the contraception options that are best at preventing pregnancy. Real options, that really work.
We have listed them in order of how well they work according to the science. But that doesn’t always mean these will be best for you. More on that later…
99.99%
Implanon
AKA: contraceptive implant; the rod.
Where does it live? Just under the skin on the inner part of your upper arm. It’s about the size of a match stick and is made from hormone-coated plastic.
How does it work? Hormones.
How long does it last? Three years.
Do I need to see a doctor and get a script? Yes.
Cost*? $38 or $7 (Centrelink concessions). *See below.
How does it get in there? A specially-trained doctor/nurse will numb the area then insert the implant using a special tool that makes a small cut and positions it under the skin. There may be bruising afterwards, but this will fade.
Periods? Most people will have lighter periods; they may stop altogether.
Other perks? You don’t have to think about it at all once it’s in your arm.
Need to know:
About percentages.
You’ll notice that we’ve listed these contraception options by percentage. Percentages are used to tell us how good a type of contraception is at preventing pregnancy. So, 90% means if ten people used this type of contraception for a year, nine would not get pregnant. One person out of ten would get pregnant. I’m quoting the ‘typical use’ which means how normal humans use it, and normal humans aren’t perfect! For that reason, no type of contraception is 100% effective.
Want to fact check us? All details in this article were checked against these factsheets, and were correct at time of publication (October 2019).
99.98%
The IUD (Inter-Uterine Device).
AKA: Mirena; the thing that looks like a fish lure
(people have said this to me MANY times)!
Where does it live? In your uterus. It’s a little T-shaped piece of plastic, about 3cm by 4cm, coated in hormones. There is a string attached so the device can be checked by you (cut short so it won’t interfere with sex, tampons or menstrual cups).
How does it work? Hormones.
How long does it last? Five years.
Do I need to see a doctor and get a script? Yes.
Cost*? $38 or $7 (Centrelink concessions).
How does it get in there? A specially-trained doctor/nurse inserts the folded-up IUD into the vagina and through the cervix. The IUD opens out into the uterus and sits in place.
Periods? Most people will have lighter periods; they may stop altogether.
Other perks? Super tiny amount of hormones, as they are going straight to where they are needed, the uterus and ovaries. And it lasts five years, wow!
99.2%
Copper IUD (Inter-Uterine Device).
Where does it live? In your uterus. It’s a little T-shaped piece of plastic, about 3cm by 4cm, with a copper wire wrapped around it. There is a string attached so the device can be checked by you (cut short so it won’t interfere with sex, tampons or menstrual cups).
How does it work? No hormones in this one as the copper does its thing (see above).
How long does it last? Five or ten years.
Do I need to see a doctor and get a script? Yes.
Cost*? $75-$150 (pharmacies determine the price, so shop around!)
How does it get in there? A specially-trained doctor/nurse inserts the folded-up IUD into the vagina and through the cervix. The IUD opens out into the uterus and sits in place.
Periods? Same, may get heavier.
Other perks? No hormones, yo! Many people can’t have hormones for lots of different reasons. This is an option that lasts for years and it’s super effective.
96%
Contraception injections.
AKA: Depo; Depo-Provera; the shot.
Where does it live? In your bloodstream.
How does it work? Hormones.
How long does it last? About three months.
Do I need to see a doctor and get a script? Yes.
Cost? $30+ per injection. Depends on the brand.
How does it get in there? It is injected using a needle every 12 weeks by a doctor or nurse.
Periods? They may get lighter, they may stop altogether. It may take up to 18 months after stopping using it for your periods and fertility to be back to normal.
Other perks? Nobody can tell if you are having an injection; it is totally private.
93%
Vaginal ring.
AKA: Nuva ring.
Where does it live? In your vagina.
How does it work? Hormones in a flexible plastic ring (about 5cm wide) that looks a bit like a bangle.
How long does it last? Four weeks.
Do I need to see a doctor and get a script? Yes.
Cost? $30+ per month.
How does it get in there? You put it in and out yourself. If you want to, you can take it out for penetrative sex.
Periods? You can skip your period by removing and replacing the ring every three to five weeks.
Other perks? Don’t have to remember the pill every day. Some can help with some skin issues like acne.
91%
The Pill.
AKA: Contraceptive pill.
Where does it live? In your bloodstream.
How does it work? Most have two hormones (combined pill). Others have a single hormone like the progesterone-only pill (sometimes known as the mini-pill).
How long does it last? The pill must be taken every day to be effective.
Do I need to see a doctor and get a script? Yes.
Cost? Starts at $7 for a three-month supply, can be as high as $80 per month. Depends on the brand.
How does it get in there? Swallowed every day.
Periods? Usually in a packet of pills there are 21 active pills and 7 sugar pills. The idea is that you stay in the habit of taking one every day. You can skip your period by not taking the sugar pills. There are also brands specifically designed for skipping. Periods can be shorter, lighter and less painful.
Other perks? If you don’t like one pill you can easily switch to another. Some can help with some skin issues like acne.
Contraception essentials.
Your body, your choice: make an informed decision about the kind of contraception you want. If your doctor or health centre can’t help you with your options (for example, not all GPs will do all the procedures that we’ve discussed), find somewhere that can. It’s best to call/email and ask first about what they offer.
Not every option will work for everyone: avoid horror stories. People can and will share their own experience, but your body is unique. Don’t rule out an option just because one person said it didn’t work for them, or the procedure sounded scary. Try different options until you find something that works.
Be upfront about what you want: ask about the cost if you are worried. If you want something that will reduce or stop your periods, just say. If you are forgetful AF and a pill won’t work for you, tell your doctor. If you are worried about a specific side effect, explain your fears. Ask all the questions you need to.
This process is about you and your needs. So, go forth with your new knowledge and explore! Reproductive freedom is in reach.
But where are the condoms?
You might have noticed that we are still above 90% effectiveness with these options and we haven’t even talked about condoms yet! In case you’re curious, the contraceptive methods we’ve discussed above are statistically more effective at preventing pregnancy than barrier methods. Condoms are still important and never fear, we will give you a whole run down on rubbers and protecting yourself from STIs in an upcoming issue of WinWin. Stay tuned!
* NOTE: When it comes to costs, there may be additional costs for insertion, appointments and follow ups. Talk to your doctor, Family Planning clinic, or Women’s health clinic and ask for the costs. Here is some info re accessing Concessions.