Informed choice

Planning ahead

There are many options when it comes to contraception. We ask the experts to explain the diff erent categories t o help you make informed choices about birth control

WORDS TANIA GOMEZ

Getting frisky can be fun but risky if you don’t want to end up with a baby.

There are many methods of contraception that can help avoid pregnancy, but most can only be used by women, says Carolyn Mogharbel, manager of Women’s Health Victoria 1800 My Options.

“It’s a frustration that women have to bear the cost — physically, emotionally and financially — of contraception,” Carolyn says. “The reality is the body with the uterus is the body that contraception is made for a lot of time.”

At this stage, men have only two options — condoms or a vasectomy — while women have more choice.

What method to use?

There are two main categories, according to Dr Amy Moten from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

“Health providers will often break down contraception into what we call the long-acting reversible contraceptives, which are the most effective forms of contraception,” Dr Moten says.

“But some people have preferences for other forms that are short-term acting that may be more suitable to the individual.”

Condoms

Made from latex and available at any chemist or supermarket, condoms are one of the easiest to access and most commonly used contraceptives for all genders. In Australia, research shows 59 per cent of all condom buyers are male, and 41 per cent are female. They are also ideal for casual relationships as they act as a barrier against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The pill

Taken daily, the contraceptive pill contains two hormones that stop ovulation and is considered to be very effective. The pill can also be used to manipulate your period if you want to skip it every now and then, which adds to its popularity, Dr Moten says.

The mini pill

Using only the hormone progesterone, this works like the regular pill and is 99 per cent effective.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Inserted into the uterus, IUDs last up to 10 years, making them a great long-term, fuss-free option that is becoming more popular. “Between 2005 and 2015, we’ve seen slight increases of use from 1.6 per cent to 4.5 per cent,” Carolyn says.

Implants

Planted in your arm, this small rod releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for up to three years. In 2015, an estimated 5.1 per cent of women used an implant, according to Carolyn. Some women report regular spotting as a side effect.

Contraceptive injections

Given every 12 weeks, a contraceptive injection uses a synthetic version of the hormone progestogen, which stops women from producing an egg every month.

Vaginal rings

This uses the same hormones as the pill. It is placed high in the vagina and removed for periods. It is just as effective as the pill, but can be fiddly to use.

Vasectomy

This is a quick 20 to 40-minute sterilisation operation for men. It is considered one of the most effective forms of contraception, but is very difficult to reverse.

Ovulation apps

Fertility app trackers basically show when you are at your most fertile, so you can avoid sex at these times. It isn’t a foolproof method and shouldn’t be relied on unless you’re happy taking a risk, Dr Moten says.

“People are moving away from medical options, often because of ethical concerns and environmental issues. But the reality is that sometimes natural is not better,” she adds.