Types of contraception and birth control

‘Contraception’ means the deliberate prevention of pregnancy. This is different from practising safe sex, which also includes protecting yourself and others from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are lots of different types of contraception, and each method comes with its own side effects and risks. A doctor can help you figure out which option is best for you.

This can help if:

• you’re not sure what contraception is or how it works

• you’re having sex and don’t want to get pregnant

• you’re thinking of having sex for the first time

• you’re currently on birth control but want to understand the different contraception options available to you.

What is contraception?

‘Contraception’ means using an intervention to prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse. This can include things like using a condom, being on the contraceptive pill, or having a hormonal contraceptive device implanted. You might also hear it called ‘birth control’. Remember that contraception isn’t the same thing as practising safe sex. Practising safe sex is about protecting yourself and others from STIs, while ‘contraception’ is only about preventing pregnancy. Find out more about how to prevent STIs.

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Hormonal contraceptive methods

Hormonal contraception works by releasing hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy. These contraceptive methods are used by the female partner and don’t cause infertility. 

All the hormonal methods listed below require a prescription from a health professional or a pharmacist (for the emergency contraceptive pill). It’s important to remember that none of these protects either person from STIs.

Each form of hormonal contraception takes a different amount of time to start working, so make sure you check the details with your health professional.

Combined oral contraception (‘The pill’)

• Prevents the release (ovulation) of an egg (ovum), so there’s nothing for sperm to fertilise.

• If taken correctly, it works 99 per cent of the time.

• You need to take one pill at the same time every day.

• It can affect your mood.

• It costs about $10–$30 per month.

Progestogen-only pills (‘The mini-pill’)

• Thickens the mucus at the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.

• If taken correctly, it works 98 per cent of the time.

• You need to take one pill every day.

• It can affect your mood.

• It costs about $10–$30 per month.

Vaginal ring

• Prevents the release (ovulation) of an egg (ovum), so there is nothing for male sperm to fertilise.

• If used properly, it works 99 per cent of the time.

• You need to replace the ring every three weeks.

• It costs about $30–$80 per month.

Implant

• Prevents the release (ovulation) of an egg (ovum), so there is nothing for a male sperm to fertilise.

• If inserted correctly, it’s 99.9 per cent effective.

• You need to get a new implant inserted into your upper arm every three years.

• It must be inserted and removed by a doctor.

• It can cause continuous bleeding (like a non-stop period).

• It costs about $30 for the rod, plus the doctor’s fee for inserting it.

Injections

• Prevents the release (ovulation) of an egg (ovum), so there is nothing for a male sperm to fertilise.

• If done at the right time, it’s 99.7 per cent effective.

• You need to get a hormone injection every three months.

• It can cause changes in mood.

• It costs about $20 per injection.

Intra-uterine device (IUD) – hormonal

• Thickens the mucus at the cervix, which makes it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus.

• It’s more than 99 per cent effective.

• You need to get a replacement IUD every five years.

• It can cause bleeding and mood changes.

• It costs about $40, plus the doctor may have a fee for inserting the IUD. 

IUD (copper)

• It causes the uterus to become inflamed and prevents sperm from being able to fertilise an egg.

• It’s more than 99 per cent effective.

• You need to get a replacement copper IUD every ten years.

• It can cause bleeding and mood changes.

• It costs about $70–120, plus a possible insertion fee.

Emergency contraceptive pill

• Prevents the fertilisation or implantation of an egg in the uterus after unprotected sex has occurred.

• If taken within 72 hours after sex, it’s 80–90 per cent effective.

• Effectiveness decreases with each day.

• It can be bought without seeing a doctor.

• It costs about $15–$50.

Learn more about when and how to take the emergency contraceptive pill.

Is there a male contraceptive pill?

There is no male contraceptive pill available at the moment. However, researchers have been working on developing hormonal contraceptive methods for men. Some of the male contraceptives in development include a pill, a gel and injections.

Barrier contraceptive methods

Barrier methods of contraception use physical devices to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

Condom

• This is a latex tube that covers the penis during sex and prevents sperm from entering the partner’s body.

• If used properly, it’s 98 per cent effective.

• You need to use a new condom each time you have sex.

• It protects both partners from STIs.

• A condom costs about $1 each, and they’re usually sold in packs of 10 or more.

Female condom

• A female condom and diaphragm are placed inside the woman’s vagina before sex to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.

• If inserted correctly, it’s 95 per cent effective.

• You need to use a new female condom each time you have sex.

• Protects both partners from STIs.

• It costs about $3.50 each.

Diaphragm

• Placed inside the vagina before sex to prevent sperm from moving from the vagina into the uterus, where fertilisation occurs.

• Spermicide also kills sperm in semen.

• If inserted correctly and used with spermicide, it’s 86–94 per cent effective.

• You need to use a diaphragm each time you have sex.

• It doesn’t protect either person from STIs.

• It costs $70–$90.

• It requires a prescription from a health professional.

Where can I get these different types of contraception from?

Condoms for men can be bought over the counter (OTC) from most supermarkets, service stations, chemists or convenience stores. Condoms for women can be bought at sex shops, sexual health clinics and some chemists. The morning after pill is available from pharmacies without a prescription. Non-OTC forms of contraception (the pill, diaphragm) need to be accessed through a health professional.

Places where non-OTC contraception is available:

• General practitioners

• Family planning centres

• Women's health centres

• Sexual health centres

• Hospitals