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Contraception is medications, devices or surgery which you can use to prevent pregnancy.
There are many different methods of contraception available.
These include:
Hormones are chemicals that send messages in the body, including to our reproductive systems. Estrogen and progesterone are the reproductive main hormones for a person with a uterus.
Some forms of contraception use hormones like the ones our bodies make to prevent pregnancies from developing. This includes the Pill, the Mini Pill, some IUDs and the contraceptive implant.
Emergency contraception is also available.
Emergency contraception is used to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
It is used as soon as possible after penis in vagina sex without contraception. You will need to use it within 3 to 5 days, depending on the type you use.
You can buy oral emergency contraception pills from pharmacies without a prescription.
The copper IUD is also a type of emergency contraception.
Different people prefer different methods of contraception.
Your personal preferences, circumstances, medical history and stage of life are some of the factors which may impact your choice.
People who have had a free abortion in the ACT can also have a free IUD or contraceptive implant.
You must book in with participating GPs and services within 3 months of your abortion to be eligible.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the contraceptive implant are called long-acting reversible contraception.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives do not need to be changed regularly. They can be used from 3 to 10 years without being changed. The amount of time they last will depend on the type.
A doctor or nurse inserts IUDs and contraceptive implants into the body (the uterus or arm) of the woman or person who can become pregnant.
See these factsheets developed by Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) for information on other contraception options.
A hormone releasing IUD is a T-shaped, plastic device inserted in the uterus. It releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen into the uterus.
A hormone releasing IUD:
There are two brands available: Mirena and Kyleena.
Kyleena releases a lower dose of progestogen and is a smaller sized device than Mirena.
A copper IUD is a plastic and copper device which is non-hormonal and works because copper is toxic to sperm.
A copper IUD:
A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible plastic rod which is inserted just under the skin in the upper arm. It releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen into the body.
The rod, or the brand name Implanon, are other names for the contraceptive implant.
Only barrier methods will protect you from sexually transmissible infections.
Barrier methods include condoms (external and internal) and dental dams.
Condoms are the only barrier method that is also a contraceptive.
For more information on all types of contraception and barrier methods, see these factsheets developed by Sexual Health & Family Planning ACT.
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