1. Year 8 Health
Contraception

2. What is Contraception?
Contraception is the use of different methods to ultimately prevent the fertilisation of the sperm and the egg and therefore falling pregnant.
Contraceptives can be used to also prevent the infections of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

3. What types of Contraception are there?
Hormonal - contraception for women is available in the form of either a pill (oral contraceptive) or a vaginal ring. Both are available by prescription. Hormonal contraceptives are highly effective (94– 99%) if used correctly. However, they may produce side effects and don’t protect against STIs.
Barrier – methods of contraception stop sperm from getting into the womb (uterus). Options include:
Male condom
Female condom
Diaphragm.
Male and female condoms also decrease the risk of STIs.

4. Male condom
This is a latex sheath that covers the erect penis and prevents semen entering the vagina.
This is an effective form of contraception when used properly (95–98% effective). This means using a condom every time you have sex and putting it on before there is any contact between the penis and vagina.
Male condoms are
relatively cheap and
are available over the
counter from
supermarkets,
pharmacies and sexual
health clinics.

5. Female condom
This is a loose polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at each end that sits in the vagina and collects semen.
It can be inserted many hours before intercourse and is stronger than the male latex condom, but may take some practice with insertion and use.
Female condoms are available through mail order from Family Planning Victoria. They may also be available in some retail outlets and sexual health clinics.

7. Male vs. Female Condoms

8. Diaphragm
This is a soft, shallow rubber dome that fits in the vagina, covers the cervix and stops sperm from entering the uterus. The diaphragm must stay in place for at least six hours after intercourse and is 85–95 per cent effective if used, fitted and positioned correctly.
Diaphragms must be
fitted by a suitably trained
doctor or nurse. They
may decrease the risk of
STIs, but should not be
relied on for this.

9. Intrauterine devices (IUD)
An IUD, sometimes known as a coil, is a small plastic device with either added copper or hormones It is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. It can stay in the uterus for five to eight years, depending on the type used, and can easily be removed before that if you would like to fall pregnant or are having problems. Both types are 99 per cent effective and work by changing the lining and environment of the uterus, effectively killing off sperm. If any sperm survive and fertilise an egg, the egg is unable to stick to the wall of the uterus, so a pregnancy can’t continue.

11. Combined pill
This is made up of the synthetic forms of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. The combined pill prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and changes the lining of the uterus to make it less suitable for a fertilised egg to stick. There are many types of
combined pills with different
dose and hormone combinations
Generally this form of
contraception is not
recommended for women who
are at risk of heart disease,
such as smokers aged over
35 years.

12. Implanon
This is a hormone implant that is inserted under the skin at the inner side of the upper arm. It contains etonogestrel, a progesterone-like hormone that prevents ovulation and hinders sperm from entering the cervix (by changing cervical mucus).
Implanon lasts for three years, is close to 100 per cent effective and is suitable for most women who can’t tolerate synthetic oestrogens. The device is inserted by a doctor under local anaesthetic.

14. Sterilisation
Sterilisation is a permanent surgical procedure that requires referral to a specialist. Female and male sterilisation are highly effective methods of contraception but do not provide protection against STIs. Female sterilisation This procedure blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing an egg from passing down the tube and being fertilised. The common surgical method is Tubal ligation (having your tubes tied)– performed under general anaesthetic.
Vasectomy (male sterilisation) This involves blocking sperm by cutting the tubes they pass through from the testes to the penis.

15. Emergency contraception
Sometimes it is necessary to prevent pregnancy after sex rather than before: for example, when a pill is forgotten or a condom breaks, or in the case of rape.
Emergency contraception is a hormonal method of contraception that prevents or delays ovulation in that cycle. It may also stop a fertilised egg from sticking to the wall of the uterus. It is 85 per cent effective. Emergency contraception was previously known as the ‘morning after’ pill. There are different types of emergency pills available. The most commonly used form – two tablets of progestogen hormone – can be prescribed by a doctor or is available over the counter at most pharmacies.
These pills should be taken as soon as possible after sex and must be started within 120 hours of unprotected sex.

16. Things to remember
Discuss your options with your doctor, reproductive health nurse or reproductive health service.
Different methods may suit you at different times in your life.
Contraceptives available include physical barriers and devices, hormonal methods, sterilisation, emergency and ‘natural’ methods.
Condoms provide the best available protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).