Dr Alice Huang

About

Fertility Medicine

Early Pregnancy

Gynaecology

Treatment and Procedures

Clinic Info

Contact

中文

Phone

(03) 9417 1088

Hours

9am ~ 4pm Mon to Friday

Contact
contraceptive_care_melbourne34sa

Contraception

Contraception is the practice of prevention of pregnancy. There are numerous methods of contraception which may be short or long acting, reversible or permanent.

They have different failure rates as well as advantages and disadvantages to suite the woman’s or man’s needs.
Understanding the various options, their effectiveness, potential side effects, and how they align with individual health needs and lifestyles will help in making informed decisions.

Australian Context & Statistics

In Australia, contraception use is widespread, reflecting a strong awareness and acceptance of family planning practices.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the contraceptive pill remains one of the most popular methods, used by around 33% of Australian women of reproductive age. However, there is a growing trend towards long acting reversible contraception (LARCs), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, due to their higher efficacy and longer duration of action.

Despite the high usage rates of contraception, there are still cases of unintended pregnancies, highlighting the need for improved education and access to a broader range of contraceptive methods.

Contraceptive Options

  • Abstinence: means not having sexual intercourse. It is the only birth control method that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Natural Family Planning method (NFP): fertility awareness does not require medication, physical devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. This method relies on the woman’s body physiology to know the time of ovulation. This method involves monitoring different body changes such as basal body temperature or cervical mucus variations. The woman then abstains from unprotected sex around the time of ovulation.
  • Withdrawal: Withdrawal method involves the complete removal of the penis by man from the woman’s vagina before ejaculation.
  • Barrier methods is one of the most common contraceptive methods where a physical barrier is used to obstruct the sperm from entering a woman’s uterus. Barrier methods include use of male condom, female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, and contraceptive sponge. The male condom is a thin covering made of latex or polyurethane that is rolled over an erect penis before sexual intercourse to prevent the sperm from entering a woman’s vagina. The female condom is a polyurethane (plastic) tube that has a flexible ring at each end and is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. A diaphragm is a flexible dome that covers the cervix inside the vagina. The cervical cap is smaller cup made of latex rubber or plastic. They should be used in conjunction with a spermicidal gel and are placed in the vagina before sexual intercourse. The sponge is a soft, round barrier device made of polyurethane foam.
  • Hormonal methods: In this method synthetic hormonal preparations containing oestrogen and/or progesterone will be taken orally (tablets), implanted into body tissue (implants), injected under the skin (injections), absorbed from a patch on the skin (skin patches), or placed in the vagina (vaginal rings). These methods work by preventing ovaries from releasing an egg for fertilisation or changing the cervical mucous to make it impenetrable to sperm.
  • Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD): are devices that are placed inside the uterus that is either made of copper or impregnated with hormone. These devices have a lifespan of 3-10 years depending on the device.
  • Contraceptive Implant: is a small flexible rod inserted under the skin of the inner upper arm. It slowly releases a progestogen hormone to reversibly prevent pregnancy. These devices have a lifespan of 3 years.
  • Permanent Contraception: includes tubal ligation (clipping or cutting of the fallopian tubes) or vasectomy.

Considerations & Side Effects

The choice of a particular method of contraception can depend on your preference, age, health, cost, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, future pregnancy plans, wishes to have children in the future, and certain medical conditions. It is important to know that there are many contraceptive options available and the right choice for each woman or man can be found with appropriate consultation and if adequate time is allowed for trialing them.

It is important to remember that most birth control methods prevent pregnancy; however not all methods of birth control offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Access & Education in Australia

Australia provides robust support for contraception through public health systems, family planning organisations, and educational programs. Contraceptives like the pill and IUDs are accessible through prescriptions from a GP and, in some cases, are subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access, especially in remote or underserved areas, and among young people or those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

dr_alice_huang_fertility_02

The Future of Contraception

Innovation in contraceptive technology and practices continues to evolve, with research focused on expanding options, including male contraception, and improving the safety and efficacy of existing methods. Public health initiatives aim to enhance education around sexual and reproductive health, ensuring that everyone has the knowledge and means to make informed choices about contraception.

Conclusion

Contraception is a cornerstone of reproductive health, offering the power of choice and the ability to plan one’s family and future.

With a range of methods available, you can find an option that best fits your lifestyle and health needs. Ongoing education, open conversations with healthcare providers, and access to comprehensive services are vital in navigating the complex landscape of contraception. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that you are making the best decisions for your reproductive health and well-being.

START YOUR JOURNEY

Compassionate, Holistic care and treatment.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards realising your parenthood goals.

Get In Touch

Phone

(03) 9417 1088

HouRS

Mon to Fri: 9am ~ 4pm

SERVICES

CLINIC INFO

Contact

中文

Copyright Alice Huang, 2024