C O NT RAC EPT I O N

‘All your questions answered’

 WHAT IS CONTRACEPTION?
• Contraception is used to prevent pregnancy ( birth control).

• There are numerous methods to help prevent pregnancy: ‘coitus

interruptus’ (withdrawal), the use of hormone medications,
contraceptive devices (barriers)and periods of avoiding sex and
surgery.

• Contraception can be available in many different types of methods

and products.

• Contraception can also contribute to help prevent the

contraction of HIV/AIDS and STI’s.
(Janssen-cilag 2010)
TYPES OF CONTRACEPTION.
• There are many different types of contraception. Some are
controlled by a woman (eg. hormone contraceptive pills or
injections), and some generally by a man (eg. condoms).
Better yet, there are contraceptives that are available for both
men and women to utilize.
• Below is a list of various types of contraception:

• Condoms
• Implanon
• Contraceptive injection
• The Pill
• Emergency contraception (morning after pill)
• Intra Uterine Device (IUD)
• Vaginal ring known as a diaphragm
(Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service 2009)
 Choosing the right
Contraception method for you.
Choosing a birth control method based on how well
it works is important, but there are other things to
keep in mind when choosing a form of birth control.

These include:
How easy a particular birth control method is to use
How much a particular birth control method costs
Whether a person has a health condition or is taking
medication that will interfere with how well a
particular birth control method works
Effectiveness of Contraception
The effectiveness of contraception is very
important for people to understand.
You may choose to use a method of contraception,
but this method may not be useful or effective if
not used properly or in the correct circumstances.
The only method that is 100% effective, is
to not have sex!
 How Many Couples Using How Well Does This
Method of Birth Can This Method Also
This Method Will Get Method Work in
Control Protect Against STDs?
Pregnant in a Year? Preventing Pregnancy?
Consistent Abstinence None Completely effective Yes
Birth Control Patch
8 out of 100 Effective No
("The Patch")
Birth Control Pill ("The
8 out of 100 Effective No
Pill")
Birth Control Ring
8 out of 100 Effective No
("The Ring")
Female Condom 21 out of 100 Less effective Yes
Male Condom 15 out of 100 Moderately effective Yes
Birth Control Shot 3 out of 100 Effective No
Diaphragm 16 out of 100 Moderately effective No
Emergency
1 to 2 out of 100 Very effective No
Contraception
IUD Fewer than 1 out of 100 Very effective No
Fertility Awareness 25 out of 100 Less effective No
Spermicide 29 out of 100 Less effective No
Withdrawal ("Pulling
27 out of 100 Less effective No
Out")
Not Using Any Birth
CONDOMS
How effective are Condoms?
Condoms can give protection against some
sexually transmitted diseases as well as protecting
women against unwanted pregnancy, but it is
important for the effectiveness of condoms
too make sure the condom is not past the use by
date, ripped, or kept in a warm place as this may
lead to the condom being damaged and
ineffective.

It is also important that the condom is put on

correctly , and not broken while intercourse, as this
also leads to the condom being ineffective.
 Steps on how to put a condom on.
Step 1.- Check the expiry date, if it doesn't have on then don't use it
Step 2.- Carefully open the package – Try not to use anything sharp,
like scissors, teeth or nails that might damage the condom
Step 3.- Make sure the reservoir tip is facing away from the penis
before putting on.
Step 4.- If you are uncircumcised make sure that you pull back your
foreskin before rolling the condom on.
Step 5.- Put the rolled up condom over the tip of your penis
Step 6.- Pinch the air out of the tip of the condom- This decreases the
chances of the condom breaking, when pulling out.
Step 7.- With one hand holding onto the condom, at the end of your
penis, use the other hand to unroll the condom all the way to the base
of the penis.
Step 8.- Make sure when you pull out after having sex that you hold onto
the base of your penis, so it doesn't slip off. Tie a knot and your ready to
dispose of it correctly.
IMPLANON
How effective is an Implanon?
The Implanon is effective immediately if inserted
during day 1-5 of the patient's menstrual cycle. At
any other time in the cycle it is important that the
patient may become pregnant and
alternative contraception should be used for seven
days after insertion.

It is important that people no, that the Implanon is

only used to protect against un wanted pregnancy.
You are still at risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
The Implanon is effective for 3 years.
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
How effective is the Contraception Injection?

The contraceptive injection is 99% effective for

unwanted pregnancies ONLY , the injection
doesn’t protect from sexually transmitted
diseases. It is an injection of hormones that
provides a longer acting alternative to the pill. It
contains the hormone progestogen to prevent
pregnancy. The injection is given every 3 months.
THE PILL
How effective is The Pill?
The Contraceptive Pill is 98% effective for unwanted pregnancies if
taken properly. You are not protected against pregnancy until the pill
is taken the pill for seven days.

It is essential that you follow these

rules when taking the pill:
-Take one pill every day
-Take each pill at the same time every day, or as close to it as possible
-If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember and take
the next pill at the usual time the next day.
The pill may not also be effective if you have any of the following
whilst taking the pill –
irregular pill taking, diarrhoea and vomiting, and by taking antibiotics or
other drugs
This pill is only effective for unwanted pregnancies, this means that
you can still catch STI’s.
EMERGENCY CONTRACPTION
(morning after pill)
How effective is the Morning After Pill?
The morning after pill must be taken 120 hours
after unprotected sex occurred.
can be 95 % effective in preventing a
pregnancy, if taken in the first 24 hours, and 89
percent effective up to 72 hours. Its ability to
prevent a pregnancy decreases over time,
especially after 72 hours. It does not provide any
on-going contraception. Emergency contraception
has no protection against sexually transmissible
infections (STIs).
IUD- INTRA UTERINE DEVICE
How effective is the IUD?
The IUD is very effective to protecting women
against unwanted pregnancies, the device doesn't
protect women from STI’S.

The IUD can remain in the body for as long as 10

years. The hormonal IUD needs to be replaced
every 5 years. If you no longer require to use the
Device then a doctor is able to remove it at
anytime.
VAGINAL RING (diaphragm)
How effective is the Vaginal Ring?
The Vaginal Ring is effective after 7 days of
continuous use. To reduce the chance of
pregnancy and reproductive tract infections,
especially during the first week of use, male
condoms or spermicidal can be used with a
Vaginal ring.
The vaginal ring needs to be changed every 3
weeks to be effective.
Why do we need to use
Contraception?
Important Facts:
• Contraception not only prevents you from becoming pregnant, but can
prevent you from catching Sexually Transmitted Disease and Infection.
(STD)

• A condom is the only form of

contraceptive that protects you from
catching STD’s.
•STD's wreak havoc on a woman's reproductive organs and may result in
permanent infertility or even death. Teenage sexual activity and having
multiple sex partners has been strongly linked to cervical cancer.

•Both men and women can catch STD’s, which is why it is essential to be
informed and educated of the risks before participating in ‘unsafe sex'
 What is an STD?
An STD can be defined as any disease
transmitted by sexual contact; caused by
microorganisms that survive on the skin or
mucus membranes of the genital area; or
transmitted via semen, vaginal secretions,
or blood during intercourse. Because the
genital areas provide a moist, warm
environment that is especially conducive to
the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, and
yeasts, a great many diseases can be
transmitted this way.

• It's important to remember that you

can get and pass many of these
diseases through different forms of sex
(vaginal, anal, and oral).
 What kinds of
STD’s are there?
 Gonorrhea
Pubic Lice

Chlamydia

Syphilis

Genital warts Herpes

Lets focus on Chlamydia...
(Commonly asked questions)

“Don't let Chlamydia hang your fertility on the line...Use a

condom every time!”-author unknown.
 1. What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

In about 75% of women and up to 50% of men who have

Chlamydia infection, there are no symptoms. If a person
does develop symptoms, this usually happens about 1 - 3
weeks after they get infected. One of the more common
symptoms is a vaginal discharge in women and a urethral
discharge in men.

2. What are the consequences of a Chlamydia infection?

Left untreated, Chlamydia can result in infertility in men

and women, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory
disease and arthritis

3. How do you test for Chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be detected via a simple urine test or

genital swab
 4. Where can I get tested for Chlamydia?

General practitioners, Sexual health clinics, Family Planning Clinics,

Youth Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services.

5. What happens if I test positive?

Fortunately, treating Chlamydia is very simple. Chlamydia infection,

unlike some other STIs, is curable. One dose of a specific antibiotic will
usually kill the Chlamydia bacteria and get rid of the infection. Treating
Chlamydia infection of the cervix or urethra will prevent it from travelling
further up into the reproductive system and causing more serious
consequences.

Your doctor will recommend that you take some antibiotics to cure the
infection. They will also advise you to avoid sexual intercourse for one
week after you have finished taking the antibiotics. It is very important
that you tell your sexual partner or partners. You can ask your doctor for
advice about how to do this.
6. Will the health practitioner tell anybody I have Chlamydia?

Health practitioners are not allowed by law to discuss anything about

your visit with anyone (including parents) without your permission.
The only exception would be if you are at imminent risk of killing or
seriously harming yourself or someone else. Most health practitioners
will encourage you to discuss your positive test for Chlamydia with
your sexual partner or partners. This is because it is important that
your partner or partners are tested for Chlamydia and treated if they
are positive.
 • How common is Chlamydia?

• In Australia and around the world, Chlamydia

infection has been on the rise for several years.
The latest figures tell us that in 2006 there were
over 40,000 cases of Chlamydia infection
notified to health departments around Australia.
Of those 40,000 or so Chlamydia infections
notified in Australia in 2006, over 15,000 were
young people aged 20 - 24 years.

• Is Chlamydia more common in men or

women?

There have been more notifications of females

with Chlamydia infection compared to males
every year as well. This could partly be explained
by the fact that young women are more likely to
get tested because they are visiting a doctor for
other reasons, such as contraception or Pap
smears
 - It is important to remember
that you can become infected
from just having unprotected sex
once.

- Everyone should get tested

once a year and/or before
starting a new relationship

Contraception
is your best
prevention
Accessibility & Price
Most contraceptives can be accessed from local
pharmacies, supermarkets, hospitals, clinics and
your local GP (prescriptions).
They are usually at an affordable price ranging
from as little as $10, depending on the method of
contraception you are after.
(Teens Health,1995-2010)
 Price...
• Condoms: They are least expensive and most available
method of birth control. Male condoms cost about $0.50 to
$1 each and are less expensive when they are bought in
boxes that contain several condoms. In addition, many health
centres and family planning clinics such as Planned
Parenthood and some schools distribute them free of charge.

• The pill: The pill is covered by most health insurance, but

that may not be an easy option if you are on your parents
plan. Luckily the pill is available for only $20 to $50 a
month, depending on the type.

• Morning after pill(emergency pill): A doctor can prescribe

these pills and they cost around $30 from a pharmacy.
 Price continued...
• Diaphragm: Female condoms are a little more expensive and cost about $2
to $4 per condom.

• Intra Uterine Device: An IUD costs about $200 to $400 plus the cost of
having a doctor insert and remove it, as well as follow-up visits. It must be
This Is because it must be inserted into the uterus by a doctor. It is safe and
effective for teens.

• Contraceptive injection: Must be prescribed by your local doctor or a

family planning centre. A 12 weekly DEPO Provera injection is available to
those with a current Medicare card approximately costing $20. With a valid
Centre link card (health care or pension card) the cost is reduced.

• Implanon: Prices may vary from area to area. The cost also depends on
insurance, and the facility. In general, it appears that the total cost for this
contraception method including medical visits and insertion fees, costs from
$500 to $750 (which averages under $20 a month over the 3 years).
 WHERE TO SEEK HELP?
If you are experiencing an unwanted pregnancy or a belief that you have the
symptoms of pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease, there are a numerous
clinics available to seek help.

One of Melbourne's first and most experienced clinic is the Fertility Control Clinic,
located in East Melbourne, which is readily accessible by public transport. This
clinic also offers a telephone service (9419 2922) which is available at all hours.
Furthermore, this clinic deals and provides woman with support regarding safe and
confidential abortions, pregnancy terminations, family planning and reproduction
health. Other services that they offer include;
abortion, morning after pill, contraception, sexually transmitted infection pap
test and pregnancy.
http://www.fcc.com.au/
 Other clinics available for
teen access.

 Another clinics that offer great support for teens is the

Backdoor Clinic situated in Melton. It is a free of charge
clinic which provides health services and information for
young people 12 - 25 years old, who are residents or
students in Melton & Moorabool Shires.
 Furthermore, a local general practitioner, a school
counsellor, or Community Health Nurse offers information,
care and referral to all teenagers. The services that these
professions provide, include information and advice on
contraception, pregnancy testing, sexually transmissible
infection testing, and health education.
 Counselling support is also available, as well as condoms,
needles and syringe packs, which is distributed for free.
The Backdoor Clinic is open at Unit St on Wednesdays
4.00 pm - 7.00 pm.
 http://www.djhs.com.au/
 Online services & General support.
• There are also online services that are available at
anytime of the day regarding general information
about sexual health specifically symptoms of STIS,
pregnancy and overall support. These online services
are free and some of these services are listed below;
• http://teenshealth.org/teen/
• http://www.teenhealthfx.com/
• http://www.teenhealthcentre.com/
• http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

• Furthermore , there are school counsellors available

for students within schools who need help and the
extra support regarding their sexual health and
difficulties. By talking to a parent or a close friend is
also useful for peace of mind and trying to work out
the best solution that suites you and your lifestyle.
Your life, your voice : TALK CONTRACEPTION.

USE PROTECTION FOR

LIFE.
 Documentaries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXpAS-jCxGU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M042mZaLAOY&NR=1
 REFERENCE
S
Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service 2009, Teen Health ages 12-17, viewed on the 6 th May 2010
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=243&np=292&id=2349

Djerriwarrh Health Serviced, The backdoor clinic Melton 2009, viewed 10 th May 2010, http://www.djhs.com.au/

Girl’s health 1999, Are you at risk?, Viewed 14 th may 2010, http://www.girl.com.au/chlamydia-get-clued-up.htm

Janssen-cilag 2010, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutical N.V, viewed on the 6 th May 2010.
http://www.janssencilag.com/disease/detail.jhml?itemname=contraception_about

Kids Health, Sexual Health and Contraception 1995-2010, viewed on the 14 th May 2010.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/contraception/contraception

Planned Parenthood Birth Control 2010, viewed 14 th May 2010, ,http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Teens Health, 1995-2010, viewed 8th May 2010, http://teenshealth.org/teen/

The fertility Clinic, est. 1972, viewed 11 th May 2010, http://www.fcc.com.au/

Women's health centre 1996, Health solutions, viewed 14 th may 2010,

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5472