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Navigating contraception options can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! The truth is, the "best" method of contraception is the one that fits your life, your body, and your preferences. Whether you're looking for something long-term, a method that’s easy to use, or one that suits your lifestyle, there's a contraceptive option that's perfect for you.
Why Consider Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)?
In your late teens and 20s, your body is in peak fertility mode, so it’s important to find a method of contraception that’s highly effective. And in terms of effectiveness, you can’t go past the Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (known as LARCs).
These methods are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, making them some of the most reliable options available.
Plus, they're low-maintenance, because you won’t have to think about contraception daily or even monthly. And they’re completely reversible, so once you decide you're ready, your fertility goes back to normal as soon as the device is removed.
Intrauterine Devices (Mirena® , Kyleena® and Copper IUDs)
Imagine a tiny, T-shaped device that sits inside your uterus, protecting you from unwanted pregnancy for years. That’s an IUD!
There are two main types: hormonal (Mirena® & Kyleena®) and non-hormonal (Copper IUDs). Both types are more than 99% effective and have minimal side effects.
Depending on the type, an IUD can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
Subdermal Contraceptive Implant (Implanon or ‘the rod”)
If you prefer something even more discreet, consider the Implanon NXT®. It’s a tiny rod, about the size of a matchstick, that sits just under the skin on your upper arm.
Once it’s in place, it releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.
This option is also highly effective, with a success rate of 99.95%, and it's perfect for those who want to "set it and forget it."
The Combined Contraceptive Pill: A Classic Choice
If you prefer a daily routine, the combined contraceptive pill might be your go-to.
This pill contains two hormones (estrogen and progestogen) that work together to prevent pregnancy. Plus, it can also help with other issues like acne, irregular periods, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
However, you must remember to take it every day! Its effectiveness is around 91% with typical use, so consistency is key.
Vaginal Contraceptive Ring: Convenient and Low-Maintenance
If you want the effectiveness of the pill but with less daily hassle, the vaginal contraceptive ring, like NuvaRing®, could be your answer.
You only need to think about it once a month, and it’s slightly more effective than the pill. Just insert it into your vagina, and it’ll release hormones to prevent pregnancy. You can even leave it in during sex!
However, it is expensive compared with other options.
The New Progesterone-Only Pill (POP): A Modern Update
The progesterone-only pill, often called the mini-pill, has a new and more effective version! Slinda® is the latest option that works more like the combined pill but without the oestrogen.
It's great for women who have certain health risks, like clotting factors, and it has a 24-hour window for taking a missed pill, making it more forgiving than older versions.
Condoms: A Must-Have for Protection Against STIs
Even if you're using another form of contraception, condoms are still a must for protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They’re easy to use, widely available, and offer an extra layer of protection. Just remember to use them correctly to avoid breakage and slippage, and have a backup plan, like emergency contraception, just in case.
Depo-Contraceptive Injections: Effective But Not for Everyone
Depo-contraceptive injections are another option, offering protection for 12 weeks at a time. These injections can make your periods lighter or even stop them altogether, but they're usually not the first choice for young women because they can affect bone density with long-term use.
What About Other Methods?
There are other methods like fertility awareness and diaphragms, but they require more discipline and aren’t as effective in highly fertile people.
Permanent methods like vasectomy or female sterilisation are also available but aren’t usually recommended for young women, since they’re not designed to be reversed.
Remember, finding the right contraception is all about what works best for you. You can find more detailed information on each method, plus other tips and advice here or make an appointment with one of our sexual health GPs to explore your options, either in the Chatswood clinic or online via telehealth at www.clinic66online.com.au
Dr. Karen Osborne, BSc (Hons), MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFSRH, FRACGP
General Practitioner, with extended skills in Reproductive & Sexual Health
Reviewed by Dr. Emma Boulton, August 2024
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