WHAT IS CONTRACEPTION? Contraception means prevention of pregnancy. There are a number of different methods of contraception available. It is important to choose a method that best suits your needs at the time. Using contraception gives you more control, allows you to decide if, and when, to have children, and allows you to enjoy sex without having to worry about an unplanned pregnancy. WHICH CONTRACEPTIVE IS RIGHT FOR ME? Many factors may affect your choice of a contraceptive method including: How effective the method is. Your stage of life. Your lifestyle. Ease of use of the method. Any...

Safe sex is sexy. Sex is meant to feel good and be fun, but it can be risky if not treated with respect. When entering into sexual relations with someone, the first thing you should do is talk about it and make sure you seek consent. Always ask someone before you start touching them or engaging in intercourse. This article talks about: safe sex, consent, decision making,  STIs, unplanned pregnancy, emergency contraception, and where to go if you need advice or help.

Sexual & Reproductive Health Information Find answers to all your questions. Popular Topics Sexually Transmissible Infections Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are infections which are passed from one person to another during sexual contact or exchange of body fluids. Genital Conditions These infections include candidiasis (also called yeast infection or thrush) and bacterial vaginosis. Menopause Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when she stops having periods. Menopause is a natural life event. ...

WHAT IS THE DIAPHRAGM? The diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It is a dome of soft silicone with a flexible rim that is placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb). The diaphragm forms a barrier which prevents sperm from getting into the uterus. It is inserted before intercourse and left in place for a minimum of 6 hours after intercourse. It takes 6 hours for all sperm to die in the acid environment of the vagina. The Caya® diaphragm, which is a single size diaphragm, is the only one available in Australia. HOW DO I USE THE DIAPHRAGM? You...

WHAT IS THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT? The contraceptive implant, often called ‘the rod’ is a small flexible plastic rod that contains a progestogen hormone. It is inserted under the skin on the underside of the upper arm where it slowly releases a small amount of this hormone over three years. HOW DOES IT WORK? The contraceptive implant mainly works by stopping the egg being released from the ovary (ovulation). This prevents pregnancy occurring. It also increases the thickness of mucus in the cervix which make it hard for any sperm to travel through and fertilise an egg. HOW LONG DOES IT LAST? The...

WHAT IS EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?  Emergency contraception (EC) is contraception which is used as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy.  Unprotected sexual intercourse may happen for many reasons including: sexual intercourse where no contraception was used a condom broke or slipped off  a diaphragm dislodged during intercourse  you missed one or more of your contraceptive pills  sexual assault There are three types of emergency contraception available in Australia: Levonorgestrel EC (an oral pill)  Ulipristal acetate...

Contraception is essential for planning the size of your family and spacing children optimally for your individual family unit. A pregnancy that occurs within twelve months of giving birth can place extra stress on the mother and baby, and carry more risks of complications, so having effective contraception during this time is particularly important. It can be a good idea to talk to your doctor about this even before giving birth as some contraceptive methods can be started very soon after childbirth.  [Image Discription; Couple lying on bed with new born baby] Contraception is not needed...

WHAT ARE HORMONE RELEASING IUDS? Hormone releasing IUDs are small plastic devices which are inserted into the uterus (womb) by a doctor and are used to prevent pregnancy. They contain a hormone called levonorgestrel in the stem. Levonorgestrel is a type of progestogen. A very small amount of this hormone is released continuously over 5 years. There are two types of hormone releasing IUDs: the Mirena® and the Kyleena®. The Kyleena® is slightly smaller and releases a lower dose of hormone than the Mirena.

WHAT IS THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL? The combined oral contraceptive pill, usually simply called ‘the pill’, is a contraceptive pill taken by mouth which contains two hormones, oestrogen and a progestogen.   HOW DOES IT WORK? The pill works by preventing ovulation, which means it stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, which in turn means that fertilization cannot occur and a pregnancy cannot begin. HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT? The pill is approximately 93% effective.  HOW IS IT TAKEN? The pill is taken by mouth every day. Most pill types come in a box of three to four sachets...

The Family Planning Alliance Of Australia Certificate Course For Doctors In Reproductive And Sexual Health is a nationally accredited course is designed for medical practitioners who wish to expand their knowledge and increase their skills in the delivery of sexual and reproductive health care. 2023 COURSESAPPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! If you would like to be added to a waiting list in case of vacancy, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. document.getElementById('cloak3e99ecc9f9699f490957c583dd76d920').innerHTML = ''; var...

This workshop is designed for suitably experienced GPs who wish to learn to insert IUDs or GPs who are interested in learning more about IUDs as a contraceptive option for their patients but intend to refer them elsewhere for insertion.  THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL

WHAT IS A COPPER IUD? An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic device that is inserted into the uterus (womb) and is used to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are a highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptive. There are two different types of IUDs- hormonal and copper. The copper IUD is an IUD that has copper wrapped around its stem and arms. It does not contain any hormones. HOW DOES IT WORK? The copper IUD works mainly by preventing fertilisation. It does this by being toxic to the egg and sperm and by interfering with sperm movement. It also prevents the implantation of a fertilised...

Condoms are worn during sexual activity to prevent sexually transmissible infections and as a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy. A condom is a physical barrier that stops body fluids (e.g., semen, vaginal fluids) from passing between sexual partners. There are two different kinds of condom available, the external (male) condom and the internal (female) condom. HOW DO EXTERNAL CONDOMS WORK AND WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF? External condoms are made of thin, strong latex rubber or polyurethane. HOW DO YOU USE THEM? They are used by being rolled onto the erect penis before vaginal, anal, or...

Delivered Canberra, the SHFPACT Contraceptive Implant (Implanon NXT) Training Workshop has been designed for Doctors and GP’s who wish to learn safe insertion and removal of the contraceptive implant.  LEARNING OUTCOMES Demonstrate safe insertion of the contraceptive implant Demonstrate safe removal of the contraceptive implant Counsel patients on the use of the contraceptive implant Manage common side effects associated with the contraceptive implant COURSE FORMAT 1.5 hour face to face workshop, includes theory and practise on a model arm. SHFPACT is a leading provider of training...

A vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception. It involves a simple surgical procedure that prevents sperm from traveling from the testicles to the semen ejaculated from the penis. After vasectomy, your semen is the same, but it has no sperm in it. Vasectomy is a safe, effective, and permanent form of contraception. How effective is vasectomy? A vasectomy is over 99% effective. However, while it is rare, a vasectomy may fail, and you may stay fertile or become fertile again. This can happen if the tubes are not entirely blocked off, grow back together, or if a third vas deferens tube exists....