A Self-Help Guide To Contraception

A SELF-HELP A SELF-HELP GUIDE TO GUIDE TO CONTRA CONTRA -CEPTION -CEPTION THIS CUFFING THIS CUFFING SEASON. SEASON.

Words by Ellen McManus

So, you’ve slid into their dms and now you want to slide into their bed. But are you equipped?

I sat down and spoke with a General Practitioner and a Registered Nurse, who are both specialised in sexual health for young adults, to compile some useful information on the most common contraception options. Remember it is different for everyone, and if you are wanting to begin contraception or have questions about your current prescription, booking an appointment with a healthcare provider who specialises in this area is the best start! It is important to be transparent with them regarding previous health history and any medications you are taking.

I am not listing all of the possible options, just the most commonly used.

RECOMMENDED SERVICES

SHINE SA

shinesa.org.au - Adelaide (08) 7099 5320 - Woodville (08) 8300 5300

Adelaide Sexual Health Centre

137 East Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 (08) 7117 2800

Metropolitan Youth Health Service North

(08) 8255 3477 South (08) 8326 6053 West (08) 8243 5637

ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (OCP)

1. Combined oestrogen-progesterone (also known as combination pill) 2. Progesterone-only (also known as mini pill) If this is your contraception of choices, here’s what you need to know:

1. It is stopping sperm in its tracks… as OCP is approximately 91% effective on average, however when taken correctly (i.e. on time every day) it can be about 99% effective.

2. ALARMS! They will be essential to ensuring you take the pill at the same time every day. However, if you do forget, you have a window of about 24 hours with the combination pill and 3 hours with the mini pill. After then it is recommended you use a condom to prevent pregnancy.

3. If you’re sick…the pill may not be doing the trick! If you have been sick with gastro symptoms (vomiting or diarrhoea), this could mean the pill is no longer in your system and will therefore impact its effectiveness. So same deal as above…rubber it up!

4. Addressing the misconception. Although these pills do contain oestrogen, OCP should never be used as gender-affirming hormone therapy for trans women. The pill contains a form and dose of oestrogen that is different to the one prescribed to trans women. If you are thinking about gender-affirming hormone therapy, for the safest results, book an appointment with a healthcare provider and they can prescribe the necessary type and dose of oestrogen and anti-androgen. It should also be noted that gender-affirming hormone therapy is not a form of contraception and therefore if there is any chance of pregnancy, contraception is suggested.

5. It’s not personal, it’s just not for everyone. If you have experienced, or there is a family history of blood clots, stroke, heart attacks, migraines with aura, uncontrolled diabetes, or high blood pressure, talk to your healthcare provider as there may be a more suitable contraception option for you!

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

1. Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill (LNGECP) 2. Ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive pill (Ella 1)

The most recommended pill is Ella 1. It is considered one of the more effective ECPs because it has a larger window for it to be taken in (up to five days). Whereas the LNG-ECP can only be used 72 hours after sex. Both are more effective the sooner they are taken. In either case, ECPs are not recommended as an ongoing method of contraception. (ECP) Also known as the morning-after pill, there are two options that can be used if you’ve had unprotected sex.

How is it implanted? This method involves a small rod being inserted on the inside of your upper non-dominant arm, directly under the skin. And don’t worry, local anaesthetic is administered!

Effectiveness? This method is 99.9% effective, and involves a steady release of a hormone, preventing pregnancy for three years.

Who can use it? As always, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider about its suitability for you, but just note this method is a progesteroneonly option. INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUDS)

1. Mirena

2. Kyleena

3. Copper 7

The ‘-ena’ sisters and Copper. The Mirena and Kyleena, a slighter smaller model, are IUDs coated with progesterone which prevents the sperm being able to fertilise the egg. The Copper 7 is a copper-coated IUD and works very similarly, however does not contain hormones.

Effectiveness? 99.9% protection. Like the Implanon, IUDs are regarded as LARC (Long Acting Reversible Contraception). They are the most effective method as they are not relying on someone to take them or put them in. Unlike the Implanon, these methods are effective for five years. Reversible means once the device is removed, your fertility will return to its previous state almost immediately.

The pregnancy free sex can begin…7 days after the IUD or the Implanon is inserted. In the meantime, use a condom (or continue with the pill or Implanon for 8 days - if that was your previous method)!

It’s not the way to go if… you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, cancer of the cervix or uterus, or AIDS. This is not an extensive list, so as always, refer to your GP or specialist. IUD insertion can also be very painful for some. It is recommended you do some research before to understand what to expect, and try to book with a GP who does this procedure often (suggested services above). Often an anaesthetic spray will be used and a green whistle can be requested. If necessary the procedure can be done under sedation; however will be costly and with a long waiting time. Ongoing pain may be experienced too, however everyone is different and some report they don’t feel any pain during or after.

How many pricks? It’s an injection given every three months. As this method remains in your system for three months following injection, it is not instantaneously reversible.

Effectiveness…comes in at approximately 96%.

The cons. It can increase your risk of osteoporosis and broken bones. Therefore, it is not recommended for athletes as it causes a slight decrease in bone density (although this eventually stabilises). (contraceptive injection, brand name for Medroxyprogesterone acetate)

NUVA RING

(vaginal ring)

How do I ‘wear’ it? It is placed inside the vagina for 21 days and then removed for 7 days, essentially mimicking the menstrual cycle.

98% protection… that has a nice ring to it.

How does it work? The vaginal ring contains the oestrogen and progesterone hormone, that ensures the prevention of pregnancy. DIAPHRAGM

How and where?! A diaphragm is a barrier method that is a nonhormonal contraception option. It is fitted by a healthcare provider, and then can be placed over the cervix with spermicide (like a pesticide, but for sperm) before sex.

The ultimate “cockblock”! No sperm will pass…in 94% of the cases.

Monogamous relationships: It is recommended to do an STI check before having sex without a condom (when there is other contraception in place).

Polyamorous relationships or casually seeing people: It is advised to always wear a condom, and to get tested if you notice any changes or discomfort.

If this piece has raised any issues for you, please contact: Yarrow Place Rape & Sexual Assault Services: 1800 817 421; Sexual Assault Hotline: 1800 737 732; Lifeline: 13 11 14.