Contraception Options: your guide to choice, control and confidence

There’s a few things to consider when exploring contraception options with a health professional.

When booking an appointment:

• It can be helpful to find a health professional with an interest or specialisation in reproductive health. If you have a local public sexual health service they can offer free and extensive contraception consultations. Hospitals can also offer free and comprehensive contraceptive support to some people.
• Ask for at least a 15-20 minute appointment when booking an appointment to talk about contraception.
• If you are worried about someone monitoring your health records, you can ask your health provider not to record your contraceptive appointment information or scripts on your MyHealth record.

When discussing your contraceptive options:

• Let your health provider know if cost is impacting your choice. If you are experiencing vulnerability or violence, you may be able to access contraception free of cost.
• If you are worried about your appointment because of sexual trauma it can be helpful to mention this to your health provider so they can give you information about the way different contraceptive methods are used, put in, and whether speculum exams are needed, as well as about pain relief options, so you feel comfortable and safe.
• As with all medications, different contraceptive methods can have different side effects. Ask your health professional about potential side effects.
• Ask about pain management: if you are particularly concerned about the pain of insertion of certain methods, there may be options to access your preferred method in hospital with anaesthetic, or in a clinic with pain relief.
• Ask about aftercare. What might you need to be comfortable after insertion of an IUD, for example? Do you have money for pain killers if needed? Will you need a follow-up appointment? Consider aftercare when choosing a method that’s right for you.
• Talk to your health professional about preferences you have regarding your menstrual cycle/bleeding.