Contraception and abortion

Contraception literally refers to ‘ways to stop people getting pregnant’.  

It’s a bit of a misconception that LGBTQ+ women don’t need to worry about it.  The truth is, our communities include such a wide variety of people, bodies, and sexual practices, we need access to reproductive health information that speaks to our experience too.  

The following is a basic guide to some of the most common contraception options.   

The best contraception method is not the same for everyone. It’s going to depend on your own body, your preferences, your priorities, and what’s accessible to you.  For personalised contraception advice visit your doctor or call the Family Planning NSW Talkline to chat with nurse for free.   

Barriers   

• Condoms: The most common type of condoms are placed over the penis during sex, but you can also get internal condoms which are placed inside the vagina. These work by physically preventing the sperm from reaching the eggs. 

Condoms are the only kind of contraception that also prevent STIs.  

• Diaphragm: A diaphragm is a barrier which is put into the vagina before sex, covering the cervix. If you’re planning on using a diaphragm, practice inserting it a few times before using it as contraception. Diaphragms do not prevent STIs. 

Hormonal Contraception – the DIY types 

• The Pill: the oral contraceptive pill is prescription medication that works by thickening the mucous around the cervix, making it hard for sperm to reach the uterus. The pill is effective if you take it as prescribed, but many of us can find it hard to remember every day. 

• Vaginal ring: this soft plastic prescription ring contains the same hormones as the pill and works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg. The vaginal ring is place in the vagina and can be left there for 3 weeks at a time.    

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) – the ‘set and forget’ types 

• Contraceptive Injection (DMPA): a prescription injection in the butt or upper arm every 12 weeks. The injection prevents the egg from releasing from the ovary and is required every 12-14 weeks to remain effective. Fertility can take a little while to return after stopping.

IUD (intra-uterine device)

• The hormonal IUD (Mirena or Kyleena) is a small device which is inserted just inside the uterus where it releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. It can also make periods lighter or stop bleeding altogether.  You’ll need to see a doctor to get it inserted and removed, but it remains effective for 5 years.   

• Copper IUD doesn’t contain any hormones but can cause heavier periods while using it. It’s a small device wrapped with copper that is placed just inside the uterus. You need to see a doctor to get one inserted and removed, but they last for either 5 or 10 years.  

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill – AKA ‘the morning after pill’ 

• The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP): If you have had sex in a way that could result in becoming pregnant, you can access the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (the ‘morning after pill’) from any pharmacy without a prescription.  

  ECP works by preventing or delaying an egg releasing from the ovaries. It does not cause abortion or any harm if you’re already pregnant.   

  There are two types of ECP: 

• Levonorgestrel ECP needs to be taken within 3 day and costs around $15-25 

• Ulipristal Acetate ECP needs to be taken within 5 days and costs around $30-45 

  Both types work better the sooner you take them.  

  People who weigh 70kg or more may be recommended ulipristal acetate as the more effective option, or a higher dose of levonorgestrel. 

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