What is contraception?

Contraception refers to the methods used to prevent pregnancy. It's also known as birth control. Contraception can help prevent pregnancy by:

• stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month
• stopping sperm from reaching an egg
• changing the lining of the uterus to make pregnancy less likely

Many contraceptive methods use devices or medicines, such as:

• male or female condoms or a diaphragm
• intrauterine devices
• the combined oral contraceptive pill (the pill)
• the progesterone-only pill (mini-pill)
• a contraceptive vaginal ring
• contraceptive injections or implants

Using a condom also helps to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

There are alternative methods of contraception that don't use devices or medicines. These include:

• the withdrawal method — removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation
• abstinence — refraining from some or all forms of sexual intercourse
• natural family planning — avoiding intercourse at certain times of your menstrual cycle
• the lactational amenorrhoea method — breastfeeding after birth to help lower your chance of ovulation

Using contraception can help you and your partner plan when and if to have children. If you are sexually active and can become pregnant, you may want to think about birth control.

Learn more about contraception options and the female reproductive system.

Why might I choose an alternative method of contraception or sexual intercourse?

There are many different types of contraception and ways to have sex. You may decide on an alternative method based on your:

• personal choices
• religious or cultural beliefs
• past experiences or trauma

Personal choice

You may prefer an alternative method of contraception based on your personal history. This may include:

• your medical history, such as a history of menstrual disorders
• taking medicines that could affect how well contraception works, such as antibiotics
• the chance of health complications, such as blood clots, with some contraceptive medicines

Religious or personal beliefs

You may prefer an alternative method of contraception based on your:

• religious or cultural beliefs
• personal beliefs

You might want to avoid:

• contraceptive methods that use hormones
• contraceptive methods that involve medical procedures or devices
• penis-in-vagina sex

Past experiences or trauma

You may choose a method of contraception based on your past experiences. Some methods may help you feel more comfortable with your sexual partner than others. You may prefer a method of contraception that:

• you can control
• does not require examination by a doctor
• does not require a medical procedure

What are the alternative methods of contraception?

Withdrawal method

The withdrawal method is also known as pulling out. This is when the penis is removed from the vagina before ejaculation. Using this method lowers the chance of sperm entering the vagina.

The withdrawal method is effective at preventing pregnancy in about 8 out of 10 couples who use it.

It's important to remember that:

• sperm may be present in pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), so the withdrawal method is not always effective
• the withdrawal method does not protect you from STIs

The withdrawal method is not recommended as the main method of contraception, but it's more effective than using no contraception.

Abstinence

Abstinence is choosing not to have sex that involves the penis entering the vagina. Because sperm does not enter the vagina, abstinence is very effective at preventing pregnancy.

It's important to remember that abstinence:

• may not be easy to maintain long term
• requires agreement and cooperation between you and your partner

If you choose to practise abstinence, you can give and receive sexual pleasure in other ways.

Read more about safe sex.

Outercourse

Outercourse is sexual activity that does not involve the penis entering the vagina. This method is very effective in preventing pregnancy because sperm does not enter the vagina. Outercourse may include:

• kissing
• intimate touching
• oral sex

Here are some things to consider when practising outercourse:

• Some STIs, such as herpes and genital warts, can be spread through outercourse.
• Outercourse may be difficult to maintain as a long-term contraceptive method.

Natural family planning

Natural family planning involves tracking your menstrual cycle. This helps you know when you are most fertile so you can avoid sexual intercourse during that time. With this method, you usually need to avoid sexual intercourse from one week before ovulation until the day after ovulation.

Natural family planning may involve monitoring your menstrual cycle and body temperature.

The advantages of natural family planning are:

• it can be used at the same time as other methods of contraception
• it helps you better understand your menstrual cycle

It's important to remember that natural family planning:

• can be difficult if you have irregular periods
• requires careful tracking of your menstrual cycle over multiple months
• does not protect you from STIs

Natural family planning is effective in preventing pregnancy in about 8 out of 10 couples who use this method. This will depend on how carefully you follow the method.

Lactational amenorrhoea method

The lactational amenorrhoea method is a temporary way to prevent pregnancy that relies on regular breastfeeding. Breastfeeding after birth can stop ovulation for about 6 months. You are less likely to become pregnant if you are not ovulating.

The lactational amenorrhoea method is only an effective method of contraception if you:

• have given birth in the last 6 months
• frequently breastfeed your baby

If you are using the lactational amenorrhoea method and have unprotected sexual intercourse, you may need to consider emergency contraception if:

• you miss a feed (more than 4 hours during the day or more than 6 hours at night between feeds)
• your period returns

The lactational amenorrhoea method does not protect you from STIs.

If you are unsure if the lactational amenorrhoea method is right for you, talk with your midwife or doctor.

Why is it important to choose contraception that is right for me and my partner?

Choosing a method of contraception that is right for you and your partner means you are more likely to use it effectively.

It's important to make sure to choose a method that suits your:

• needs
• health
• personal preferences

When choosing a contraceptive option, you could consider:

• how effective it is
• how easy it is to use
• how long it takes to become effective
• possible side effects or disadvantages
• if it can easily be stopped or changed later

Talk with your doctor to better understand the benefits and risks of different methods of avoiding pregnancy.

In Australia, you have the right to ask questions and make an informed decision about the method of contraception that is right for you. If you feel like your preferences are not being respected, you can ask to see a different doctor.

Resources and support

You can visit a reproductive and sexual health clinic or talk to your doctor about contraceptive options.

The Royal Women's Hospital page offers information on many contraception topics, including:

• the pill
• condoms and diaphragms
• emergency contraception (the morning-after pill)
• contraception and substance abuse

For more information about healthy relationships and sexual consent, visit the Office for Youth page.

For culturally diverse sexual health services, visit the ReachOut page.

Languages other than English

Jean Hailes for Women has information on different types of contraception in multiple languages.

The Multicultural Centre for Women's Health page has videos about contraception in languages other than English.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.