Hormonal contraception for women is available in the form of implants or injections. These release the contraceptive into the body over a sustained period of time.
Hormone implants and injections are highly effective, if used correctly, but may produce side effects. Consult with your doctor or health provider about the form of contraception best suited to your needs.
Other forms of hormonal contraception include oral tablets (the pill and the mini pill) and the vaginal ring.
Implanon
Implanon is a hormone implant the size of a matchstick, which is inserted under the skin at the inner side of the upper arm. This 4cm-long implant contains etonogestrel, a progesterone-like hormone that prevents ovulation and hinders sperm from entering the cervix (by changing cervical mucus). The device is inserted by a doctor under local anaesthetic.
Advantages:
- It is close to 100 per cent effective.
- The implant lasts for three years.
- It costs around $30 for current Medicare card holders.
- At most, it takes just one week to become effective (depending on when the implant is inserted).
- It is safe to use while breastfeeding.
- It is effective for women who can’t tolerate synthetic oestrogens.
- Ovulation usually returns within three weeks of removal.
Disadvantages:
- Some bruising and discomfort around the implant is common and may last up to a week.
- It can cause menstrual irregularities, such as breakthrough bleeding.
- It may cause headaches, acne, breast tenderness or increased appetite.
- The implant can move from its original position under the skin.
- There is a slight risk of infection or bleeding at the site of insertion.
- Implanon doesn’t protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
DPMA injections (Depo-Provera/Depo-Ralovera)
Depo-Provera and Depo-Ralovera are long-acting, injectable contraceptives that contain only the synthetic form of progesterone, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Each injection of DMPA protects you from pregnancy for 12 to 14 weeks.
Injectable contraceptives work in three ways: they prevent ovulation, make the cervical mucus difficult for sperm to get through and cause changes in the lining of the uterus that make it unsuitable for a fertilised egg to implant. They are sometimes also used to treat women with menstrual problems.
You will need to talk with your doctor or health provider before you start using DMPA, as this form of contraception may not be suitable for all women.
Advantages:
- Injectable contraception is highly effective and convenient.
- It is safe to use while breastfeeding particularly if the baby is over six weeks old.
- About 50 per cent of women using injectable contraceptives don’t have periods and this is seen by some women as an advantage.
Disadvantages:
- The injection cannot be reversed or withdrawn, so side effects may last 12 to 14 weeks.
- It may produce unpredictable menstrual irregularities.
- There is a delay in return to fertility after the injection is stopped.
- It may be associated with a reduction in bone density.
- Some women may experience side effects such as weight gain, headaches or depression.
- Injectable contraceptives don’t protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
Male injectable contraceptives are currently being trialled.
Other types of contraception
There are a number of contraception choices available in Australia. Consult with your doctor, reproductive health nurse or reproductive health provider such as Family Planning Victoria about your options. The method of contraception you choose will depend on your general health, lifestyle and relationship. It is important to weigh up the benefits and possible negative effects of each method and think about your current and future needs.
Protect against STIs
It is important to practise safe sex. The best way to reduce the risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is to use barrier protection such as male and female condoms and dams (a thin piece of latex placed over the anal or vulval area during oral sex). Condoms can be used for oral, vaginal and anal sex (in conjunction with other contraceptive methods where required) to help prevent the spread of infections.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Family Planning Victoria Tel. (03) 9257 0100 or 1800 013 952
- The Action Centre (for young people under 25) Tel. (03) 9654 4766 or 1800 013 952
- Women’s Health Information Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital Tel. (03) 9344 2007
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (03) 9347 8619
- Community health centre
- Reproductive specialist
- Pharmacist
Things to remember
- Hormonal contraception for women is available in the form of slow-release implants or injections.
- Different methods may suit you at different times in your life.
- Condoms provide the best available protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
You might also be interested in:
Contraception - choices explained.
Contraception - condoms for men.
Contraception - condoms for women.
Contraception - diaphragms and cervical caps.
Contraception - emergency contraception.
Contraception - female sterilisation.
Contraception - injections for men.
Contraception - intrauterine devices.
Contraception - the Billings method.
Contraception - vasectomy.
Contraception - the pill.
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