Choosing contraception
The right method depends on your health, how often you want to think about it, side effects, periods and plans for pregnancy.
You can change methods at any time.
Family planning, on your terms
Choices about contraception, pregnancy and fertility, explained clearly and without pressure. Contraception including long-acting options, emergency contraception, pre-pregnancy planning, fertility concerns and vasectomy referrals in Morisset.
We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice
Fees and eligibilityGP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Good to know before you book
01Every option, explained
There is no one right method for everyone.
Tap to see moreYour GP will explain how each works, its effectiveness and side effects.
Explore options02Long-acting options
Implants and IUDs last for years.
Tap to see moreAsk reception which doctors offer insertion and the appointment length.
Call (02) 4006 822203Emergency contraception
Works best the sooner it is taken.
Tap to see moreAvailable from a pharmacy or your GP.
Book an appointment04Planning a pregnancy?
A pre-pregnancy check helps you start well.
Tap to see moreFolic acid, vaccines and medicines can be reviewed.
Pregnancy careFind the care that fits
Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
Short-acting options
The pill, ring and injection
The combined pill and progestogen-only pill are taken daily, the vaginal ring is changed monthly, and the contraceptive injection is given every 12 weeks.
Some options can also help with heavy or painful periods and acne. Your GP will check your health history to see what is suitable.
- 1Talk through your health
- 2Compare options
- 3Prescription
- 4Review
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Does the pill affect weight?
Most studies show little effect for most people. Talk to your GP about any concerns.
What if I miss a pill?
Follow the instructions in the packet or ask a pharmacist; you may need emergency contraception.
Long-acting reversible contraception
Implants and IUDs
The contraceptive implant lasts up to three years and hormonal and copper IUDs last five to ten years, depending on the type. They are among the most effective forms of contraception.
Fertility returns soon after removal. Insertion is a short procedure; ask reception which doctors offer it.
- 1Consultation
- 2Book insertion
- 3Procedure
- 4Check-up if needed
What it costsInsertion is a procedure and attracts a fee, and some devices have a cost. Reception will tell you first.
Does insertion hurt?
There may be some discomfort; local anaesthetic is used for the implant. Your doctor will explain.
Can an IUD help heavy periods?
A hormonal IUD can make periods lighter.
After unprotected sex
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraceptive pills can be taken up to 72 or 120 hours after unprotected sex, depending on the type, and work best the sooner they are taken. A copper IUD inserted within five days is the most effective option.
Emergency contraception is available from pharmacies without a prescription.
- 1Act quickly
- 2Pharmacy or GP
- 3Consider ongoing contraception
- 4STI testing if needed
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Does it affect future fertility?
No.
Is it the same as abortion?
No. It works mainly by delaying ovulation.
Before you start trying
Planning a pregnancy
A pre-pregnancy check can cover folic acid, vaccines, medicines, existing conditions and genetic carrier screening.
If you have been trying for twelve months, or six months if over 35, both partners can be assessed.
- 1Book a check
- 2Review health and medicines
- 3Tests and vaccines
- 4Plan
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
When should I stop contraception?
When you are ready to try; most methods have no delay in fertility, the injection can take longer.
Should my partner come?
Yes, if you like; fertility involves both partners.
For people sure their family is complete
Vasectomy and permanent options
Vasectomy is a permanent, highly effective option for men. Your GP can discuss it and refer to a provider.
Permanent options for women can also be discussed and referred to a gynaecologist.
- 1Discuss options
- 2Referral
- 3Procedure with provider
- 4Follow-up testing
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Procedure fees are set by the provider.
Is vasectomy reversible?
It should be considered permanent.
How soon is it effective?
Not immediately; a follow-up test confirms.
Understanding family planning
Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.
Long-acting methods
Implants and IUDs are among the most effective methods and last for years, but can be removed at any time with a quick return to fertility.
Insertion is a short procedure; ask reception which doctors offer it.
Which option might suit me?
Choose what matters most to you. Your GP will check your health history before recommending a method.
I want something I do not have to think about
Long-acting methods such as the implant and IUDs work for years once inserted.
Next stepBook a contraception consultation.I would prefer a non-hormonal method
The copper IUD and condoms are non-hormonal options.
Next stepBook to talk through the copper IUD.I also have heavy or painful periods
A hormonal IUD or some pills can make periods lighter.
Next stepBook a consultation to discuss both together.I am breastfeeding
Progestogen-only methods, the implant and IUDs are commonly used while breastfeeding.
Next stepBook a postnatal contraception chat.I would like to get pregnant soon
Short-acting methods are easy to stop; a pre-pregnancy check helps you prepare.
Next stepBook a pre-pregnancy check.I need emergency contraception
Pills from a pharmacy work best the sooner they are taken; a copper IUD within 5 days is most effective.
Next stepVisit a pharmacy now, or call the clinic.Contraception compared
Effectiveness figures are for typical use. Your GP can explain each option in detail.
01ImplantTap for details
Implant
- How it works
- A small rod in the upper arm.
- How long and how effective
- Up to 3 years. More than 99% effective.
- Good to know
- Insertion attracts a fee.
02Hormonal IUDTap for details
Hormonal IUD
- How it works
- A small device in the uterus.
- How long and how effective
- 5 to 8 years depending on type. More than 99% effective.
- Good to know
- Can make periods lighter.
03Copper IUDTap for details
Copper IUD
- How it works
- A non-hormonal device in the uterus.
- How long and how effective
- 5 to 10 years. More than 99% effective.
- Good to know
- Also emergency contraception.
04InjectionTap for details
Injection
- How it works
- An injection every 12 weeks.
- How long and how effective
- About 96% effective.
- Good to know
- Fertility can take longer to return.
05Combined pillTap for details
Combined pill
- How it works
- A daily pill.
- How long and how effective
- About 93% effective with typical use.
- Good to know
- Can help acne and periods.
06Progestogen-only pillTap for details
Progestogen-only pill
- How it works
- A daily pill, taken at the same time.
- How long and how effective
- About 93% effective.
- Good to know
- Suitable while breastfeeding.
07Vaginal ringTap for details
Vaginal ring
- How it works
- A ring changed each month.
- How long and how effective
- About 93% effective.
- Good to know
- Low daily effort.
08CondomsTap for details
Condoms
- How it works
- Barrier method.
- How long and how effective
- About 88% effective with typical use.
- Good to know
- Also protect against most STIs.
Planning a pregnancy
Folic acid
Start at least a month before trying.
Vaccines
Check MMR, chickenpox and whooping cough.
Medicines
Review everything you take with your GP.
Healthy weight
Activity and diet help fertility and pregnancy.
Cut back alcohol
No alcohol is safest when trying to conceive.
Cervical screening
Make sure it is up to date.
Ready to plan ahead?
A pre-pregnancy check helps you start well, for both partners.
Book a pre-pregnancy checkMyth or fact?
Test what you know about family planning. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.
01
Emergency contraception is the same as abortion.
It works mainly by delaying ovulation.
02
Implants and IUDs can be removed at any time.
Fertility usually returns quickly afterwards.
03
You cannot get pregnant while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is not reliable contraception for most people.
0 of 3 answered
Evidence, sources and advertising standards
Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:
Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.
The numbers worth knowing
0% plus, implant and IUD effectiveness
More than 99% effective with typical use.
0yearsYears, implant lasts up to
Fertility returns after removal.
0daysDays, copper IUD window
Most effective emergency option.
0weeksWeeks between injections
A short-acting option.
Everyone involved, around you
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.
Youat the centre of your care
Family planning at every stage
Choosing contraception, STI testing and HPV vaccine.
Pre-pregnancy check and fertility questions.
Contraception after birth and spacing.
Long-acting and permanent options.
Who can help
Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with family planning. These team members list it among their interests.
General practitionerDr Alice NajjarBook now
Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.
Book now
GP registrarDr Prishantha SirisenaBook now
Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.
Book now
GP FellowDr Mofada HadiBook now
Chronic and complex care, geriatrics, mental health, skin cancer medicine and women's health.
Book nowMake the most of your appointment
A little preparation gives you and your doctor more time for what matters. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits and risks, and only examine with your consent.
What to bring0 of 6 ready
Your health, your choice
Book online at any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. New patients welcome.
Family planning questions, answered
If yours is not here, call (02) 4006 8222 and reception will help.
Is contraception advice bulk billed?
Consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients; procedures and some devices attract a fee.
Who inserts implants and IUDs?
Ask reception which doctors offer insertion.
Can I get emergency contraception without an appointment?
Yes, from a pharmacy.
Do I need a referral for a vasectomy?
Your GP can refer you.
Can I see a female GP?
Yes. Dr Alice Najjar and Dr Prishantha Sirisena.
Are new patients welcome?
Yes.
Which contraception is most effective?
Implants and IUDs are more than 99% effective with typical use.
Can I get contraception after having a baby?
Yes; it is discussed at your postnatal check.
