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How do I know which contraception
is right for me?
There is no single contraceptive method that is right for every woman.
The best choice depends on your health, lifestyle, preferences, plans for pregnancy and what you want your contraception to do beyond preventing pregnancy.
Some methods can also make periods lighter or less painful, improve acne or provide other benefits.
What should I consider when choosing contraception?
Important factors include how effective the method is, how it is used, possible side effects, whether it is reversible and how well it fits into your everyday life.
Your medical history is also important because some methods are not suitable for women with particular health conditions.
Can contraception help with periods or hormonal symptoms?
Some hormonal contraceptives can make periods lighter, more predictable or less painful. The combined oral contraceptive pill can also improve acne and may help with symptoms associated with PMS, endometriosis or PMOS.
Other methods may cause irregular bleeding, particularly during the first few months.
What are my contraceptive options?
Options include the combined pill, progestogen-only pills, implants, injections, intrauterine devices, vaginal rings, condoms and permanent contraception.
Long-acting reversible methods such as implants and intrauterine devices provide contraception without needing to remember a method every day.
What if I want to become pregnant in the future?
Most contraceptive methods are reversible and fertility generally returns after stopping or removing them.
The timing can vary between methods. Your future pregnancy plans can therefore be an important part of choosing contraception.
Do condoms provide additional protection?
Condoms are different from most other contraceptive methods because they can also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
They can be used alone or alongside another contraceptive method.
When to see a doctor
If you are unsure which method suits you, a consultation can help you compare the options in the context of your health, preferences and reproductive plans.
Your doctor can also review an existing method if your circumstances have changed or you are experiencing troublesome side effects.
Key points
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There is no single contraceptive method that suits every woman.
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Your health, preferences, lifestyle and future pregnancy plans all matter.
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Some hormonal methods can improve period pain, heavy bleeding or acne.
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Some methods can cause changes in bleeding patterns.
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Condoms can also help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Medically reviewed by Dr Susana Rodriguez, menopause clinician at ClaraSana Women’s Health, Perth.
Our content is based on up-to-date Australian guidelines & may differ from information on other sites.