Explore the diverse contraception options available to women, offering insights into oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and alternative methods. With a focus on empowering women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, it provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and selecting the right contraceptive option.
A background to contraception and reproductive health
The landscape of contraception continues to evolve, with new options offering tailored solutions for women’s diverse health needs. Staying informed about the latest developments is key to ensuring you’re using a method that suits your lifestyle, health, and preferences.
At FitRight HQ, we offer specialist GP appointments called 'Contraceptive and Reproductive Health Consults' - with 45 minutes to deep dive into this area of health with you.
Because we understand that choosing the right contraception isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on personal factors like your medical history, convenience, and tolerance for side effects - and also that there are likely to be other overlapping areas of your health that need exploring at the same time.
One of FitRight's resident Women's Health GPs, Dr Arthee Yogendran, has put together an overview of contraceptive options, including the latest information on oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and other alternatives.
Let’s dive into what’s new in contraceptive care, and explore the pros, cons, and unique features of each method.
Oral Contraceptives
These are generally divided into combined oral contraceptives (COCP) which contain both oestrogen and progesterone or progesterone only pills (POP).
Combined Oral Contraceptives
There are more than 30 different COCP options in Australia at present! There are some newer versions of both oestrogen and progesterone that are available in these formulations which have been designed to improve common side-effects related to hormonal pills such as breast tenderness and mood changes.
Zoely - Nomegestrol and estradiol (24/4 pattern of active/inactive tablets) different oestrogen to most other contraceptive pills which contain ethinyl estradiol. Emerging data suggests nomegestrol progesterone is better tolerated in women with a history of mental health issues/PMDD - however further research is needed. Main side effects include acne and irregular bleeding pattern
Nextstellis - Esterol and drosperinone (24/4) Nextstellis contains a plant derived oestrogen E4 which has a more selective action on oestrogen receptors which theoretically has a reduced impact at the liver and breast.
Progesterone Only Pills
Slinda - the main benefit of this form of POP compared to previous options is that there is a 12 hour window for taking the pill as opposed to 3 hours which was the previous restriction. Slinda can also suppress ovulation and over 12 months about 50% of women will stop having periods which can be helpful for women with a history of endometriosis.
Intra-Uterine Devices
You've probably heard of a Mirena - but the newer IUD is the Kyleena. This has a lower dose of progesterone compared to the Mirena (19 mg vs 52mg) and is smaller in size which may be beneficial for some women.
The Mirena is licensed for 8 years of contraceptive cover and can also be used for endometrial protection as the progesterone arm of menopausal hormonal treatment but should be replaced at 5 years in this situation.
Other Contraception Options
- Nuvaring: vaginal ring containing oestrogen and progesterone which remains in place for 3 weeks and is then replaced
- Depot injection: progesterone intramuscular injection every 3 months
- Implanon: progesterone containing rod that is implanted into the upper arm - can last 3 years
- Copper coil - intra-uterine device which is hormone free. unfortunately we are having difficulty with supply and sourcing these at the time of writing (Nov 24)
There are a number of factors which may influence your choice of contraception and suitability such as history of migraines with aura, history of blood clots, high blood pressure and gallbladder disease.
Want more information, and to have a Women's Health GP go through your options with you? You can book a Contraception and Reproductive Health Check here.
Only need a repeat script for an oral contraceptive pill? You can book a shorter 15 minute 'Express Appointment' for this.
