Contraception & Birth Control Online

Contraception options in Australia

Contraception use is widespread in Australia — around two-thirds of women of reproductive age use some form of contraception. The combined oral contraceptive pill is the most commonly used method, followed by condoms, hormonal IUDs, and the contraceptive implant. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are increasingly used because they offer continuous cover without daily action.

A range of contraceptive options are available in Australia, including short-acting methods (combined and progestogen-only pills), long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs, implants, injections), barrier methods (condoms), and permanent methods. Choosing the right option depends on medical history, preferences, lifestyle, and future plans.

Many contraceptive medications are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and can be prescribed via telehealth. LARCs require a procedural visit with a trained GP or gynaecologist.

How a telehealth GP can help

A NewDoc GP can take a full contraceptive history, check for any medical reasons to avoid certain methods (for example migraine with aura, blood clot history, or current breast cancer), and discuss the pros and cons of the options available to you. If you are starting, switching, or continuing a method, your GP can issue an eScript during the consultation.

For LARCs, your GP can provide a referral to a suitable provider. They can also arrange pathology tests if needed, discuss sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and refer you to our sexual health telehealth service for broader sexual health care.

Contraception medications: pills, LARCs, and emergency options

Australian Family Planning guidelines recommend choosing a method based on effectiveness, suitability for medical history, and personal preference. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) have the highest typical-use effectiveness.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs)

• Yaz, Yasmin (drospirenone + ethinylestradiol) — favoured for acne and PMS; slightly higher VTE risk than levonorgestrel-containing pills
• Microgynon 30, Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) — long-established workhorse with the lowest VTE risk of the COCs; PBS-listed
• Loette, Logynon — low-dose levonorgestrel options
• Estelle, Brenda (cyproterone + ethinylestradiol) — anti-androgenic; used for moderate-to-severe acne and hirsutism alongside contraception (higher VTE risk — typically time-limited)
• Zoely (nomegestrol + estradiol) — newer combined pill using estradiol instead of ethinylestradiol
• Norimin (norethisterone + ethinylestradiol) — alternative progestogen option

COCs are 91% effective with typical use, 99% with perfect use. Contraindicated in migraine with aura, smokers over 35, VTE history, and uncontrolled hypertension.

Progestogen-only pills (mini pill)

• Cerazette (desogestrel 75 mcg) — 12-hour window for missed pills (more forgiving than older mini pills)
• Slinda (drospirenone 4 mg) — newer 24-hour window mini pill
• Micronor (norethisterone 350 mcg) — older 3-hour window mini pill

Mini pills are safe while breastfeeding, after VTE, in migraine with aura, and in smokers over 35 — situations where the combined pill is contraindicated.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)

• Mirena (52 mg levonorgestrel IUD) — 8 years contraception; reduces menstrual bleeding by 90%, common option for heavy periods and endometrial protection during MHT
• Kyleena (19.5 mg levonorgestrel IUD) — 5 years; smaller insertion device, useful for nulliparous patients
• Jaydess (13.5 mg levonorgestrel IUD) — 3 years
• Copper IUD — 5–10 years non-hormonal; also effective as emergency contraception within 5 days
• Implanon NXT (etonogestrel 68 mg implant) — 3 years subdermal
• Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone 150 mg IM) — 12-weekly injection

LARCs require insertion by a trained GP or gynaecologist. Your telehealth GP can refer you for insertion and provide the script for the device in advance.

Emergency contraception

• Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (Postinor-2) — most effective within 72 hours, less effective up to 96 hours; available OTC
• Ulipristal 30 mg (EllaOne) — effective up to 120 hours; also OTC
• Copper IUD — most effective method (>99%); effective up to 5 days and continues as ongoing contraception

Your telehealth GP can also arrange STI screening alongside contraception decisions where appropriate.

Choosing a method and things to consider

Different methods suit different life stages and circumstances. Convenience, frequency of dosing, side-effect profiles, reversibility, and effect on periods all influence which option may be preferred. Long-acting methods offer continuous cover without daily action, while shorter-acting methods allow more day-to-day control. Barrier methods such as condoms remain the only contraceptive option that also reduces the risk of most sexually transmitted infections.

If you have underlying conditions such as PCOS, heavy periods, or are approaching menopause, your GP may factor these into the discussion. Future pregnancy plans, breastfeeding, and medication interactions are also relevant. No one method is right for everyone, and it is reasonable to review your choice over time.

Monitoring and follow-up

After starting a new method, a follow-up review in the first few months is often useful to check tolerance, side effects, and whether any adjustments are needed. Blood pressure checks are recommended periodically for people using combined hormonal contraception. Cervical screening and STI testing remain part of routine sexual health care, independent of contraceptive method. If you notice new symptoms such as severe headaches, chest pain, significant leg swelling, or unusual bleeding, contact your GP promptly. Repeat scripts and method reviews can often be completed through follow-up telehealth consults.