Should you really ‘take breaks’ from contraception? Do IUDs hurt like hell? Forget TikTok rumours – we’ve talked to an expert to give you contraception facts you can trust.
Confused about contraception? Join the club. We’ve all been there – late-night Googling weird terms, half-listening to friends’ advice, and feeling overwhelmed by so many options. It’s a lot.
That’s why we talked to Nikki Brandon, a sexual health nurse from SHINE SA, to get the real deal on contraception – no medical jargon, no judgement, just facts.
Contraception: Your life, your call
As Nikki explains, contraception isn’t just about preventing pregnancy – it can be used to help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, ease those awful cramps, and even clear up stubborn acne.
The most important benefit, though, is the control it gives you over your life plans.
Contraception means when – or if – pregnancy fits into your future is totally up to you. That kind of freedom doesn’t just improve your life a little – it can completely transform it.
First things first: Condoms are crucial
“Condoms [are] the only contraception that can also prevent STIs,” Nikki says.
With STI rates on the rise across South Australia, they’re non-negotiable for casual hookups, even if you’re using another method.
Negotiating condom use can be awkward, but Nikki suggests you can make it fun by getting creative, putting the condom on for your partner and using extra lube.
Remember, “respecting a partner’s request to use condoms shows respect for them and their choices.”
Finding your perfect match
Whether you’re in a monogamous relationship or a polycule, getting tested for STIs regularly, at least once a year or wherever there is a new partner is the best thing you can do for your sexual health.
If you and your partner(s) are STI-free, you might consider moving on from condoms and relying solely on other contraception methods.
“Contraception is not a one-size-fits-all,” Nikki says. Let’s break down your options:
Daily and monthly options
- The Pill: Regulates bleeding, can clear skin up, requires daily consistency.
- Progestogen-only pill (POP) (Slinda): Nikki says this newer version “has a less strict timeframe and a more predictable bleeding pattern.”
- Vaginal Ring: Change once a month. Releases hormones directly where they’re needed.
These options are great for people who prefer methods they can start or stop anytime, although remembering to take a daily pill can be tricky – an alarm or app can help.
‘Set and forget’ options
- Hormonal IUD (Mirena or Kyleena): Lasts 5-8 years, often lessens and lightens bleeding. The newer Kyleena “contains less hormones and is designed to be more comfortable for younger people to have inserted.”
- Copper IUD: Non-hormonal, lasts 10 years, but may make periods heavier.
- Contraceptive Implant (Implanon): Arm implant effective for three years. Discreet, might cause initial irregular bleeding.
- Injectable contraception (Depo): One shot every three months, usually stops bleeding
As Nikki says, “choosing a ‘set and forget’ method such as the implant, or IUD is a great way to make sure your contraception is reliable” – without having something extra to remember every day.
Barrier methods
As well as condoms, barrier methods include diaphragms. Nikki says diaphragms are less popular, as they require planning ahead, and don’t protect against STIs like condoms do.
About that IUD pain you’ve seen on TikTok…
“It’s normal to feel nervous about having an IUD inserted,” Nikki says, “but it’s a quick procedure taking about five minutes.”
Most people experience “strong period cramps” that “usually last only for a few seconds or minutes.”
Her advice: Eat, drink and take pain relief beforehand, and if needed bring a support person to drive you home after.
Some clinics offer Penthrox (AKA green whistle) for pain management if required. General anaesthetic may be an option for some clinic or hospital insertions
Let’s talk money: Contraception costs
Worried about your budget? Here’s the bottom line from Nikki:
- Long-acting methods: “The implant and hormonal IUDs cost around $30 and last 3-8 years” – making them incredibly cost-effective at just a few dollars per year.
- Injectable contraception: “Costs around $20 every three months”.
- The Pill: “All pills contain a combination of oestrogen and progestogen. Some pills are quite affordable while others are quite expensive” – ask your provider about cheaper options if cost is a concern.
- Condoms: Available at varying prices in pharmacies and supermarkets. Bonus: “You can pick up free condoms at SHINE SA.”
Busting contraception myths
Time to tackle the misinformation spreading online thanks to so-called “wellbeing” influencers:
Myth: You need regular “breaks” from contraception.
“There is no medical reason for taking a break from hormones if the contraception is working well for you … In fact, it’s not recommended as this may put the person at risk of becoming pregnant.”
Myth: Contraception harms your long-term fertility.
“This is not true. Most methods are very quickly reversed once stopped.”
Myth: The pill causes breast cancer.
“The pill does not cause breast cancer. However, it’s not safe to use in people who already have breast cancer.”
Myth: Fertility tracking apps and withdrawal methods are reliable.
Fertility awareness methods like period tracking apps “are best if you are wanting to become pregnant rather than avoiding it as they can be unreliable,” and withdrawal is “unreliable because it’s easy to get the timing wrong, plus pre-cum can contain sperm”.
Plan B: When things don’t go according to plan
Emergency contraception is available without a prescription at South Australian pharmacies, including SA’s three 24/7 options.
The emergency contraception pill (ECPs) works best when taken ASAP after unprotected sex, but may be effective up to five days afterwards depending on the type. The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception and can be inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.
Remember: Emergency contraceptive pills are for emergencies only – they are not designed to be your regular contraception method. And they don’t protect you from STIs.
If the copper IUD has been used as emergency contraception, then this will provide ongoing long-acting contraception.
Getting contraception advice – no awkwardness required!
Your regular GP is usually the best starting point – they know your medical history, and they’ve seen and heard it all before.
If you’d prefer more specialised support, SHINE SA clinics are welcoming, inclusive spaces that offer expert advice without judgement.
“Contraception conversations are routine for health professionals, and nothing you say will surprise or embarrass them,” Nikki says. “It’s all about your comfort and your choice.”
Getting it right
Not feeling great about your current method? That’s totally normal.
“Every body is different, and not all contraception works the same for everyone!” says Nikki. “It’s important for people to know that if one type of contraception doesn’t work for them, there’s many different types of contraceptives to try.”
“It’s often the case of trying more than one method before you find the one that suits you best.”
Don’t hesitate to go back and ask for alternatives. Consider “what is important to you at this moment. Is it reliability, being able to ‘set and forget’ or is low-cost key?”
Taking control of your body starts now
Still have questions? SHINE SA offers:
- A free and confidential sexual healthline: 1300 883 793, Monday-Friday, 9am-12:30pm.
- Handy resources, factsheets and links on their website.
Friendly, inclusive clinics where awkward questions are welcome.
