The female condom is exactly as its sounds. It is made of polyurethane that seems like a male condom but it has no latex, it fits inside the vagina completely covering the walls of the vagina and cervix as well as some of the vulva (the outer areas of the vagina).It is visible outside the vagina, when inserted correctly.

Put in before sex, the female condom protects against pregnancy and infection. Like a male condom, it can only be used once. The failure rates for pregnancy, are similar to those of the male condom with between 5-15% of women using this method getting pregnant each year. It is available for sale, at Family Planning Victoria as well as some other sexual health clinics.

But doesn’t it feel strange?

• Up to 70% of women and their partners like using it
• Because the polyurethane conducts heat, the female condom can be more sensitive than the male condom
• For HIV positive women the added security of the female condom (in protecting their partner from infection) means they can relax and enjoy sex more
• It does not hurt to insert (although it can take practice!)
• It can be used hours before intercourse so there are no interruptions
• It can be used during a woman’s period
• It can be used when a male partner can’t or won’t use a male condom.

Advantages of the female condom

• suitable for men and women who have latex allergies. Non latex, polyurethane condoms for men are also available in Australia. These have the advantage of being stronger and thinner than latex condoms. They are also safe to use with oil based lubricants, and warm to body temperature, conducting heat well and are an alternative when latex allergy is a problem
• possibly greater protection against sexually transmitted infections, as it covers some of the vulva
• the penis can remain inside the vagina after ejaculation with no fear of failure of the method.

Implanon:

Recent to Australia (first released in May,2001) Implanon is a small implant that lasts for 3 years.

Just 4 cms long and 2 mms wide it is inserted by a doctor under the skin just above the inside of your elbow.

How Does Implanon Work

Implanon contains a hormone, a progesterone, which prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation. It also affects the mucus produced by cervix which prevents implantation of a fertilised egg.

Advantages:

• While it can be felt it cannot be seen
• It is inserted very simply after a local anaesthetic numbs the area
• The procedure takes just a few minutes
• Depending when in your cycle it is inserted it can be effective immediately or within 7 days of insertion
• After removal a woman’s ovulation, and fertility, returns to normal within 3 weeks
• It is almost 100% effective
• Removal is usually relatively quick and easy.

Disadvantages:

• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Acne
• Headaches
• Breast pain
• Possible weight gain.

Mirena

Mirena is a new type of IUD (intrauterine device). Fitted inside the uterus it remains in pace until removed, releasing a hormone like progesterone into the uterus.

Advantages:

• Unlike traditional IUDs Mirena it does not cause heavy bleeding or vaginal bleeding between periods once it has been in place for some months
• It is almost 100% effective
• It can be used for up to 5 years
• Is a procedure done by a doctor trained in its insertion, which in some circumstances may be done under a general anaesthetic
• Fertility returns with over 90% of women conceiving within 12 months after removal.

Disadvantages:

• Headaches
• Breast pain and tenderness
• Acne
• Mood changes.

However only a small percentage report any of these symptoms and when present these symptoms can decrease after 3 months.

New Pills on the Market

While The Pill has been around for decades there have been recent advances that make The Pill easier, safer and more successful to use.

The Pill contains two hormones — oestrogen and progesterone. New contraceptive pills on the market have less oestrogen than the older types of pill which result in less

• Nausea
• Cyclical weight loss
• Bloating
• Vaginal discharge.

The new lower oestrogen pills are just as effective at preventing pregnancy and they are particularly useful for women approaching menopause.

There are two new forms of oestrogen and progesterone containing contraception that will come to Australia in the next few years. They work in a similar fashion to the pill but the hormones are delivered to the body in a different way. One method will use a patch on the skin that is changed weekly. The other method is a rubber-like ring that contains the hormones. The ring is 5cm in diameter and is placed inside the vagina. It is left in for three weeks then taken out for a hormone-free week and withdrawal bleed (period). Both methods are reportedly as effective as the pill and possibly less likely to be forgotten.

What about the "mini pill"?

A new mini-pill or progesterone-only will soon be available in Australia. Unlike the current mini-pills which have to be taken at the same time each day with just a 3 hour leeway, the new mini-pill can be taken with a 12 hour leeway. This pill is perfect for women who want to avoid oestrogen.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is contraception taken after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Methods for emergency contraception have greatly improved in recent years. It is now possible to take this form of contraception containing progesterone only. The absence of oestrogen, means it is much less likely to cause nausea and vomiting, and other side effects. It is also more effective than the older form of emergency contraception, which contained both oestrogen and progesterone. The newest forms prevent 88% of pregnancies, which would normally have occurred, as opposed to a 75% with the ‘older form’ containing oestrogen and progesterone. It is best to take it as soon as possible but it can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.
The new progesterone only emergency contraception is called postinor-2 or Levonelle-2 and is available over the counter without a prescription from pharmacies.

Permanent methods

If you are sure that you want to be permanently sterile, there is a new method of contraception called Essure pbc available to Australian women. The method involves the blocking of the fallopian tubes using a micro-coil which is inserted via the vagina. Unlike traditional sterilisation the insertion is via the vagina rather than through an incision in the abdomen, which means a faster recovery time. The procedure is only done by a few specially trained gynaecologists. Ask your doctor or Family Planning Victoria about the procedure.

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Last updated:02/11/2005
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