Contraception is necessary if you want to avoid an unplanned or unintended pregnancy and is an important aspect of Women's Health. Speak to us to discuss the option that is most suitable for you.

copper IUDContraception is used to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. It can also be used to space pregnancies apart according to your family planning needs.

Occasionally, a contraceptive option may be used to treat other gynaecological conditions other than to avoid a pregnancy. These include:

  • managing skin conditions eg. acne and unwanted facial hair in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • treating heavy menstrual bleeding, including erratic bleeding
  • the relief of pain related to endometriosis
  • improving hormonally dependent mood issues as in premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension disorder
  • prior to IVF if an artificial cycle is desired

Methods of contraception broadly include:

  • Hormonal and non hormonal
  • Short term and long term contraception (3-5 years depending on the method chosen)
  • Reversible and permanent methods
  • Operative and non operative methods

The commonest contraception we use is the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP). There are more than 60 formulations and they may differ in efficacy depending on the indication for its use and inter-user variation. What may work with one person may be unsuitable for another individual. We are happy to guide you through the selection of a COCP depending on you clinical history and indication.

At Tamar OBGYN, outpatient procedural contraceptives like intra uterine devices (IUD) and arm implants can be done in our consulting rooms. 

  • Arm implants include Implanon NXT (3 years)
  • IUDs include the Copper IUD and Mirena IUD (5-10 years). 

 

If you are planning an IUD insertion in our rooms:

  • you will need a consult with one of our Gynaecologists. Even if you have seen your GP and have been recommended for an IUD, it is still important to have a discussion with your Gynaecologist prior to any procedure.
  • we will provide you a prescription for the IUD if you haven't been provided one by your GP.
  • you may be asked to have a blood test to exclude a pregnancy, or asked to provide a urine sample at our rooms for a pregnancy test.
  • If you are menstruating, or expecting a period on the day of your appointment, please call our rooms for further advice.
  • Please take 2 Paracetomol (1000mg) and 2 Nurofen (400mg) tablets (medication allergies apply) 2 hours prior to your appointment so that the insertion process is comfortable.
  • It is advisable to empty your bladder before your appointment.
  • Our nurse will help to get you ready and prepare for the procedure. If you have any concerns prior to the procedure, please voice this to our nurse. 
  • Once you are ready, a speculum (plastic implement used to gently access the vagina and  cervix) will be inserted. A pap smear may be taken if you are due for one. A vaginal swab is obtained to ensure you do not have any dangerous infections.
  • Sterile wash is then dabbed on the cervix and vagina. 
  • A slender plastic rod is inserted into the cervix to measure the uterine length and to gently dilate the cervix. This is to accurately insert the IUD  safely and with ease. This step may cause discomfort and slight lower abdominal cramping. It is usually temporary. Having Panadol and Nurofen prior to the insertion usually helps. If you experience severe pain and feel uncomfortable during this step, please let use know and we will stop. It may be necessary to arrange the insertion under sedation or a general anaesthetic at LGH at a later date.
  • The IUD is then inserted and the strings are trimmed so that a small length of the strings are seen out of the cervix for future removal.
  • You may experience slight cramping after the procedure or dizziness which is temporary. if you feel unwell, please let us know. Most women will be well enough to drive themselves home within 10 minutes following the procedure.
  • There may be slight discomfort at home following the IUD insertion and you may require simple painkillers for 24 hours. If you feel unwell, have increased vaginal bleeding, nausea or vomiting, feel faint or experience abdominal pain, please call our rooms immediately (after hours please call your GP or the Emergency Department at LGH). 
  • Your gynaecologist will speak to you about what to expect following the IUD insertion eg. bleeding pattern, hormonal changes etc. 
  • We will see you after 6 weeks to check the strings of the IUD at the cervix if necessary. If you have any issues with the IUD, this can be discussed at the same visit.

 

If you are having a Implanon NXT device inserted in your arm:

  • you will need a consult with one of our Gynaecologists. Even if you have seen your GP and have been recommended for an Implanon insertion, it is still important to have a discussion with your Gynaecologist prior to any procedure,
  • please ensure you let our reception staff know you are booking for an Implanon insertion appointment as this requires a longer appointment
  • we will provide you a prescription for the Implanon if you havent been provided one by your GP.
  • you may be asked to have a blood test to exclude a pregnancy, or asked to provide a urine sample at our rooms for a pregnancy test If you have started your period or are in the midst of your menstrual cycle, please call our rooms for further advice.
  • Please take 2 Paracetomol (1000mg) and 2 Nurofen (400mg) tablets (medication allergies apply) 2 hours prior to your appointment so that the insertion process is comfortable. 
  • The left arm is wiped with sterile wash and local anaesthetic is injected at the site of the insertion
  • A small incision is made on the surface of the arm and the device is inserted just under the skin
  • You will be asked to feel the device (a slender 4cm rod) on your arm so that you can identify it for future reference
  • A small plaster is applied to the incision site and the left arm bandaged. This can be removed after 24 hours. 
  • Please keep the arm dry for 24 hours.

 

If you need permanent contraception:

  • We do not perform vasectomy. You will need a referral to a Urologist and this can either be done by your GP or we can send a referral if needed.
  • Tubal ligation procedure - this is when the fallopian tubes are cut or interrupted. It can either be done laparoscopically or at the time of an elective/planned Caeserean section.
  • Please note that the Essure coils are no longer available and have been withdrawn. If you have an Essure coil inserted in the past and would like further information, please make an appointment to see one of our doctors.

Contraceptive procedures are NOT offered at Calvary St Vincent's Hospital. Patients who have private health insurance will have this done at LGH as private patients.