Sexual safety - Female Short Acting Contraception
Female Condoms and Lube
The female condom is made of polyurethane. It is a cylinder with one open end and is held in place by a ring at either end. The closed end of the female condom covers the cervix and the open end is positioned at the entrance of the vagina.
How do you use female condoms?
The female condom can be put in before having sex. The woman inserts the condom into her vagina with the open end outwards. The female condom prevents sperm from entering the vagina.
Where do you get female condoms from? How much do female condoms cost?
You can order Female Condoms from the Family Planning website www.familyplanning.org.nz A pack of three Female Condoms will cost $14.95
Oral Contraception
Most people are familiar with "The Pill” but there are actually different types of contraceptive pill.
How does oral contraception work?
The combined pill contains two hormones - oestrogen and progestogen. These are like the hormones produced naturally by the women’s ovaries. These hormones stop the ovaries from ripening eggs, so there is no egg released from the ovary for the sperm to fertilize.
What about the mini-pill?
The progestogen-only pill is also known as the mini-pill. It contains only one hormone – progestogen. Some of these pills work by thickening the mucus in the cervix so sperm can’t travel through it to meet an egg. Some also work by stopping a woman producing an egg each month. And, the lining of the uterus is changed so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
How do you use oral contraception?
To be effective, the combined pill must be taken daily whether you have sex that day or not. It is 97-99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Where do you get oral contraception from? How much does oral contraception cost?
You must go to a Family Planning clinic, your doctor or sexual health service to get a prescription for the pill. The nurse or doctor will discuss which of these is the best option for you.
If you are under 22 years, and a NZ Resident, there is no cost for your visit to the Family Planning clinic. The cost of the pills themselves can range from $3.00 - $50.00. The most common types of contraception that are prescribed are in the lower price range – so usually $3.00 for a six month supply.
The Injection
The Depo Provera injection contains the hormone progestogen and the woman gets an injection in her arm either once every month or once every three months.
How does the injection work?
The Depo Provera injection is almost 100 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy. It does this by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg each month.
How do you use the injection?
The woman does not need to do anything except remember to have a repeat injection every three months.
Where do you get the injection from? How much does the injection cost?
To get the Depo Provera injection, a woman must go to a Family Planning Clinic, a doctor or sexual health service. If you are under 22, there is no cost for a visit to a Family Planning Clinic. The injection is fully subsidised so doesn’t cost anything.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a dome-shaped device which is made of silicone or rubber.
How does a diaphragm work?
A diaphragm is put into the woman’s vagina to form a barrier between the sperm and the entrance to the woman’s womb. It must be put in place before sex and must be left in for at least six hours afterwards and for no more than 24 hours.
How do you use a diaphragm?
The woman must have her diaphragm fitted for the first time by either a doctor or a nurse. Then she must insert it herself each time she has sex. Some women say they needed to practice before they were confident to use a diaphragm. The diaphragm is less reliable than other methods of contraception. It can be made more effective if a spermicide (something that kills the sperm on contact) is used at the same time. It is 80-96% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Where do you get a diaphragm from? How much does a diaphragm cost?
A woman must go to a Family Planning Clinic, a doctor or sexual health clinic to be fitted with a diaphragm for the first time. If you are under 22, there is no cost for your visit to a Family Planning Clinic. The cost of the diaphragm is just $3.00.
