Ropata Health offer a variety of contraception options. You can discuss all of these with your doctor, and together come up with a plan that best suits you and your lifestyle.
Ropata Health offer confidential and non-judgemental advice on sexual health.
Contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy. There are many different methods, many of which are subsidised in New Zealand. Whatever your sexual orientation or gender identity, there is an option for you.
Contraception options
Oral contraceptive pills
The oral contraceptive pill is a pill you take every day to stop getting pregnant. There are two main kinds of birth control pills — combination birth control pills and the minipill. The difference between these two types of pills comes down to hormones. The combined pill contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, while the mini pill contains just progestogen.
Your health care provider will ask about your medical history and any medications you take to determine which birth control pill is right for you.
Intra Uterine device (IUD)
The IUD is a type of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) that goes in your uterus. An IUD is more than 99% effective and can work for up to 10 years.
An IUD may cause your periods to change. There might be more or less bleeding
Contraceptive implant
The implant or “the rods” are a type of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). They are more than 99% effective and work for up to 5 years.
The implant may cause your bleeding to change. There are pills to help with this if it becomes a problem.
You can choose when to have it taken out.
Depo provera injection
Depo provera is a contraceptive injection containing progestogen. Progestogen is similar to one of the hormones produced naturally in the ovaries. The injection is given every 12 weeks.
It prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg each month. There are also changes to the lining of the womb (endometrium).
Typically, depo provera is 97% effective. This means three out of 100 people using depo provera will get pregnant each year.
If you have your injections on time (every 12 weeks) it can be more than 99% effective.
Your bleeding may be irregular or prolonged, especially in the first three to six months. This is safe for your body and there are pills to stop this if it happens.
About 70% of people will have no periods after four injections. This is safe.
Condoms
A condom is a fine barrier which is rolled on to the penis before sex. It is used as a barrier to stop sperm and infection passing between sexual partners. It is usually made of rubber.
Condoms are used for vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Condoms help protect against pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV which can lead to AIDS. Partners share responsibility for safer sex and contraception.
Most other methods of contraception don’t protect you against STIs, including HIV. To protect yourself, use condoms as well.
Condoms are easy to get, are easy to use, have no side effects (unless you are allergic to rubber) and help prevent cancer of the cervix.
You can get condoms on a script from your doctor.