Contraception is used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy and includes: the pill, the rod, intrauterine devices (IUD) and hormonal injections.

Protection is used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy AND protect against Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) like chlamydia.

Condoms (internal and external) are the only form of protection from STIs AND unplanned pregnancy!

Watch videos on contraception “mythconceptions” on the Contraception website.

Water-based lube is the best lube to use with a condom to prevent the condom from breaking.

Baby oil, coconut oil, massage oil or Vaseline are oil based products and could break a condom.

Visit the Play Safe website for more on lube.

Whether your reproductive organs are ovaries or testes, speak to your health care provider or take the contraception quiz on the Contraception website to find out about options.

Visit the Family Planning Australia website to learn about the different contraceptive options.

A trained healthcare provider can insert Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) such as hormonal rods (inserted in upper arm) and intrauterine devices inserted into uterus.

LARCs provide long term prevention of unplanned pregnancy between 3 - 10 years and can be up to 99% effective.

Before you start a LARC you will need an assessment by your healthcare provider to check your general health and suitability for LARC.

For more details on LARC check out the Family Planning website.

Some of the possible side effects are; irregular vaginal bleeding, nausea, sore or tender breasts, headaches, bloating, changes to your skin and/or mood changes.

It may take a few months to see if the OCP is right for you.

Watch Dr Catriona from Marie Stopes (a sexual and reproductive health service) talk more about hormonal contraception.