Contraceptive implant
Read moreA small rod in the upper arm, lasting up to three years. Most effective category.
All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, including privately purchased vaccines and consumables, attract a fee.
Family planning covers both directions: choosing contraception that fits the life you actually live, and getting a body ready when you decide you do want a pregnancy.
Standard GP consultations are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card.Contraception is not one decision made once. It changes with age, with relationships, with whether you have finished having children, and with how much you want to think about it day to day. The most effective methods are the ones you do not have to remember.
Preconception care is the other half. Folate started at least a month before conception reduces the risk of neural tube defects, and iodine is recommended too. Checking immunity to rubella and chickenpox, reviewing medicines that are unsafe in pregnancy, and getting long-term conditions stable all work better before conception than after.
Long-acting methods — implants and intrauterine devices — are the most effective, because they do not depend on remembering anything.
Yes, with every method. All are reversible except sterilisation, and fertility returns after removal.
About three months before trying. Folate should be started at least a month before conception.
A small rod in the upper arm, lasting up to three years. Most effective category.
Placed in the uterus. Approved for five or eight years for contraception depending on which device is used, and five years when used for heavy bleeding. We will tell you which applies to yours.
Hormone-free, effective for up to ten years, and usable as emergency contraception.
Effective when used consistently. Suits people who want more day-to-day control.
For those certain they have finished. Referral to a specialist, and a decision worth taking time over.
Folate and iodine, immunity checks, medication review and getting conditions stable.
Contraception appointments are longer than a standard consult, because the decision is worth talking through.
Ring and ask. Some procedures are done in the practice and some require referral, depending on the method and doctor availability.
Consultations are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card. Devices themselves may have a cost — you will be told before anything is arranged.
It varies by method. Most return to normal quickly; the injection can take longer. We will explain what applies to yours.
Contraception advice
Every method compared
Implants & IUDs
Emergency contraception
Preconception care
Folate & iodine
Bulk billed
Male & female GPs
Contraception advice
Every method compared
Implants & IUDs
Emergency contraception
Preconception care
Folate & iodine
Bulk billed
Male & female GPs
Contraception advice
Every method compared
Implants & IUDs
Emergency contraception
Preconception care
Folate & iodine
Bulk billed
Male & female GPs
Long-acting methods — implants and IUDs — because they do not depend on remembering.
Ring and ask. Some are done here, some referred, depending on the method and doctor.
Consultations are. Devices may have a cost, which you will be told beforehand.
Yes, and the sooner the better. The emergency contraceptive pill is available from any pharmacy without a prescription, so get it there first if you cannot be seen today. A copper IUD is the most effective option and can be fitted up to five days after.
At least a month before conception, and continue through the first trimester.
It is worth having, especially if you take regular medicines or have a long-term condition.
Yes. Say so when you book.
It depends on the method. Most return to normal quickly; the injection can take longer.
General information onlyThis page is general health information for anyone who finds it useful. It is not advice about your own situation and it does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows you. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call (02) 6530 7404. In an emergency, call 000.
Bulk billed with a valid Medicare card · Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm · Muswellbrook Fair, Rutherford Road.
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