Sexual safety - Female Long Acting Contraception
Implant
The implant is a relatively new contraceptive option for New Zealand women. It is particularly suitable for women who want long-term contraception and who don’t want to take contraception daily.
How does an implant work?
The implant is one or two small plastic rods which contain progestogen. The woman is given a local anaesthetic and then the rods are inserted under the skin of the upper arm. . The progestogen is releases in tiny doses and prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
How do you use an implant?
The implant is effective for three to five years. The woman does not need to do anything else which makes this a reliable method for those who might forget to take pills or keep appointments for injections. If a woman decides to have the rods removed her periods and fertility will return quickly.
Where do you get implants from? How much does an implant cost?
The implant is inserted by a doctor so you will need to go to a Family Planning Clinic, doctor or hospital clinic. If you are under 22, there is no cost for your visit to a Family Planning Clinic. The cost of having the implant is $305.
Intra Uterine Methods
There are two types of Intra Uterine contraceptive methods. Both are long lasting and mean a woman does not need to worry about contraception for five years or more.
An Intra Uterine Device or IUD is a small piece of plastic with copper wire wrapped around it.
An Intra Uterine System or IUS is a similar device by it contains the hormone progestogen instead of the copper wire.
Both are inserted into the women’s womb through her vagina. Sometimes these methods are called “coils”.
How do intra uterine methods work?
The IUD works by preventing fertilisation of the egg. The copper on the IUD stops the sperm moving through the uterus towards the egg. Occasionally an egg is fertilised. The IUD then stops the egg implanting into the uterus. It is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The IUS works because it contains a small reservoir of the hormone progestogen. A tiny dose of this hormone is slowly released from the system and prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb making it difficult for sperm to get through. It also thins the lining of the womb which makes it difficult for an egg to be implanted. It is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
How do you use an intra uterine method?
Both the IUD and the IUS must be inserted by a doctor or nurse. Once they are in place the woman should return for a check up about six weeks later. After that, the woman does not need to do anything unless she decides that she wants to have the device removed. Then she will need to see the doctor or nurse again.
Where do you get intra uterine methods from? How much does an intra uterine method cost?
You can get an IUD or IUS from your Family Planning Clinic, a doctor or a hospital clinic. If you are under 22, there is no cost for your visit to the Family Planning Clinic. There is a cost to have the device fitted – clinic staff will be able to help you with this information.
