Contraception

What is the right contraception for me?

There is a wide range of contraception options available.

Different contraceptive methods suit different people. When choosing contraception, you may want to consider how effective it is, how easy it is to use, possible side effects, cost and whether it protects against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

Contraception is a shared responsibility.

What contraception options are there?

Contraception options include:

No contraception method is 100% effective, but using contraception can greatly reduce the chance of an unintended pregnancy.

How do I choose the right contraception?

Speak with your doctor, nurse or other health professional about which contraception option may be suitable for you. You may need to try a different method if the first option does not suit you.

Costs for contraception will vary depending on the contraception you choose and whether you need an appointment, prescription or procedure.

Where can I get contraception?

Where you get contraception depends on the method you choose.

You can:

  • speak with your doctor
  • contact a sexual health service, such as SHINE SA
  • speak with a participating community pharmacist about eligible oral contraceptive pill services
  • buy condoms from pharmacies, supermarkets and other retailers.

Emergency contraception (EC)

Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your usual contraception has failed, for example if a condom breaks or you miss contraceptive pills.

There are two main types of emergency contraception:

  • an emergency contraceptive pill, either levonorgestrel (‘Morning after’ pill) or ulipristal acetate
  • a copper IUD, which can also provide ongoing contraception.

Emergency contraception works best when used as soon as possible:

  • levonorgestrel pills within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraception failure,
  • ulipristal acetate pills or a copper IUD within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or contraception failure.

You can speak to a pharmacist, doctor or sexual health service (SHINE SA or Adelaide Sexual Health Centre) about which option may be suitable for you.

Learn more about emergency contraception (Adelaide Sexual Health Centre)

Access to the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) in community pharmacies

From 6 May 2024, South Australian women have been able to speak to trained community pharmacists for advice and access to resupply of their oral contraceptive pill without a doctor’s prescription, if they meet certain clinical criteria.

Learn more about accessing the oral contraceptive pill from a community pharmacy.

Where can I get more information?

SHINE SA

SHINE SA is the lead non-for-profit sexual and reproductive health agency in South Australia, services include:

Healthdirect

Healthdirect provides trusted health information about contraception, including:

  • different contraception options and how they work
  • things to consider when choosing contraception, such as effectiveness, side effects, cost and STI protection
  • emergency contraception
  • where to get advice and support about contraception.