What Are My Contraception Choices?

26 Jun, 2024 | Blog, Contraception

As families prepare to gather for Christmas, there’s a hidden crisis intensifying behind closed doors: reproductive violence, where someone uses coercion, manipulation, pressure or control to dictate another person’s reproductive choices, is affecting thousands of women and pregnant people across our region.

1 in 3 women globally will experience reproductive coercion in their lifetime, including sabotage of contraception, forced pregnancy, prevention or pressure related to abortion care, and financial or emotional threats linked to reproductive decisions.^[1]

In Australia, around 1 in 5 women accessing abortion services report some form of coercion or control from a partner, and frontline counsellors say cases are becoming more complex, particularly during holiday periods when isolation and family pressure escalate.^[2]

“Reproductive violence remains largely invisible, but it is happening right now, in homes, relationships, and families across Australia and the world,” said Grishma Bista, CEO, MSI Asia Pacific.

“No one should face abuse, pressure, or control over their reproductive choices. Access to safe, confidential care is essential, especially at a time of year when family dynamics can amplify risk.”

Holiday season increases risk

The end of the year is a peak period for relationship stress, financial pressure, travel, family expectation and isolation from support networks, all factors that increase risk of reproductive violence and reduce access to help.

MSI Australia’s psychosocial team reports a surge in women disclosing lack of control, fear, or pressure from partners in the lead up to Christmas, particularly around continuing or ending a pregnancy.

“We regularly support clients who are frightened, confused, or unsure if what they are experiencing is abuse,” said Alison Fonseca, Psychosocial Health Manager at MSI Australia.

“Reproductive violence can look like sabotaging contraception, hiding medication, pressuring someone to continue or terminate a pregnancy, or threatening to withdraw financial support. It is gendered violence, and it has devastating consequences.”

Regional impact demands regional action

Across the world, reproductive coercion is deeply connected to gender inequality, stigma, economic dependence, and access to health services. In many countries, there are no legal safeguards, limited counselling services, and severe stigma around reproductive healthcare.

“At MSI, we see resilience every day, people finding the courage to seek help, make their own decisions, and protect their future,” Ms Bista said.

“But access to safe pathways must be funded, protected and strengthened.”

Campaign launching: Help us support safety, choice and care

This Christmas, MSI is launching a donation campaign to support people experiencing reproductive violence, here and overseas.

Funds raised will:

Provide emergency psychosocial support including counselling
Cover the cost of abortion or contraception care for people facing coercion
Support local services in countries where reproductive violence is rarely acknowledged

Every donation, large or small, helps someone make a decision free from control, fear and pressure.

“No one should be forced into or out of a pregnancy,” Ms Fonseca said.

“With community support, we can make sure reproductive choices belong to the person, not their partner, not their family, and not their circumstances.”

Key facts

1 in 5 Australian women seeking abortion report pressure or coercion related to pregnancy decisions
Only 12 out of 43 Asia Pacific countries have legislation enshrining the right to choose the number, timing, and spacing of children ^[3]
Reproductive violence is one of the least recognised forms of gender-based violence, despite being reported in clinical and counselling settings worldwide ^[4]
Family violence is consistently one of the high-recorded months for family violence incidents ^[5]

[1] World Health Organisation. (2021)

[2] MSI Australia. (2020). Hidden Forces: Shining a light on reproductive coercion white paper

[3] IPPF. (2023). Asia Pacific Contraception Policy Atlas.

[4] Tarzia & McKenzie. (2024). Reproductive coercion and abuse in intimate relationships: Women’s perceptions of perpetrator motivations

[5] Crime Statistics Agency. (2025). Family Incidents

Ends

For more information contact Anna Jabour on 0403 322 992

A woman discussing Contraception choices with a healthcare provider.

Choosing the right contraception (birth control) can be a personal and sometimes overwhelming decision. With numerous options available, it’s important to find one that fits your lifestyle, health needs and personal preferences.

Quick links

Understanding Your Contraception Options

When it comes to contraception, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different methods work better for different people, and what suits you best will depend on your circumstances. Here are the main types of contraception available:

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Shorter-Acting Hormonal Contraception
Barrier Methods of Contraception
Permanent Contraception
Emergency Contraception

Let’s delve into each category to understand them better.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods are highly effective, reliable, and convenient options for preventing pregnancy. They include intrauterine device (IUD), contraceptive implant, and contraceptive injection.

Intrauterine Device (IUD): IUDs are small devices that are inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional. They come in two types:
- Hormonal IUDs release progestogen to prevent pregnancy and can be effective for 5 to 8 years, depending on the type.
- Copper IUDs do not release hormones and can prevent pregnancy for 5 to10 years, depending on the type.
Contraceptive Implant: A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod placed under the skin of your upper arm. It releases a steady dose of progestogen and can prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.
Contraceptive Injection: An injection of progestogen (one of the hormones made in the ovaries) every 12 weeks. It’s a good option for those who prefer not to think about taking daily contraception pill, but you will still need to visit your doctor or other healthcare provider every 12 weeks.

Shorter-Acting Hormonal Contraception

Hormonal contraception methods use hormones to prevent ovulation. These methods include:

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP): This pill contains two hormones, estrogen and progestogen, which prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. It must be taken daily to be effective.
Progestogen-Only Pill (POP or Mini Pill): The POP contains only one hormone, progestogen, which thickens the cervical mucus. It must also be taken daily to ensure effectiveness.

Barrier Methods of Contraception

Barrier methods include condoms and the diaphragm. Both methods have higher failure rates because they rely on correct use every time you have sex… and accidents happen! Condoms have the advantage that they are the only method of contraception that protects from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Permanent Contraception

Permanent methods are suitable for individuals or couples who are sure they do not want children in the future. They are highly effective but should be considered irreversible.

Vasectomy: A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure for men, where the tubes that carry sperm are cut or sealed. It’s usually done under local anaesthesia and is very effective.
Tubal Ligation: Also known as “getting your tubes tied,” involves sealing the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus. It’s typically done under general anaesthesia. This service is only available at MSI Perth.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is NOT meant to be a regular contraceptive method but an emergency backup, and isn’t always successful at preventing pregnancy.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (‘Morning After Pill‘): These pills can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, but they are more effective the sooner they are taken. Here’s a comprehensive information sheet detailing how effective the pills are, the side effects and usage frequency. The Emergency Contraceptive Pill is available over-the-counter at pharmacies.
Copper IUD: The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception if inserted by a healthcare provider within five days of unprotected sex.

Making the Right Choice

When choosing a contraception method, consider the following factors:

Effectiveness: Some methods are more effective than others. LARCs and permanent methods have the highest efficacy rates.
Convenience: Consider if the method is easy to use and whether it fits your lifestyle.
Health Considerations: Your health conditions and medical history may influence the suitability of certain methods.
Side Effects: Different methods have different side effects. Discuss these with your healthcare provider to understand what you might expect.
Protection Against STIs: Only barrier methods like condoms protect against STIs.

Consulting with a Healthcare Professional

Before making a decision, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice based on your health history and lifestyle, ensuring you choose the most suitable option. They will also guide you on the correct use of your chosen method to maximise its effectiveness.

Support at MSI Australia

At MSI Australia, we are committed to enhancing awareness about contraception options to empower individuals with essential knowledge on sexual and reproductive health. Our skilled vasectomy providers are ready to support you throughout your journey.

Explore our contraception services, where you can find detailed information on all the options discussed above. We’re here to help, so if you have any questions, or need assistance, get in touch at 1300 003 707 or make a booking today.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right contraception is a personal journey, and there’s no right or wrong answer. What matters most is finding a method that works for you, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable with your choice. Remember, you don’t have to make this decision alone – support and guidance are always available.