Who is responsible for contraception?

Being an active participant in managing the risk of STIs and pregnancy means understanding, for yourself and your partners, the various contraceptive methods available and the burden and side effects that some contraceptive methods can have.

Barrier method (condoms and diagrams) are the only contraception that also reduces exposure to STIs. The majority of the contraceptive methods available to us in Australia predominantly are designed to avoid unwanted pregnancies rather than also reducing potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can only be used by people with ovaries, fallopian tubes and a uterus. This means that the responsibility, burden, and side effects of avoiding unwanted pregnancies tends to fall on people with ovaries, fallopian tubes and a uterus.

While we may be limited by the contraceptive methods available to us, everyone should be an active participant in and take ownership of having safe and consensual sex that prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the potential of exposure to STIs. People have the right to choose the contraceptive method that is right for them. People also have the right to choose not to have sex with someone who is unwilling to share the responsibility of protecting themselves and their partners from unwanted pregnancies and STIs.

Types of Contraception:

Long acting reversible contraception

Implants (i.e., Implanon)
Intrauterine devices (IUDs), copper and hormonal
Contraceptive injections (i.e., Depo-Provera or Depo-Ralovera, both known as Depo)

Combined hormonal contraception

Combined pill
Vaginal ring
Mini pill

Barrier methods of contraception

Male condom / condoms for penises
Female condom / condoms for vulvas
Diaphragm
Dental dam

Permanent methods of contraception

Tubal ligation
Vasectomy

Fertility awareness methods of contraception

Rhythm method
Symptothermal method
Cervical mucus observation method
Basal temperature method

Emergency contraception

Copper IUD
Emergency contraceptive pill / ‘morning after pill’: ulipristal (UPA-EC) or levonorgestrel (LNG-EC).

This blog post is a brief exploration of this topic and does not replace therapy. At SHIPS, we have practitioners that are knowledgeable and skilled in a variety of areas including sex therapy, relationships and more. If you may benefit from some support, please check out our website resources, or contact us.

We are also always happy to hear feedback about our blog articles. If you would like to share your experience or feel we may have missed something on this topic, please contact us to let us know.